Hemorrhoid Ointment: A Review Of The 17 Most Effective Ointments, How To Choose?

2024 Author: Josephine Shorter | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-07 17:49

Review of the 17 best ointments for hemorrhoids: advantages, uses and prices

Hemorrhoid ointment is the easiest to use remedy. Moreover, the ointment can be used to treat both internal and external hemorrhoids. Although for internal hemorrhoids it is usually advised to use suppositories ➤.

This article focuses on which hemorrhoid ointment is best for dealing with the symptoms of this disease. And also you can see for what symptoms of hemorrhoids it is better to choose an ointment so that it is as effective as possible.

Content:

• Pros and cons of ointments
• How to apply the ointment correctly?
• Which hemorrhoid ointment is best for you?
• Review of 17 hemorrhoid ointments
• What ointment is allowed during pregnancy and after childbirth?
• Conclusion

Pros and cons of ointments

The main advantages of ointments are:

1. Thanks to the medicinal components included in the ointment, pain, itching, burning in the anus is quickly relieved, bleeding stops, and the regeneration of anal fissures is accelerated.
2. Most hemorrhoid ointments are made on the basis of petroleum jelly and lanolin. There may be several active substances, which expands their spectrum of action.
3. When treating hemorrhoids, ointments differ from other medicines in their simplicity and ease of use.
4. In addition, ointments have a local effect, and not a systemic one, as in the treatment with tablets, which means that there will be much less side effects from the use. For this reason, it is the ointments that are most often chosen in the treatment of hemorrhoids in women during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

The disadvantages include:

1. The most common drawback of all ointments is their high fat content, due to which the ointment is absorbed into the tissues of the anus for a long time, and leaves greasy stains on clothes.
2. Please note that treatment with ointments alone will eliminate only the symptoms, and not the cause of hemorrhoids. Therefore, the treatment must be comprehensive!

How to apply the ointment correctly?

When using ointments in the treatment of hemorrhoids, you need to know some of the features of their use:

1. First of all, you need to apply the ointment after the morning toilet, having washed the anal area with cool (not cold) water, and blot it with a paper towel.
2. If you have external hemorrhoids, then the ointment is applied to the cavernous formations on top with a thin layer. In case of internal hemorrhoids, the ointment is injected using a rectal nozzle, or simply with a finger or a cotton swab.
3. In the stage of exacerbation of symptoms, the ointment is applied 2-4 times a day, or after each bowel movement. In a state of remission, 1 time is enough.
4. The course lasts, as a rule, 7 days, but in various cases this period can be reduced or increased.
5. The ointment is stored in the refrigerator.
6. When using the product for the first time, you need to pay attention to the reaction of the body. If redness or a rash appears at the site of application of the ointment, then this means that you need to replace this ointment with another.

Maryana Abritsova - coloproctologist surgeon talks about two methods of how to inject ointment into the passage:

Please note that if you are using an ointment containing hormones, then strictly follow the instructions! They should be used carefully and not for long.

Which hemorrhoid ointment is best for you?

We will make a reservation that the choice of ointment is carried out by the attending proctologist, depending on which symptom of hemorrhoids needs to be stopped first. Below we provide a list of symptoms and the most effective ointments for eliminating them.

Selection of ointment, depending on the severity of symptoms:

• Mild disease, without complicated symptoms - heparin ointment, Nigepan suppositories.
• Acute pain - ointments with anesthetics and an anesthetic component (anesthesin, lidocaine) - Relief Advance, Proctoglyvenol, Aurobin, Proctosan, Emla

• In the stage of exacerbation (inflammation) - ointments with NSAIDs: Proctosan, Diclofenac, Piroxekam, Ibuprofen. As well as any hormonal ointments with a more pronounced effect: Aurobin, Hepatrombin G, Proctosedil.
• Inflammation of the subcutaneous tissue - antibacterial and antimicrobial agents: Vishnevsky ointment, Mafenida acetate, ichthyol ointment, Levomekol.
• Bleeding - drugs with complex action (anesthetic, vasoconstrictor, anti-inflammatory, venotonic): Relief, Proctoglyvenol, as well as hemostatics - a solution for tamponing and applications Adroxon.

In addition, all ointments for the treatment of hemorrhoids are divided into categories, depending on the active ingredient. Nevertheless, now such a division is conditional, since modern drugs have a complex effect.

Selection of ointment, depending on the active substance:

• Venotonics. They are designed to increase the venous tone, due to which the veins narrow and the hemorrhoids decrease in size. Thus, venotonics act directly on the cause of the disease, and not on its symptoms.

  ➤ Troxevasin, Procto-Glivenol (pain reliever).

• Hormonal ointments. Ointments of this group have a pronounced effect on the elimination of symptoms such as inflammation, pain, swelling, itching and burning. And also contribute to the early healing of the mucous membrane and cracks in the anus. Despite their high efficiency, due to the content of hormones, these ointments should be applied carefully and no more than 7 days! In addition, they do not affect the root cause, therefore, after their application and elimination of the main symptoms, it is necessary to start complex treatment of hemorrhoids ➤.

  ➤ Aurobin (pain reliever, wound healing agent), Hepatrombin G (anticoagulant), Proctosedil (pain reliever, antibiotic, anticoagulant).

• Anti-inflammatory ointments (NSAIDs). Unlike hormonal ointments, drugs in this group do not contain hormones. They are also aimed at eliminating the main symptoms, but have a less pronounced effect. At the same time, they are safe to use.

  ➤ Ichthyol ointment (pain reliever), Proctosan (astringent, pain reliever).

• Anticoagulants. Ointments of this group are used if the process of thrombus formation in the hemorrhoids is observed. Anticoagulants prevent blood clots and slow blood clotting. Therefore, if your hemorrhoids are accompanied by bleeding, then you cannot use this group of ointments, otherwise the bleeding will intensify.

  ➤ Heparin ointment (pain reliever), Heparoid Zentiva, Hepatrombin G (hormonal ointment), Proctosedil (hormonal ointment, pain reliever, antibiotic).

• Hemostatics (coagulants). Coagulants, as the name suggests, they have the opposite effect of anticoagulants, increase blood clotting. Therefore, they are used for bleeding from hemorrhoids.

  ➤ Relief (wound healing), Relief Advance (wound healing, pain reliever).

• Astringent ointments. Astringent ointments are effective for weeping hemorrhoids. When they are used, a film is created on the surface of the skin that prevents infections.

  ➤ Bezornil (antiseptic, decongestant, pain reliever), Proctosan (NSAID, pain reliever).

• Antibacterial ointments. The composition includes substances with pronounced antibacterial, antiseptic properties. Applied when an infection enters the cavernous nodes.

  ➤ Levomekol (wound healing), Vishnevsky ointment (wound healing), Posterisan (immunomodulatory), Proctosedil (hormonal ointment, anesthetic, anticoagulant).

TOP-3 cheapest ointments:

• Vishnevsky ointment - 50 rubles
• Ichthyol ointment - 80-100 rubles.
• Levomekol - 130 r.

TOP-3 most expensive ointments:

• Relief Advance - 500 RUB
• Posterizan - 480 p.
• Relief - 440 p.

The question of which hemorrhoid ointment is the best and most effective is not entirely correct. Since the remedy is selected depending on the symptoms, stage and characteristics of the pathological process. This is why you should see your proctologist first.

Moreover, one ointment will most likely not be enough for you, since it will only remove the symptoms of the disease, but not the cause. At a minimum, the ointment must be combined with systemic agents.

You can see the drugs taken orally (in the form of tablets) here ➤. Their cost ranges from 500 to 1500 rubles.

Review of 17 hemorrhoid ointments

Relief



Price: 440-500 rubles.

This drug has anti-inflammatory, regenerative and vasoconstrictor effects.

Phenylephrine narrows the lumen of the blood tubules, due to which itching, burning, and swelling pass.

Shark liver oil, in turn, reduces inflammation, stops bleeding, and regenerates tissue. For this reason, relief is also used for anal fissures.

Relief Advance - what's the difference? Relief Advance ointment differs from the usual one in that in its composition phenylephrine is replaced by benzocaine, a substance that has a local anesthetic effect. Therefore, this ointment is used for severe pain syndrome.

Contraindications: children under 12 years of age, thromboembolism, granulocytopenia, hypersensitivity. Apply with caution in diabetes mellitus, high blood pressure, lactation and pregnancy, prostate hypertrophy with urinary retention, and hyperthyroidism.

Bezornil



Price: 480 p.

This hemorrhoid ointment is created in accordance with the canons of traditional Chinese medicine. The ointment is used as an anesthetic, is used to prevent edema and inflammation, and has astringent properties. In 70% of consumers, the manifestations of hemorrhoids were completely eliminated after using it for a week, in 25% of the surveyed - partially, and only 5% showed minor signs of improvement. Improvement of the condition occurred on the 2nd day in the vast majority of patients.

Such results are explained by the complexity of the active substances:

• Borneol - destroys pathogenic bacteria.
• Pearls are a natural anesthetic that accelerates tissue regeneration.
• Amber - enhances skin regeneration.
• Musk is anti-inflammatory.
• Zinc compounds are a drying agent that helps with weeping hemorrhoids.

Contraindications: individual intolerance

Proctosan



Price: 450 p.

Ointment Proctosan is a non-hormonal anti-inflammatory agent in which bufexamak is the main active ingredient.

Due to the content of bismuth, it stops bleeding in hemorrhoids, has an astringent effect, and the titanium content dries and accelerates the healing of cracks.

The composition also includes lidocaine, which instantly relieves pain, relieves itching and burning sensation in the anus.

Contraindications: childhood, breastfeeding and pregnancy, tuberculosis of organs and tissues of the small pelvis, syphilis.

Heparin ointment



Price: 80 rub.

The effectiveness of the ointment is due to three active ingredients:

• Heparin, an anticoagulant with an anti-thrombotic effect, helps to reduce inflammation.
• Benzocaine is a local pain reliever.
• Benzyl nicotinate - expands superficial vessels, thereby promoting the absorption of heparin.

Contraindications: skin lesions and necrosis, bleeding tendency, low blood clotting.

Troxevasin and troxevasin neo



Price: 230-310 rubles.

The drug reduces capillary fragility, acts as a decongestant and anti-inflammatory agent, is well tolerated, does not cause an increased tissue reaction to components. Dexpanthenol increases the ability of tissues to epithelialize.

Troxevasin neo - what's the difference? Troxevasin neo is an improved formula that differs from conventional troxevasin in that it is fortified with heparin (relieves inflammation and prevents blood clots) and dexpanthenol (enhances regeneration).

Contraindications: skin damage, bleeding tendency, low blood clotting.

Hepatrombin G



Price: 200 p.

Hepatrombin has several varieties of ointment, and in this case you need to choose with the letter "G" so as not to burn the mucous membrane.

The effectiveness of the ointment is due to three active ingredients:

• Heparin - prevention of blood clots, tissue regeneration.
• Prednisolone is a hormone responsible for relieving inflammation, itching, burning, pain, allergic manifestations in the anal area.
• Lauromacrogol 600 is a local anesthetic that provides sclerotherapy (reduction) of hemorrhoids.

Contraindications: the corticosteroid hormone prednisolone in the preparation is contraindicated in skin tumors, syphilis, after vaccination, tuberculosis, in skin infections of any etiology, in the 1st trimester of pregnancy.

Heparoid Zentiva



Price: 170 r.

Such an ointment for hemorrhoids has a pronounced anti-hemorrhoidal effect, acts as an anti-thrombotic, anti-inflammatory agent. Prevents the formation of exudate, prevents blood thickening. Promotes effective resorption of hematomas, removal of edema and pain in the area of hemorrhoids.

The active substance is heparinoid - a synthetic analogue of heparin. It has all the effects of ordinary heparin - relieves inflammation, swelling, dries weeping hemorrhoids.

Contraindications: skin damage, bleeding tendency, low blood clotting.

Posterisan



Price: 480 p.

This is the most popular and effective hemorrhoid ointment with an immunomodulatory effect. When applied, the activity of T-lymphocytes and phagocytes increases, which, in turn, leads to a decrease in inflammation.

The properties of this local immunomodulator are due to the action of inactivated particles of E. coli. It acts as a venotonic and regenerating agent.

Posterisan Forte - what's the difference? This formula is supplemented with a hormone - hydrocortisone, which relieves inflammation, swelling, reduces the intensity of pain, itching and burning. It is used in advanced cases that are difficult to treat.

Features of application: Cancellation of the drug Posterisan Forte is carried out gradually due to the hormone in its composition.

Contraindications: component intolerance.

Aurobin



Price: 350 p.

Aurobin is a hormonal ointment (contains a glucocorticosteroid prednisone), therefore it has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect, relieves itching and swelling.

In total, aurobin contains 4 active substances:

• Prednisolone - a hormone from the group of corticosteroids acts as an analgesic, venotonic.
• Lidocaine is an anesthetic that eliminates unpleasant symptoms.
• Triclosan is an antiseptic, effective against fungi and bacteria.
• Dexpanthenol - regenerates the affected areas of the mucous membrane and epithelium of the skin.

Contraindications: infection of the tissues of the anus, tumor of the anorectal region, children under 1 year of age, 1 trimester of pregnancy, lactation.

Side effects: the hormone in the composition of the drug requires its limited use both in time and in the area of application. Possible irritation and thinning of the skin, atrophy, contact dermatitis, folliculitis, increased blood pressure. The course of treatment is not more than 7 days (complications in the form of atrophy are possible).

Proctosedil



Price: 310 p.

Proctosedil belongs to multicomponent ointments, which includes:

• Hydrocortisone acetate is a hormone that relieves inflammation, pain, swelling, and redness of the skin.
• Heparin is an anti-thrombotic agent.
• Esculoside - for the prevention of capillary fragility.
• Framycetin sulfate - used as an antibiotic.
• Butamben and benzocaine are antispasmodics, components with antipruritic and analgesic effects.

Contraindications: lesions of the skin of the anal region of viral, fungal, tuberculous etiology, pregnancy and lactation. There are partial restrictions for hypertensive patients and patients with heart failure.

Procto-Glivenol



Price: 430 p.

It contains two active ingredients:

• Tribenoside - venotonic, which increases vascular tone and reduces capillary permeability, relieves inflammation.
• Lidocaine is a local pain reliever.

The composition and properties of the components: tribenoside - venotonic, resists inflammation, lidocaine Cream reduces the intensity of itching, pain, hypertonicity of the skin.

Contraindications: 1 trimester of pregnancy.

Side effects: stimulation of the peristalsis of the large intestine, allergies, burning in the anus.

Levomekol



Price: 130 p.

Levomekol is the most popular hemorrhoid ointment, as it is inexpensive and effective, has a pronounced antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effect. It is especially useful if hemorrhoids are complicated by wounds and suppuration.

The antibiotic chloramphenicol inhibits the multiplication of pathogenic microorganisms, and also kills gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Methyluracil improves tissue regeneration.

Application features: used in cases of mixed microbial flora.

Contraindications: eczematous skin lesions, psoriasis and fungal infection in the area of application.

Ichthyol ointment



Price: 80-100 rubles.

It is used for complications in the postoperative period after hemorrhoidectomy in case of tissue infection with a bacterial infection, as it is a good antiseptic.

The active sulfur-containing compound, ichtammol, has the following properties:

• Pain relieves.
• Relieves inflammation.
• Destroys bacteria.
• Dries fabrics.
• Accelerates regeneration.
• Improves microcirculation.

Application features: ichthyol ointment should be used carefully, since with prolonged use, allergies may appear.

Contraindications: individual intolerance.

Vishnevsky ointment



Price: 50 p.

This is the cheapest hemorrhoid ointment on the market, but despite its cheapness, it is quite effective. The active ingredients are birch tar, xeroform and castor oil, which together have a drying, disinfecting, anti-inflammatory and regenerating effect.

Contraindications: serious kidney disease and individual intolerance.

Read more: instructions for using Vishnevsky ointment ➤

What ointment is allowed during pregnancy and after childbirth?

Pregnancy is an absolute contraindication for the use of most drugs for the manifestations of hemorrhoids. You can read more about this in the annotation to the preparation. However, there are medicines for topical use that are allowed during pregnancy and after childbirth, they are listed in the table. These drugs should be selected in conjunction with a proctologist. There is a brief description of drugs, features of use.

Approved for use by pregnant and lactating women	Use with caution unless the risk to the health of the baby outweighs the risk to the health of the mother	Contraindicated
Heparin ointment Levomekol Bezornil Ichthyol ointment Troxevasin Posterisan Sea buckthorn oil.	Relief Hepatrombin G (prohibited in the 1st trimester) Aurobin (as recommended by a doctor, excluding 1 trimester) Heparoid Zentiva Procto-Glivenol (excluding 1 trimester).	Proctosedil Proctosan.

Conclusion

In conclusion, you can answer the question, which ointment for hemorrhoids is the best? As you already understood, there is no such ointment, because for each individual case there will be its own “best” ointment. Therefore, it is possible that you have to try several types of antihemorrhoidal ointments before you find an effective one for yourself.

But first of all, you need to consult a proctologist, he will immediately tell you during the examination which ointment is more suitable for you, which rectal suppositories for hemorrhoids you should use, and, perhaps, will advise minimally invasive methods of treatment. Remember that the ointment will only help you to relieve the symptoms, and the treatment is yet to come.



The author of the article: Volkov Dmitry Sergeevich | c. m. n. surgeon, phlebologist

Education: Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry (1996). In 2003 he received a diploma from the Educational and Scientific Medical Center of the Presidential Administration of the Russian Federation.