What is it?
Anal fissures are tears in the lining of the anus (the area where stools pass through). They can be painful and may bleed, especially when passing stool.
Why do they happen?
Anal fissures can be caused by:
– Long term constipation (Large, hard, dry stool)
– Insertion of foreign objects into the anus
– Chronic medical conditions (Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, anal cancers, sexually transmitted diseases, and infections)
Spasms of internal anal sphincter – The internal anal
sphincter is a ring of muscle around the anus. It is usually
closed, and it opens to let stool passes through. Anal fissures cause this muscle to spasm, which causes more pain, and decrease blood flow to the anus, which impairs healing
Signs and symptoms:
People who have anal fissures may experience pain during or after bowel movements. There may be visible cuts or tears in the anus, or you may have bright red blood during or after having a bowel movement.
Treatment:
At Fallon Wellness Pharmacy, we customize the treatments to fit your needs. We compound various ointments to help heal the fissure.
– Diltiazem and Nifedipine belong to a class of medication called calcium channel blockers. These medications relax the smooth muscle of the anus, which decreases anal spasms. They also open the blood vessels in the anal area when applied topically. The blood rushes to the anus and promotes healing. This class of medication is also used to treat blood pressure.
– Nitroglycerine is used to help treat anal fissures. It belongs to a group of medications called nitrates. It works by opening the blood vessels to allow the blood to reach the anus and promote healing.
– Lidocaine is used to help numb the area to reduce pain and decrease discomfort.
Compounded Ointment at Our Pharmacy:
– Nifedipine 0.5% Ointment
– Nifedipine 0.5% & Lidocaine 3% Ointment
– Diltiazem 2% Ointment
– Diltiazem 2% & Lidocaine 4% or 5% Ointment – Nitroglycerin 0.2% Ointment
Side effects:
Although the ointments are generally well tolerated, it is important to remember that they can cause headaches, light-headedness, dizziness due to decreased blood pressure. Itchiness or burning may occur in the area. Remember to avoid activities that require mental alertness (such as driving or using heavy machinery) until you know how these medications affect you.
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience chest pain, fast heart rate, fainting, sweating, or blurry vision.
Application:
Make sure to wash your hands before and after use, and wear gloves. Apply a small amount of ointment on the tip of your index finger (or que-tip) and apply to rectal area as directed.
Questions:
If you have any questions, contact Fallon Wellness Pharmacy to speak to one of our pharmacists. Business hours: Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 6 pm. We are closed on the weekends. Phone number: (518) 220-2005
Location: 1057 Troy Schenectady Rd, Latham, NY 12110
Website: www.fallonpharmacy.com
