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Anusol HC Rectal (Hydrocortisone acetate) Package Insert

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Facts
Status:
Prescription (Rx)
Strength:
25 mg
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Source: FDA drug labeling via NLM DailyMed · About this document

Prescribing information (package insert) - Anusol HC Rectal

DESCRIPTION

Each Anusol-HC® 25 mg Suppository contains 25 mg hydrocortisone acetate in a hydrogenated vegetable oil base. Hydrocortisone acetate is a corticosteroid. Chemically, hydrocortisone acetate is pregn-4-ene-3, 20-dione, 21-(acetyloxy)-11, 17-dihydroxy (11β)- with the following structural formula:

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

In normal subjects, about 26 percent of hydrocortisone acetate is absorbed when the hydrocortisone acetate suppository is applied to the rectum. Absorption of hydrocortisone acetate may vary across abraded or inflamed surfaces.

Topical steroids are primarily effective because of their anti-inflammatory, anti-pruritic and vasoconstrictive action.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

For use in inflamed hemorrhoids, post-irradiation (factitial) proctitis, as an adjunct in the treatment of chronic ulcerative colitis, cryptitis, other inflammatory conditions of the anorectum, and pruritus ani.

CONTRAINDICATION

Anusol-HC® suppositories are contraindicated in those patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any of the components.

PRECAUTIONS

Do not use unless adequate proctologic examination is made.

If irritation develops, the product should be discontinued and appropriate therapy instituted.

In the presence of an infection, the use of an appropriate antifungal or antibacterial agent should be instituted. If a favorable response does not occur promptly, the corticosteroid should be discontinued until the infection has been adequately controlled.

No long-term studies in animals have been performed to evaluate the carcinogenic potential of corticosteroid suppositories.

Information for Patients:

Staining of fabric may occur with use of the suppository. Precautionary measures are recommended.

Pregnancy:

In laboratory animals, topical steroids have been associated with an increase in the incidence of fetal abnormalities when gestating females have been exposed to rather low dosage levels. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. Anusol-HC® suppositories should only be used during pregnancy if the potential benefit justifies the risk of the fetus. Drugs of this class should not be used extensively on pregnant patients, in large amounts, or for prolonged periods of time.

Nursing Mothers:

It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk, and because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from Anusol-HC® suppositories, a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

ADVERSE REACTIONS

The following local adverse reactions have been reported with corticosteroid suppositories.

  1. 1. Burning
  2. 2. Itching
  3. 3. Irritation
  4. 4. Dryness
  5. 5. Folliculitis
  6. 6. Hypopigmentation
  7. 7. Allergic contact dermatitis
  8. 8. Secondary infection

To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Salix Pharmaceuticals at 1-800-321-4576 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

DRUG ABUSE AND DEPENDENCE

Drug abuse and dependence has not been reported in patients treated with Anusol-HC® suppositories.

OVERDOSAGE

If signs and symptoms of systemic overdosage occur, discontinue use.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Usual Dosage: One suppository in the rectum morning and night for two weeks, in nonspecific proctitis. In more severe cases, one suppository three times daily; or two suppositories twice daily. In factitial proctitis, recommended therapy is six to eight weeks or less, according to response.

HOW SUPPLIED

Anusol-HC® 25 mg Suppositories are white, cylinder shaped, with one end tapered.

NDC 65649-411-12 25 mg 12 suppositories

NDC 65649-411-24 25 mg 24 suppositories

Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Store away from heat. PROTECT FROM FREEZING.

Distributed by: Salix Pharmaceuticals, a division of Bausch Health US, LLC, Bridgewater, NJ 08807 USA

Anusol-HC is a trademark of Salix Pharmaceuticals, Inc. or its affiliates.

© 2024 Salix Pharmaceuticals, Inc. or its affiliates

OPENING INSTRUCTIONS

Avoid excessive handling of the suppository. It is designed to melt at body temperature.

  1. 1. Separate plastic film at top opening and pull downward.
  2. 2. Continue pulling downward to almost the full length of the suppository.
  3. 3. Gently remove the suppository from the film pocket.

Rev. 07/2024

9520702

About this document

Source: FDA drug labeling via NLM DailyMed · View the label on DailyMed

Revision date stated in the text: July 2024

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Drug information for Anusol HC Rectal

Rx or OTC
Prescription (Rx)?
  • This drug is available only with a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
  • Rx
Drug class Corticosteroid
Active ingredient Hydrocortisone acetate 25 mg
Dosage form Suppository
Route Rectal
Marketing status listed in the FDA NDC Directory
Company (applicant) Salix Pharmaceuticals, Inc
FDA approval UNAPPROVED DRUG OTHERUnapproved drug
Manufacturers 1 labelers list this drug on DailyMed
Packages (NDC)
Package
25 mg – 12 in 1 box NDC 65649-411-12
25 mg – 24 in 1 box NDC 65649-411-24

Source: FDA drug labeling via NLM DailyMed, data as of November 7, 2026. FDA data (DailyMed, Orange Book, Drug Shortages, enforcement reports). Not a substitute for the advice of a doctor or pharmacist.