Antihemorrhoidal drug. Application: hemorrhoids, anal fissures and bleeding. Price from 307 rub.
Analogues: Proctosan, Gepatrombin, Betiol. You can find out more about analogues, their prices, and whether they are substitutes at the end of this article.
Today we’ll talk about Relief ointment. What is this product and how does it affect the body? What are the indications and contraindications? How and in what doses is it used? What can be replaced?
Description
The main effect of the drug is accelerated cell regeneration and the fight against the inflammatory response. It is a means of symptomatic therapy, so the course of any disease associated with the rectum is more mild.
The course of treatment with relief should be accompanied by the supervision of a proctologist in order to increase the effectiveness of the medication.
Active substance
The main active substance, thanks to which a rapid restorative effect is achieved, is phenylephrine hydrochloride.
This element is complemented by other components from the composition, which increases the number of beneficial effects and reduces side effects.
The active substance helps get rid of external and internal swelling in the anus. Stops bleeding, while nourishing the cells of the mucous membrane and accelerating their healing.
A few years ago, Relief was released with shark oil and shark liver oil. This composition has now been discontinued.
Release form, composition and packaging
The cream has a viscous consistency and yellow color. In this case, no additional inclusions should be noticed. If these conditions are violated, then it is worth checking the expiration date.
Available in aluminum tubes (28.4 g) and in the form of candles, additionally packaged in a cardboard box with a special applicator and instructions attached.
Relief ointment contains many natural elements:
- cocoa bean butter;
- corn starch;
- methyl parahydroxybenzoate;
- propyl parahydroxybenzoate.
Thanks to these substances, Relief has a hemostatic property and is safe for the body.
Pharmacological properties
The main medical effect is due to the narrowing of blood vessels and stopping the inflammatory reaction when applied locally to the damaged area. In this case, the medicine acts on epithelial cells, nourishes them, thereby accelerating regeneration and leading to rapid recovery from infection or illness.
Relief ointment helps against hemorrhoids largely due to these properties.
Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics
The action of the main components is linked, which is why the effectiveness of the cream is so great. This eliminates:
- swelling;
- itching;
- burning in the anus;
- exudation.
The course of treatment itself is painless and fairly quick, however, at the chronic stage, serious changes rarely occur, since in this case surgical intervention will still be required.
Medicine Relief suppositories and ointment are available drugs, and the strength of one does not exceed the strength of the other. The form of release depends on the form of the disease, the rectal method helps with problems inside, and the ointment can be used simultaneously on the outside and inside of the anus.
Absorption into the bloodstream is quite low, however, due to the abundance of mucous membranes in the area of application, the active ingredients are found in large quantities in blood tests within 2-3 hours after application.
Indications for use
Main indications:
- The appearance of internal or external hemorrhoids.
- Anal fissures.
- Heavy bleeding in the anal area.
- Any inflammatory process of the rectum.
However, it is worth noting that you should not use several medications at the same time, as they can damage the surface and only worsen the course of the disease.
In some cases, doctors prescribe for:
- consequences of helminth infection;
- itching and burning in this place;
- venous inflammation.
The only cheap analogue of Relief is Anuzol, whose effectiveness is somewhat lower with a slight difference in price.
Some experts note the value of this substance in cosmetology; it helps fight wrinkles and dark circles around the eyes, however, the ointment should be diluted with water, as severe pain may occur if it gets into these areas.
Contraindications
It is prohibited to use when:
- Individual intolerance to any element from the composition of the drug.
- Hypersensitivity to the effects of shark liver oil.
- Diseases with concomitant formation of blood clots.
- High blood pressure (negative reactions intensify).
- Disorders of the urinary system.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Directions for use and dosage
How to use Relief ointment? Simple enough. Before carrying out the procedure, you should complete the preparation stage:
- The application area should be thoroughly washed without using soap or other antiseptics to avoid damaging the hemorrhoids.
- The same area should be blotted with a paper towel or napkin.
- It is necessary to wash your hands to avoid additional infection of the wound (as bleeding occurs due to small cracks). Only after this can you gently rub in the cream.
If you need to introduce the substance internally, you can use the applicator that comes with the kit. To do this, just put it on and remove the protective cap. It is necessary to carefully and gradually press the contents inward so as not to increase the dosage.
Excess medicine should not be placed in the anus, as the side effects may become stronger.
Use of the medicine for pregnant and lactating women, in childhood
Although the elements included in the composition are not toxic, use during pregnancy and breastfeeding is contraindicated.
Children under 12 years of age are not advised to use the drug, especially since their problems in this area can only be associated with infection with worms.
Side effects
During clinical trials, no adverse skin reactions were identified, but several people experienced the following symptoms:
- high blood pressure;
- headache;
- dizziness;
- mild nausea;
- redness;
- short-term itching.
By following the instructions for using Relief ointment, the chance of the occurrence of the above-described points will be significantly reduced.
special instructions
To speed up the course of treatment and increase its effectiveness, the following precautions must be observed:
- Consult a proctologist about the correct use of the medication. This point should not be ignored, since the development of the disease occurs differently in each person.
- Avoid contact with eyes and use other than intended (for cosmetic purposes).
Overdose
No cases of overdose were identified.
If a large amount is ingested, it is necessary to artificially induce vomiting using an aqueous solution of soda. If the fever and general weakness in the body persist, then you need to go to the hospital, as these are symptoms of severe poisoning.
Drug interactions
It is prohibited to use drugs that have the same scope of application due to the possibility of injury to the rectum, which leads to aggravation of the disease.
No negative effects from other medications were found in the studies.
Analogs
For similar symptoms, the following may be prescribed:
- Proctosan—from 413 rub.
- Hepatrombin - from 168 rubles.
- Betiol - from 54 rub.
Comparison with Proctosedyl
It costs more, but contains more harmful chemical elements. Most often it is prescribed not for treatment, but for therapy after surgery, as it has antibacterial properties.
Safe for the body
Prohibited for use during pregnancy, lactation and children under 12 years of age
The use of several antihemorrhoidal drugs at the same time is prohibited
Video: Symptoms and treatment of hemorrhoids
Relief hemorrhoid ointment is one of the most effective anti-hemorrhoidal agents. The undoubted advantage of Relief ointments is that they can be used to combat both external and internal hemorrhoids, since the drug comes with a rectal applicator.
Thanks to the successfully selected composition of the Relief line of drugs, it is possible to instantly eliminate such unpleasant symptoms of the disease as pain, itching and burning. Also, some ointments in this series contain glucocorticoid hormones, which have a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect.
The healing composition of the drug
Today, Relief ointment for hemorrhoids is represented on the domestic pharmaceutical market by three drugs - Relief and Relief Advance ointments, as well as Relief Pro cream. These agents differ in composition and mechanism of action.
Ointment Relief
The drug consists of one active ingredient - phenylephrine hydrochloride.
The ointment also contains an auxiliary composition, which is represented by mineral oil, vitamin E, corn oils, glycerin, white paraffin, lanolin and other components.
Ointment Relief Advance
The drug is also one-component, like the previous one, since it consists of one active ingredient - benzocaine.
Among the auxiliary ingredients, it is necessary to highlight mineral ethers, white soft paraffin, propylene glycol, methylparaben, since these substances also have a beneficial effect on the condition of the tissues of the anorectal area.
Cream Relief Pro
Relief Pro ointment is a multicomponent antihemorrhoidal drug, as it contains two active ingredients - fluocortilone and lidocaine.
The auxiliary composition of the cream is represented by polysorbate, cetosteryl alcohol, mineral oil, white soft paraffin, sodium compounds and other substances.
Pharmacological properties
Relief ointment for hemorrhoids has a wide range of antihemorrhoidal effects. Take a closer look at the mechanism of action and pharmacological properties of each ointment from the Relief line.
Ointment Relief
Phenylephrine belongs to the alpha-adrenergic agonists, which have a vasoconstrictor effect. Due to this, the hemorrhoidal vessels narrow, blood circulation in the vessels of the anal canal normalizes, exudation decreases and bleeding stops.
Thus, Relief ointment has the following medicinal properties:
- anti-inflammatory;
- decongestant;
- hemostatic;
- healing.
Ointment Relief Advance
Relief Advance ointment allows you to instantly eliminate pain and itching in the anus due to the presence of the local anesthetic benzocaine. The presence of mineral oils moisturizes the skin of the anus, preventing the formation of anal tears, and also accelerates tissue restoration.
Thus, the main purpose of Relief Advance ointment for hemorrhoids is to relieve pain and eliminate itching.
Cream Relief Pro
Relief Pro cream has the widest spectrum of action due to its multi-component composition.
Fluocortolone pivolate is a hormone of the adrenal cortex, which has a pronounced anti-inflammatory effect. After using the drug, signs of tissue inflammation such as swelling, pain, itching and swelling decrease, and eventually disappear completely.
Lidocaine hydrochloride is a local anesthetic that slows the conduction of nerve impulses to the brain. The analgesic effect of Relief Pro cream occurs almost immediately after use.
Relief ointment for hemorrhoids: indications for use
The main purpose of Relief ointments for hemorrhoids is symptomatic treatment of the disease.
The drug is indicated in the following cases:
- acute external and internal hemorrhoids;
- anal tears;
- ulcers and erosions of the anus;
- inflammation of the rectal mucosa;
- hemorrhoidal bleeding;
- recovery period after rectal surgery.
Only comprehensive antihemorrhoidal therapy, consisting of diet, lifestyle correction, taking systemic venotonic drugs and the use of local symptomatic remedies, and in advanced cases, surgical intervention, will help you get rid of hemorrhoids once and for all. Adequate and effective treatment of hemorrhoids can only be prescribed by a professional - a proctologist.
Instructions for use of the drug
Manufacturers recommend using Relief ointment after simple preparation, which consists of hygienic toileting of the anus and bowel movements.
For constipation, you can use a glycerin suppository, a microenema with vegetable oil, or a cleansing enema. After defecation, the anus and genitals are hygienically cleaned with warm water without detergents. Dry the skin with a soft towel or napkin.
Instructions for using Relief ointment are quite simple:
- for internal hemorrhoids, the drug is administered into the rectum using a rectal applicator 2-4 times a day, depending on the severity of the symptoms of the disease;
- for external hemorrhoids, the ointment is applied to the external hemorrhoid in a thin layer 4 times a day, and after the symptoms of the disease subside, 1-2 times a day.
The duration of use is determined individually by the treating doctor, which averages one week. Relief Pro cream should not be used for more than 14 days, since it contains a glucocorticosteroid hormone, which increases the risk of side effects during long-term treatment.
Side effects
Relief ointments are usually well tolerated by patients; in rare cases, the following adverse reactions may occur:
- allergy to ointment components;
- arterial hypertension;
- heart rhythm disturbance;
- headache;
- dizziness;
- skin atrophy at the site of application;
- slowing down tissue regeneration and others.
The listed side effects were mainly observed with long-term use of Relief ointments. Therefore, it is important to follow the doses and frequency of use of the medication recommended by your doctor.
Restrictions on use
All ointments in the Relief line are contraindicated in case of individual intolerance to their components. Also, each drug has its own number of restrictions for use, since their basic composition differs from each other.
Relief ointment is contraindicated in the following cases:
- severe arterial hypertension;
- decompensated heart failure;
- arrhythmia;
- significant disruption of the liver and kidneys;
- thromboembolism;
- decrease in the level of granulocytes in the blood.
Relief Advance ointment is prohibited in the following situations:
- tendency to thrombosis;
- granulocytopenia.
The use of Relief Pro cream is not recommended for patients with the following pathologies:
- damage to the tissues of the anus by specific infections (tuberculosis, syphilis, gonorrhea);
- post-vaccination reactions;
- acute period of chickenpox;
- active viral, fungal or bacterial infection of the anorectal area.
Thus, any ointment from the Relief series can be used exclusively as prescribed by a specialist who can determine the presence of contraindications and minimize the risk of adverse reactions.
Features of use in pregnant women and children
For hemorrhoids, Relief and Relief Advance ointments can be used by pregnant and lactating women as prescribed by the treating doctor, if the effect of these drugs exceeds any possible risks to the fetus. In pediatrics, these ointments are prescribed only after the child reaches 12 years of age.
Dispensing rules and cost of the drug
Antihemorrhoidal ointments of the Relief series are included in the list of over-the-counter drugs.
Prices for the drug depend on the region of the country. The average cost of ointments from the Relief line can be as follows:
- Relief ointment 28.4 grams – 450 rubles;
- Relief Advance ointment 28.4 grams – 490 rubles;
- Relief Pro ointment 10 grams – 380 rubles.
The German-Swiss pharmaceutical company Bayer produces three types of Relief ointments and suppositories with the so-called angioprotective (against hemorrhoids) action. This:
- Relief - ointment and suppositories.
- Relief Advance - ointment and suppositories.
- Relief Ultra – ointment is not available, only suppositories.
The listed drugs have common indications for use - hemorrhoids, anal itching, fissures. But at the same time they differ in the set of active and additional components.
All types of Relief contain shark liver oil, as well as various vasoconstrictors, anabolic steroids, and agents for treating inflammation and stopping bleeding. Due to differences in composition, ointments are used to treat hemorrhoids at different stages.
- Simple Relief is prescribed at the beginning of detection of hemorrhoidswhen blood appears during bowel movements. Moreover, if there are only external nodes, ointment is used. If hemorrhoidal cones are located inside, suppositories are placed. If both are available, use ointment and suppositories at the same time.
- If, in addition to blood discharge, pain appears, Relief Advance with an anabolic steroid is prescribed.. Similarly, only suppositories for internal nodes, or ointment for external lumps. Or complex treatment - for several hemorrhoidal formations in the rectum and anus.
- Relief Ultra – the most powerful drug, available exclusively in the form of suppositories, used for intraintestinal treatment of hemorrhoids in the presence of an inflammatory process (which is accompanied by pain, swelling, bleeding).
The choice of drug for treatment is carried out according to the symptoms of the disease, its clinical form and stage of development.
Warming ointments: Deep Relief and Fast Relief
The pharmaceutical industry offers two more drugs under the trade name Relief. These are Deep Relief and Fast Relief. They are fundamentally different from antihemorrhoidal ointments and are intended to warm deep tissues. However, sometimes their action is effective in eliminating blood stagnation in hemorrhoids.
Deep Relief – ointment (gel) produced by a British pharmaceutical company. It is not intended to treat hemorrhoids. Designed for pain relief and treatment of the musculoskeletal system (arthritis, arthrosis and osteoarthrosis, as well as radiculitis, pinching, sprains).
The gel contains two active ingredients: ibuprofen (anti-inflammatory) and levomenthol (weak anesthetic). Therefore, Deep Relief provides anti-inflammatory, anti-edema, and analgesic effects.
Fast Relief - ointment from an Indian manufacturer, which according to the instructions is a remedy for joint and muscle pain. It contains turpentine (turpentine), eucalyptus and clove oils, camphor, menthol, which stimulate blood circulation and provide a warming effect. As a result, the condition of tissues during inflammation, swelling, pinching improves, spasm and neurological pain decrease.
These compositions can be used in the treatment of external hemorrhoids in the initial stage (when there is no bleeding). Applying warming ointments to hemorrhoids promotes their resorption.
Important: warming ointments should not be used during the bleeding stage. They will increase blood flow and slow down the formation of a blood clot in the wound.
Relief - ointment at the beginning of hemorrhoids
The antihemorrhoidal effect of Relief ointment is ensured by its composition. What the ointment contains:
- Phenylephrine hydrochloride has a vasoconstrictor, and therefore anti-edematous, effect. 1 g of ointment contains only 2.5 mg or 0.25%.
Despite its low content, phenylephrine is named by the manufacturer as the main active ingredient. In addition to it, the ointment contains several other components, which are called auxiliary:
- Shark fish liver oil – 30 mg per 1 g ointment. Him - anti-inflammatory, immunostimulating, regenerating effect. Reduces pain, accelerates healing of cracks in the anus and rectum. Stimulates the action of local immunity.
- The fat base is petroleum jelly, wax and mineral oil (140 mg or 14% oil, 720 mg or 72% petroleum jelly, 12% natural beeswax). And also in small quantities - corn oil (0.2%), lanolin (2.3%), glycerol (2.5%), paraffin (0.5%), thyme oil (0.1%), vitamin E (0.05%).
- Preservatives – propyl parahydroxybenzoate (0.1%), methyl parahydroxybenzoate (0.2%).
Relief ointment and suppositories help reduce hemorrhoidal protrusions in the initial stage, before bleeding.
Relief Advance - ointment with analgesic effect
The main difference between Relief Advance and just Relief is the content of an anabolic steroid (benzocaine). According to the instructions, it is called the main active ingredient. Therefore, the main purpose of Relief Advance is to relieve pain from hemorrhoidal cones and protrusions. The analgesic effect of Relief Advance is so pronounced that it used during proctological examinations and during the recovery period after proctological operations.
Let's list the components of the ointment:
- Benzocaine – makes the neuron membrane impermeable, thereby stopping the transmission of nerve impulses and creating an analgesic effect. The amount of it in the ointment is the maximum among other components, except Vaseline (in 1 g - 200 mg or 20% shark oil). An overdose of benzocaine may cause drowsiness.
- Shark liver oil – it contains only 30 mg or 3%.
- Mineral oil - 120 mg or 12% oil.
- Petrolatum - 610 mg or 61%.
- Also, traditional preservatives for many modern drugs - propylene glycol (20 mg or 2%), methyl parahydroxybenzoate (0,24%), sorbitan monostearate (1%), propyl parahydroxybenzoate (0,06%).
Relief Ultra - suppositories for the treatment of inflammation and pain
Relief Ultra is produced in the form of rectal suppositories. They contain the same set of auxiliary components and preservatives (shark liver oil, mineral oil, methyl and propyl parahydroxybenzoate), the main formative component (cocoa butter, 95%) and the main active ingredient is hydrocortisone (as acetate). Each suppository contains 10 mg (this is 0.5%), hydrocortisone and zinc (in the form of sulfate monohydrate - 11 mg or 0.55% in each suppository).
Relief Ultra relieves inflammation. In addition to the treatment of hemorrhoids, it is used in the early postoperative period (after proctological operations during the first 4-5 days - to prevent the inflammatory process).
This drug has additional contraindications. Candles should not be used for any infection (bacterial, fungal, viral), including tuberculosis. And also during pregnancy, lactation and neoplasms. In case of overdose, suppositories greatly reduce immunity, form calcium deficiency and osteoporosis.
Note: since Relief Ultra is produced in the form of suppositories, its administration in the first days after surgery can be painful. Therefore, Ultra suppositories are combined with Advance ointment (first, the ointment is used to numb the pain, then the suppository is administered).
Relief ointment: instructions for use
The instructions for the ointment regulate its use in the treatment of any manifestations of internal and external hemorrhoids. Namely:
- For hemorrhoids (bumps, protrusions).
- For fissures in the anus.
- For itching and swelling of the skin of the anus.
Symptoms of itching, burning, and other signs of inflammation can appear not only with hemorrhoids. They may accompany other diseases of the rectum or perineum. Therefore, the use of Relief ointment is in demand after proctological operations, as well as for pain relief during rectal diagnostics.
Relief ointment or suppositories
The drug Relief is available in two forms - ointments and rectal suppositories. The choice of one form or another depends on the location of the hemorrhoidal cones and inflammation.
Ointment is a drug for the treatment of external nodes. Suppositories - medicine for internal hemorrhoids. But the best treatment is not to choose between suppositories and ointments, and combine their actions with each other. Hemorrhoids know no boundaries between the walls of the rectum and the outer mucous membrane of the anus. External nodes are often accompanied by lumps in the rectum. Note: the analgesic effect of 1 suppository is equivalent to the effect of 1 g of ointment. And a vasoconstrictor - to 2 g of ointment (based on the content of benzocaine and shark liver oil). The combination of ointment and suppositories enhances their therapeutic effect by 95%.
How to use Relief ointment for hemorrhoids
The main use of Relief ointment is for hemorrhoids. This is an external treatment for adults. It can only be used by children after 12 years of age. Let us list the features of treatment with the drug.
- The ointment should be applied only to clean skin. Therefore, before doing this, you need to thoroughly wash the anus and gently wipe it (until dry).
- In order for the therapeutic effect to manifest itself as quickly and better as possible, the ointment must be kept on hemorrhoidal cones constantly. Therefore, the composition is applied in the morning and evening, as well as in the middle of the day (after visiting the toilet and defecation).
- How to apply the ointment? Remove the cap and attach the applicator to the tube. Use it to inject the ointment into the anus. After each use, rinse the applicator.
Important: thrombolytic disease is a contraindication to Relief treatment. The drug constricts blood vessels and increases the likelihood of blood clots in thick blood.
How to use Relief ointment in cosmetology
Relief rectal ointment has found unexpected application in cosmetology. Indeed, if the composition of the ointment constricts blood vessels and regenerates new skin, then why shouldn’t it stimulate the restoration of facial skin cells and remove swelling? Despite the lack of direct recommendations to apply the ointment to the face (there is no such thing in the instructions), Relief is often used to prevent early wrinkles (mainly facial wrinkles), as well as bags under the eyes.
The use of Relief ointment for puffiness under the eyes is explained by its anti-constriction effect. As a result of vasoconstriction, the area of swelling is reduced, and sagging “bags” are reduced.
Relief ointment under the eyes is applied at night. When first applied, the composition is mixed with baby cream. This way you can prevent an unexpected allergic reaction (redness or burning if there is, it will be small). If everything went without any unpleasant sensations, next time the composition is applied without mixing with the cream.
Relief ointment for the face is not suitable for oily acne skin. An ointment composition is the best nourishment for dry skin of the face or hands. For such skin, you can use Relief ointment (for wrinkles and early aging).
A slight burning sensation, a not very pleasant smell - these are, perhaps, all the shortcomings of the ointment for cosmetic purposes.
Note: in cosmetology, an analogue of Relief ointments is actively used - Heparin composition. However, it has another effect - it accelerates blood flow and thereby treats swelling and inflammation.
Pregnancy and lactation period
Relief has no obvious contraindications for the treatment of pregnant women (they have not been found over several years of using the ointment). However, the instructions recommend caution when using it during pregnancy.. The traditional formulation is used that treatment with this drug during pregnancy is permitted when the risk from the disease is greater than the risk of possible complications from treatment.
Relief ointment during breastfeeding is also used only when absolutely necessary (the composition penetrates in small quantities into breast milk, its effect on the development of the child has not been fully studied).
Note: an allergic reaction (redness, rash, dermatitis in the anal area) is possible, but rare.
Analogs of Relief ointment
One of the features of ointments with the trade name Relief (Ultra, Advance) is a fairly high price. This forces us to look for other drugs with similar effects and a more affordable price.
One of the main analogues of Relief is Heparin ointment.. Relief or Heparin ointment - which is better?
Heparin is a substance that accelerates blood flow and thereby treats various inflammations, swelling, and bruising. The use of heparin for hemorrhoids is possible at the beginning of the disease, when hemorrhoids have already formed, but are not yet bleeding. In later stages, when there are open wounds and areas of bleeding, the use of heparin will increase bleeding.
Note: one of the contraindications to the use of heparin ointment is that it cannot be applied to open wounds and cannot be used immediately after injury (impact, bruise).
Among other analogues - suppositories and ointment Proctosan (with the analgesic lidocaine).
Reviews
I read on the forum that Relief is an ointment for hemorrhoids. I bought it and started applying it. I noticed the effect after a week - the lump in the anus became noticeably smaller.
Anyone who knows what hemorrhoids are will understand. I got it after giving birth. I never thought that this could affect me. I have always avoided discussing such problems. I bought regular Relief ointment. I applied it and covered it with a bandage (so that it wouldn’t rub off on the laundry). The ointment stinks, but it helps. True, slowly. But the disease does not go away forever. Just a moment of constipation and a relapse occurs. Usually in winter. That's why I have Relief in my home medicine cabinet.
And Proctozol helped me better with hemorrhoids. And Relief is already at the stage of follow-up treatment.
But I didn’t see any serious rejuvenation. If your imagination is good, you can say, yes, the wrinkles have disappeared, the skin is like it was in youth. Not true.
Why, it helps for skin elasticity. Try it, my skin is dry - it has gotten better.
I don’t know how it works against wrinkles, but it helps against age-related skin aging. Use the ointment in courses. 1 month every six months. But the effect does not appear too quickly.
All information is provided for informational purposes. And it is not an instruction for self-treatment. If you feel unwell, consult a doctor.
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