Medications for Rectal Irritation from Radiation
Stool softeners and Bulk Formers
Citrucel powder
1 full scoop (Large tablespoon) twice a day (equivalent of Metamucil, some patients like this better) will help keep the stool soft and give some bulk
Metamucil
(Same as Citrucel) 1 full scoop (large tablespoon) twice a day
Colace
(Stool softener) 1 or 2 tablets a day
Lubricants
Mineral Oil
2 teaspoons per day, helps to lubricate, and eases passage of bowel movements
Mild Laxatives
"Smooth Move" Tea
Mild laxative for mild constipation
Milk of Magnesia
2-3 teaspoons a day as needed
Anti-Diarrhea Medications
Lomotil
1 or 2 tablets four times a day, as needed. Will help to stop diarrhea and rectal cramping. Safe but needs prescription.
Imodium
1 tablet four times a day, as needed (Same as Lomotil)
Paragoric
Needs a prescription
Tincture of Opium
6 drops every 6 hours
Topical Treatments for Anus and Hemorrhoids
Lidex cream 0.05%
Apply 3-5 times per day and cover with petroleum jelly (Vaseline or A&D ointment) will help the irritation from radiation
Calmoseptine
Apply three times a day, cover with petroleum jelly (Vaseline or A&D ointment)
Nitro-Bid Ointment 2%
Apply three times a day
Sitz Bath
Hot bath and soak of rectal area twice a day
Witch Hazel Liquid
For itching. Soak a pad and apply to rectum after a BM or bath
Interior Rectal Treatments
Rowasa Enemas
Insert twice a day and hold as long as possible. This is an anti-inflammatory (Salicilate ex. Aspirin) and should help pain and help healing
Canasa Suppositories
Insert 2 times per day and hold in as long as possible
Anusol Suppositories HC
Insert 2 times per day and hold in as long as possible (Other generic HC suppositories are available) these are anti-inflammatory and will cut down inflammation and help healing
Anal Pram HC 2.5%
Insert 2 times per day and hold in as long as possible
Cort Enemas (or Cortofoam)
Steroid Enemas, insert twice a day. Strong anti-inflammatory. Should cut down pain and help healing
Procto Cream HC 2.5%
Insert 2 times per day and hold as long as possible
Painful Bowel Movements
Na-Ducosate
(Sodium-Ducosate) 100mgm tabs: 2 tablets twice a day (at Rite-Aid Pharmacysold as "Col-Rite") Will help decrease the cramps before having a stool
B & O Suppositories
(15A-30mg/ 16A-60mg) Insert once or twice a day as needed for severe rectal pain. Requires a prescription (available from Sav-on)