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Glyceryl trinitrate (rectal)

Try to avoid becoming constipated.
Glyceryl trinitrate ointment can be used for up to 8 weeks.
Headache is a common side-effect of glyceryl trinitrate ointment. Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer.

About glyceryl trinitrate (rectal)

Type of medicine Nitrate
Used for Pain relief in anal fissures
Also called Rectogesic
Available as Rectal ointment

An anal fissure is a small tear of the skin of the anus. Glyceryl trinitrate ointment works by relaxing the muscle around the anus (the anal sphincter) which allows a good blood flow and enables the fissure to heal as quickly as possible. It may also ease the pain very quickly

Before using glyceryl trinitrate rectally

Before using glyceryl trinitrate rectally make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding. If you suffer from a heart condition, liver or kidney problems. If you suffer from hypotension (low blood pressure). If you have recently suffered a head injury or brain haemorrhage. If you have recently suffered a heart attack. If you suffer from anaemia (low levels of iron in the blood) or hypoxaemia (low levels of oxygen in the blood). If you suffer from thyroid problems. If you suffer from glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye). If you are taking any products to help treat erectile dysfunction (such as Viagra). If you suffer from hypothermia (low body temperature). If you suffer from poor nutrition. If you are under 18 years of age. If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines. If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to use glyceryl trinitrate rectally

Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet. Use your ointment exactly as directed by your doctor. Squeeze 2.5 cm of ointment out of the tube onto your finger (a measuring line comes with the product to measure 2.5 cm of ointment), then place the ointment just inside the anus. A finger covering, such as cling film or a disposable glove, may be used to apply the ointment. Use the ointment every 12 hours until the pain goes away, or for up to a maximum of 8 weeks. Sometimes your doctor may advise you to apply the ointment around the rim of the anus rather than inside, to reduce headache that can occur as a side-effect of glyceryl trinitrate.

Getting the most from your treatment

Try to avoid becoming constipated by eating a high-fibre diet and drinking 6-8 glasses of water a day. It is best not to drink alcohol while you are using glyceryl trinitrate. Alcohol can make any dizziness you feel worse. If you do drink alcohol, drink only a little and be aware of its effect on you. If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines. If you miss using a dose of ointment, don't worry, just apply the next dose at the usual time. Do not use two doses at the same time to make up.

Can glyceryl trinitrate rectally cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who use this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Headache Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer. If the headache is severe or it continues, ask your doctor for further advice
Light-headedness or dizziness especially when getting up from a sitting or lying position Getting up slowly should help. If you begin to feel dizzy, lie down so that you do not faint, then sit for a few moments before standing
Diarrhoea, local burning or itching, rectal bleeding, fast or fluttering heartbeat, feeling sick, and flushing. If troublesome, speak with your doctor

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store glyceryl trinitrate (rectal)

Do not store or use the ointment for longer than 8 weeks once it has been opened. Keep all medicines out of the reach of children. Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
If you suspect that you or someone else has swallowed some of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

Manufacturer's PIL, Rectogesic, ProStrakan Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Approved March 2007, accessed 3 July 2008.British National Formulary; 55th Edition (March 2008) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF). Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
EMIS 2008 DocID:9046 DocRef: dils3940 Last Updated: 10 Jul 2008 Date of Next Review:10 Jul 2010 Version:1

Author:EMIS
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