Anugesic (Hydrocortisone acetate/Pramoxine hydrochloride/Zinc sulfate) is a prescription medication used to relieve pain, swelling, discomfort, and itching in the anal area including rectal surgery for hemorrhoids. Pinworms, yeast infections, anal fissures, and HPV are common causes of anal itching. Anugesic is a combination medicine. The active ingredients in Anugesic are Hydrocortisone acetate, Pramoxine hydrochloride, and Zinc sulfate. Hydrocortisone acetate belongs to a class of drugs called corticosteroids. It works by activating natural substances in the skin to reduce swelling, redness, and itching. Pramoxine hydrochloride belongs to a class of medications called local anesthetics. It works by numbing the skin to block the feelings of itching and pain. Zinc sulfate belongs to a class of drugs called mineral ingredients. It works by forming a barrier on top of the skin to protect the area from moisture and irritants.
Manufacturer Information
We currently offer the brand Anugesic from Canada manufactured by Johnson & Johnson in the strength of 0.5%/1%/0.5%/30 gm ointment and 10mg/20mg/10mg suppositories. The generic equivalent is not available.
Get medical help immediately if you have any of these signs or an allergic reaction while using Anugesic. The most common side effects of Anugesic may include the following:
• Burning or itching of skin at application site;
• Dry, scaly skin;
• Thin skin
Contact your doctor right away if you have any of the severe side effects, including:
• Rectal bleeding, burning, or dryness not present before using Anugesic;
• Skin rash or hives at or near the application site
These are not all of the side effects of Anugesic. Always contact your doctor if you notice any unusual symptoms.
You should not use Anugesic if you are allergic to Hydrocortisone acetate, Pramoxine hydrochloride, Zinc sulfate, or any ingredient in Anugesic. Before you start using this medication, tell your doctor about your medical history, especially if you:
• Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed;
• Are pregnant or planning to be pregnant;
• Have a tubercular, viral, or fungal infection of the skin;
• Have lacerations around the anal area;
• Have recently had a smallpox vaccination;
• Have untreated rectal bleeding
Tell your doctor about all your medications, including prescription, OTC, herbal supplements, and vitamins. There may be drug interactions between Anugesic and drugs called CYP3A inhibitors such as cobicistat. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It is not known if Anugesic will harm an unborn baby. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. Hydrocortisone acetate passes into breast milk in small amounts. This drug should only be used when breastfeeding if the benefits outweigh the risks. Use Anugesic precisely as prescribed by your doctor. Bathe and dry the affected area. If you are using the suppository, insert one in the rectum. Lie down on your side with your knees flexed to allow easy insertion of the suppository. If you are using the ointment, attach the plastic applicator to the tube and insert it into the rectum to its full extent. Slowly withdraw while gently squeezing the tube. You can also apply the ointment to the outside surface of the anus to relieve external discomfort. Wash the applicator after use. Do not use this drug for future hemorrhoid problems unless your doctor tells you to. Store in the original package and in a cool, dry place.