Over-the-Counter Drugs - Hemorrhoid medicine

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Photo by: diego cervo

Hemorrhoids are a form of varicose (swollen or knotted) veins that occur when the veins around the anus become swollen or irritated. This is usually the result of prolonged back pressure from pregnancy or frequently sitting for long hours at a time. Hemorrhoids will cause itching, burning, pain, swelling, irritation, or bleeding around the anus. Constipation can make hemorrhoids worse.

There are two ways to treat hemorrhoids using OTC drugs. There are creams and suppositories that relieve most of the symptoms. These drugs usually consist of a soothing agent that contains an antiseptic, an astringent (such as bismuth, witch hazel, and zinc oxide), or a vasoconstrictor (shrinks blood vessels). These ingredients reduce swelling, burning, and itching, and restrict blood supply to the area. Some also contain a local anesthetic (pain blocker) to ease the pain. These drugs may cause irritation or a rash. The second method of treatment is to relieve constipation, which makes hemorrhoids more uncomfortable, with laxatives. Laxatives soften waste to ease its passage through the intestines.

Neither treatment actually shrinks the hemorrhoids. They simply provide relief while the problem corrects itself naturally. OTC hemorrhoid drugs are available in ointments, suppositories, and medicated pads with witch hazel, such as Tucks. Severe or persistent hemorrhoids may need to be removed surgically. If a person has hemorrhoids, it is a good idea to see a doctor as the hemorrhoids could be a sign of a more serious bowel disorder.