Means "Relief" from the well-known company "Bayer" have proven themselves well for hemorrhoids, as they quickly eliminate unpleasant symptoms and prevent the development of serious complications.
The line of drugs with this name includes several drugs. They have a different composition and mechanism of action, therefore, it is permissible to use some of these medicines in pregnant women as prescribed by a doctor, while others are not prescribed to expectant mothers.
So, before starting the treatment of hemorrhoids with the help of "Relief", you should consult a specialist and carefully study the paper annotation.
Kinds
The drug "Relief" is presented in two dosage forms.
- One of them is ointmentto be used externally or rectally. It has a yellowish tint and a uniform consistency. This medicine is sold in plastic tubes of 28.4 grams, supplemented with an applicator. Its main ingredient is phenylephrine hydrochloride at a concentration of 0.25% (each gram of ointment contains 2.5 mg of it). Additionally, the medication includes vitamin E, beeswax, benzoic acid, corn oil, petroleum jelly, lanolin and other compounds.
- The second form of "Relief" is rectal suppositories. They are torpedo-shaped, opaque and light yellow or white in color. Such suppositories are packaged in 6 pieces in blisters and are sold 12 candles in one pack. Their action is also provided by phenylephrine, presented in one candle in the amount of 5 mg. Parabens, corn starch and cocoa bean butter serve as auxiliary substances for such a preparation.
The drug "Relief Advance" is also available in the form of an ointment and rectal suppositories. Outwardly, such drugs resemble the usual "Relief" in terms of physical characteristics and packaging, but the therapeutic effect of Advance products is provided by other active substances.
- One of them is benzocaine, the dosage of which in 1 g of ointment is 200 mg (the concentration of such a drug is 20%), in 1 suppository - 206 mg.
- The second active ingredient is shark liver oil at a dose of 60 mg in each candle.
The inactive ingredients of suppositories coincide with the composition of "Relief", and the "Advance" ointment contains slightly other additional substances indicated in the annotation.
Suppositories called "Relief Pro", like other types of "Relief" candles, they are sold in a box of 12 pieces, have an elongated shape and white-yellow color. They are based on solid fat, and the active substances are fluocortolone (at a dose of 1 mg in each suppository) and lidocaine (at a dose of 40 mg in one suppository).
In addition, "Relief Pro" is also produced in the form rectal creampackaged in an amount of 10 g in an aluminum tube with an applicator attached. This is an opaque white mass, the action of which is also provided by a combination of fluocortolone and lidocaine - at a dosage of 1 mg and 20 mg, respectively, per 1 g of cream.
The auxiliary components of the drug are liquid paraffin, benzyl alcohol, sodium hydrogen phosphate, white petrolatum and other compounds.
Another means of the "Relief" line are suppositories "Ultra". They are pale yellow, torpedo-shaped, packed in 12 pieces in two blisters. This is also a combination medicine containing hydrocortisone and zinc sulfate. Additionally, it contains magnesium stearate, cocoa butter, parabens and calcium hydrogen phosphate.
Use during pregnancy
It is permissible to use suppositories or Relief ointment at any stage of pregnancy, but only as directed by a doctor. The same restrictions are indicated by the manufacturer for Advance products. They are prescribed to expectant mothers both in the 1st, and in the 2nd or 3rd trimester, if the expected benefit is higher than the possible risk.
Since the active substances of the ointment and suppositories act mainly in the area of application, they do not get to the child, therefore, they do not have any negative effect on the development of the fetus and the course of pregnancy. However, for some women, such medicines may be contraindicated, so you should not buy them yourself (these are over-the-counter drugs) and use them without a prescription.
But in the instructions for the drugs "Relief Pro" in the list of contraindications marked the first trimester of pregnancy, so in the early stages, neither a candle nor a cream is prescribed. If you use such funds in the first months of gestation, the risk of malformations in the baby increases. In the second or third trimesters, they are allowed to be used, but such treatment must be under the supervision of a doctor (the funds are sold by prescription) and be short-term.
As for the Relief Ultra suppositories, they are not prescribed during pregnancy. Such anti-hemorrhoidal medicine is contraindicated for expectant mothers at any time, since it can affect the development of the baby.
Act
Phenylephrine, which is in the composition of "Relief" products, refers to vasoconstrictor substances that affect adrenergic receptors of the "alpha" type. Under its influence, vasoconstriction occurs in the treatment area, due to which the swelling and itching are reduced.
Benzocaine, present in Relief Advance preparations, is a local anesthetic. It affects cell membranes, as a result of which it prevents the formation of nerve impulses and their conduction. After local treatment, the analgesic effect develops within a minute. At the same time, such a substance is absorbed into the blood in a minimal amount.
The addition of shark liver oil to the drug gives the drug an additional hemostatic and anti-inflammatory effect. In addition, such an ingredient contributes to faster healing of injuries and enhances local immunity.
One of the active substances "Relief Pro" fluocortolone refers to glucocorticoid hormones.
When used topically, it is able to suppress allergic and inflammatory reactions, which leads to the elimination of edema, normalization of capillary size, reduction of tissue infiltration, pain, burning and itching. Lidocaine, the second component of Pro medicines, additionally provides pain relief. Its action is similar to that of benzocaine in Advance products.
Indications
The main reason for using the "Relief" products is hemorrhoids. Suppositories are usually prescribed for internal hemorrhoidsas they effectively eliminate swelling, soreness and local bleeding. Due to the content of cocoa butter, this form of "Relief" also softens the mucous membrane.
If a woman has external hemorrhoids, ointments are more in demand, which also reduce the severity of symptoms and have an additional soothing effect thanks to natural oils. With severe pain and discomfort, Advance ointment is often prescribed, which quickly relieves pain and burning sensation.
Cream "Pro" is in demand if the external hemorrhoids have worsened, provoked pain and severe inflammation, and suppositories are prescribed for the same symptoms caused by internal hemorrhoids. In addition, "Relief Pro" eases the condition of proctitis.
No less often, suppositories, ointment and cream are prescribed for a crack in the anus and anal itching. Anesthesia by means of "Advance" is also in demand for various manipulations or surgery on the rectum.
Instructions for use
The use of "Relief" and "Relief Advance" is recommended after hygienic cleaning of the anal area. The suppositories are removed from the packaging and administered one at a time up to four times during the day after natural emptying. The duration of treatment is usually 7-10 days, but the duration of the course must be checked with a doctor. If within a few days from the start of therapy there is no improvement or the symptoms become more pronounced, a second consultation is required.
If an ointment is prescribed, the applicator is freed from the protective cap and attached to the tube, then a little medicine is squeezed onto it and the affected areas are gently treated. The frequency of application of the ointment is 4 times a day, the duration is determined by the doctor. After lubrication, the applicator is rinsed, capped and removed until next use.
Suppositories "Relief Pro" are often used twice a day, one suppository. They are injected deep into the rectum after defecation, and when the condition improves, they switch to use once a day or every other day. The exact regimen for the use of such a medication is prescribed by a proctologist or other specialist.
Relief Pro cream is also applied to the inflamed area twice a day, and then switched to a single application. For one treatment, use a small amount of medication in the size of a pea. Lubrication of the skin around the anus is performed with a finger, and an applicator helps to inject the medication rectally. The duration of treatment with "Relief Pro" means should not be more than two weeks, so as not to cause side changes that occur when using local glucocorticoids (stretch marks, skin atrophy).
Can it hurt?
Since "Relief" has only a local effect, then, as already noted, the ointment and suppositories are harmless for the child. However, the drug can cause a negative reaction in the woman herself. First of all, this happens when contraindications are not followed. For candles and ointments "Relief" and "Relief Advance" these are:
- hypersensitivity to any ingredient of the drug;
- tendency to form blood clots;
- decrease in the level of granulocytes in the blood test.
Patients with high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus and a dysfunction of the thyroid gland require caution in the use of Relief and Advance products. Treatment with Relief Pro drugs is prohibited if the treatment area is affected by a viral infection, syphilis or tuberculosis. A contraindication to the use of such a cream and suppositories is also an increased sensitivity to their components.
We also note that even in the absence of contraindications, some women experience an allergic reaction to the drug in the form of dermatitis, edema, rash, redness or other negative changes.
In such cases, suppositories or ointment must be canceled immediately. In addition, Relief products should not be combined with MAO inhibitors and drugs for hypertension, as this can affect blood pressure indicators. Drugs "Relief Pro" are not prescribed together with drugs for arrhythmia.
Reviews
Women who have had a chance to use Relief medicines during pregnancy speak mostly positively about ointments, candles and cream. They confirm the effectiveness of such drugs for different types of hemorrhoids, note the rapid elimination of unpleasant symptoms and good tolerance. Among their shortcomings, only the high cost is usually mentioned.
