Related to this topic: Patient+ | Medicines | Equipment | Books | Your Experience | Other resources | Glossaries
Print options: Printer friendly version of this leaflet (html)     Other options:  AddThis Social Bookmark Button (what's this?)

Hydrocortisone (rectal)

  • Hydrocortisone belongs to a group of medicines known as corticosteroids that are used for reducing inflammation.
  • Hydrocortisone (rectal) should not be taken by mouth.

About hydrocortisone (rectal)

Type of medicine Topical corticosteroid
Used for Ulcerative colitis (inflammation of the bowel & back passage)
Proctitis (inflammation of the rectum)
Proctosigmoiditis (inflammation of the rectum & lower colon)
Also called Colifoam
Available as Foam-filled canister with applicator

Before using hydrocortisone (rectal)

Before using hydrocortisone (rectal) make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this medicine.
  • If you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription.
  • If there is any irritation around your back passage.
  • If you have a viral or fungal infection or tuberculosis.
  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.

How to use hydrocortisone (rectal)

  1. Shake the canister for 30 seconds before use.
  2. Withdraw the plunger slowly until it stops at the catch line.
  3. Holding firmly, insert the canister top into the applicator tip.
  4. Press down gently on the canister top so that the foam fills one quarter of the applicator.
  5. Wait a few seconds for the foam to settle.
  6. Repeat steps 4 and 5 unil the foam reaches the fill line.
  7. Stand with one leg raised on a chair or lie on one side.
  8. Gently insert the canister into the back passage and push the plunger fully into the applicator.
  9. Wash the applicator after use.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • Keep your regular appointments with your Doctor so that your progress can be checked.
  • Complete the course as prescribed by your Doctor.

Can hydrocortisone (rectal) 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 take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Local irritation Consult your Doctor

How to store hydrocortisone (rectal)

  • 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


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • 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.
© EMIS 2006 DocID:
125		 DocRef:
dils2257		 Last Updated:
26 May 2006		 Date of Next Review:
25 May 2008		 Version:
22
















Disclaimer: Patient UK has no control of the content of the above links. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by Patient UK.

Advertise on this site









Disclaimer: Patient UK has no control of the content of the above links. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by Patient UK.

Advertise on this site

PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

^ Top of Page