Hemorrhoidal Suppositories

Drug overview for HEMORRHOIDAL SUPPOSITORIES (phenylephrine hcl/cocoa butter):

Generic name: PHENYLEPHRINE HCL/COCOA BUTTER (FEN-il-EF-rin)
Drug class: Rectal Local Vasoconstrictors
Therapeutic class: Anorectal Preparations

Phenylephrine hydrochloride, synthetic sympathomimetic amine, is a vasoconstrictor.

No enhanced Uses information available for this drug.

DRUG IMAGES

HEMORRHOIDAL SUPPOSITORIES

The following indications for HEMORRHOIDAL SUPPOSITORIES (phenylephrine hcl/cocoa butter) have been approved by the FDA:

Indications:
Hemorrhoids
Proctitis
Pruritus ani
Rectal pain

Professional Synonyms:
Proctalgia
Rectitis

The following dosing information is available for HEMORRHOIDAL SUPPOSITORIES (phenylephrine hcl/cocoa butter):

Dosing
Administration
Dosing Information
Generic

To produce decongestion of the conjunctiva, 1 or 2 drops of a 0.12-0.25% ophthalmic solution of phenylephrine hydrochloride may be applied topically to the conjunctiva every 3-4 hours (up to 4 times daily for self-medication) as needed.

Vasoconstriction for diagnosis of ocular congestion or to improve visualization of ocular blood vessels in sickle-cell disease may be achieved by application of 1 or 2 drops of a 2.5% solution. In the ''blanching test'', congestion probably is caused by conjunctivitis rather than iridocyclitis if the drug produces perilimbal blanching in the congested eye.

A 2.5 or 10% solution of the drug may also be administered prior to surgery to produce mydriasis and aid in controlling hemorrhage. (See Phenylephrine Hydrochloride 52:24.)

To produce nasal decongestion in adults and children 12 years of age or older, the usual dosage is 2 or 3 drops, 1-3 sprays, or 1-3 metered sprays instilled in each nostril. In cases of extreme nasal congestion in adults, a 1% solution may be used initially. To produce nasal decongestion in children 6-12 years of age, 2 or 3 drops or 1 or 2 sprays of a 0.25%

solution may be instilled in each nostril. Doses of the drug as drops or spray may be repeated in 4 hours if needed. Phenylephrine nasal solutions should not be used for self-medication for longer than 3 days; if symptoms persist, the drug should be discontinued and a physician consulted.

Intranasal application of phenylephrine should generally be used for no longer than 3-5 days.

For use with local anesthetics, phenylephrine hydrochloride may be used in concentrations of 1:2500 to 1:20,000.

Phenylephrine hydrochloride ophthalmic solutions are applied topically to the conjunctiva. Digital pressure should be applied on the lacrimal sac for 1-2 minutes following topical instillation of ophthalmic solutions to minimize drainage into the nose and throat and reduce the risk of absorption and systemic reactions. Excess solution around the eye should be removed with a tissue.

For intranasal applications, phenylephrine may be administered in solution as drops or spray. Vicks Sinex(R) (with mist spray nozzle) nasal solution is administered by nasal inhalation using a special nasal inhaler that produces metered droplet sprays. Care must be taken to avoid contamination of the dropper, inhaler, or spray.

Except in young children in whom sprays are difficult to use, nasal sprays may be preferable to drops because of the lesser risk of swallowing the drug and resultant systemic absorption. Drops should be applied to the dependent (lower) nostril, with the patient in a lateral head-low position. The patient should remain in the same position for 5 minutes, then the solution should be applied to the other nostril in a similar manner.

Alternatively, drops may be instilled when the patient is reclining with the head tilted back as far as possible. Sprays should be delivered or pumped (Vicks Sinex(R) metered spray) into each nostril with the patient's head erect so that excess solution is not released. The nose should be blown thoroughly 3-5 minutes later.

Prior to initial use of the metered sprays, the nasal inhaler must be primed by depressing the pump firmly several times. To minimize the risk of spreading infections, droppers, inhalers, and spray dispensers should not be used by more than one person, and tips of the dispensers, inhalers, or droppers should be rinsed with hot water following use. Phenylephrine nasal solutions also may be applied to a tampon or nasal pack for insertion into nasal passages. However, this method of application should be restricted to use in diagnostic or surgical procedures performed under medical supervision because mechanical injury may occur.

No dosing information available.

No generic dosing information available.

The following drug interaction information is available for HEMORRHOIDAL SUPPOSITORIES (phenylephrine hcl/cocoa butter):

Contraindicated
Severe
Moderate

There are 0 contraindications.

There are 1 severe interactions. These drug interactions can produce serious consequences in most patients. Actions required for severe interactions include, but are not limited to, discontinuing one or both agents, adjusting dosage, altering administration scheduling, and providing additional patient monitoring. Review the full interaction monograph for more information.

Drug Interaction	Drug Names
Iobenguane I 123/Agents that Affect Catecholamines SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Many compounds that reduce catecholamine uptake or that deplete catecholamine stores may interfere with iobenguane uptake into cells.(1) CLINICAL EFFECTS: Compounds that reduce catecholamine uptake or that deplete catecholamine stores may interfere with imaging completed with iobenguane.(1) PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Discuss the use of agents that affect catecholamines. Discontinue drugs that reduce catecholamine uptake or deplete catecholamine stores prior to imaging with iobenguane. Before imaging with iobenguane, discontinue agents that affect catecholamines for at least 5 biological half-lives, as clinically tolerated.(1) DISCUSSION: Many agents may reduce catecholamine uptake or deplete catecholamine stores.(1) Examples include: - CNS stimulants or amphetamines (e.g. cocaine, methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine) - norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (e.g. phentermine) - norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake inhibitors (e.g. tramadol) - monoamine oxidase inhibitors (e.g. phenelzine, linezolid) - central monoamine depleting drugs (e.g. reserpine) - non-select beta adrenergic blocking drugs (e.g. labetalol) - alpha agonists or alpha/beta agonists (e.g. pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, ephedrine, phenylpropanolamine, naphazoline) - tricyclic antidepressants or norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (e.g. amitriptyline, bupropion, duloxetine, mirtazapine, venlafaxine) - botanicals that may inhibit reuptake of norepinephrine, serotonin or dopamine (e.g. ephedra, ma huang, St. John's Wort, yohimbine)	ADREVIEW

Drug Interaction

Drug Names

Iobenguane I 123/Agents that Affect Catecholamines

SEVERITY LEVEL: 2-Severe Interaction: Action is required to reduce the risk of severe adverse interaction.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Many compounds that reduce catecholamine uptake or that deplete catecholamine stores may interfere with iobenguane uptake into cells.(1)

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Compounds that reduce catecholamine uptake or that deplete catecholamine stores may interfere with imaging completed with iobenguane.(1)

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Discuss the use of agents that affect catecholamines. Discontinue drugs that reduce catecholamine uptake or deplete catecholamine stores prior to imaging with iobenguane. Before imaging with iobenguane, discontinue agents that affect catecholamines for at least 5 biological half-lives, as clinically tolerated.(1)

DISCUSSION: Many agents may reduce catecholamine uptake or deplete catecholamine stores.(1) Examples include: - CNS stimulants or amphetamines (e.g. cocaine, methylphenidate, dextroamphetamine) - norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (e.g. phentermine) - norepinephrine and serotonin reuptake inhibitors (e.g. tramadol) - monoamine oxidase inhibitors (e.g. phenelzine, linezolid) - central monoamine depleting drugs (e.g. reserpine) - non-select beta adrenergic blocking drugs (e.g. labetalol) - alpha agonists or alpha/beta agonists (e.g. pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine, ephedrine, phenylpropanolamine, naphazoline) - tricyclic antidepressants or norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (e.g. amitriptyline, bupropion, duloxetine, mirtazapine, venlafaxine) - botanicals that may inhibit reuptake of norepinephrine, serotonin or dopamine (e.g. ephedra, ma huang, St. John's Wort, yohimbine)

ADREVIEW

There are 2 moderate interactions. The clinician should assess the patient’s characteristics and take action as needed. Actions required for moderate interactions include, but are not limited to, discontinuing one or both agents, adjusting dosage, altering administration.

Drug Interaction	Drug Names
Sympathomimetics/Rauwolfia Alkaloids SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Reserpine depletes catecholamine stores within the peripheral vascular adrenergic nerve endings, thus indirect acting sympathomimetics are unable to trigger the release of catecholamines. The reserpine-induced catecholamine release increases sensitivity to the effects of direct acting sympathomimetics. CLINICAL EFFECTS: Increased effects of direct acting sympathomimetics. Decreased effects of indirect acting sympathomimetics. Mixed acting sympathomimetics will show effects based on the predominance of either direct or indirect activity. PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: If these agents are administered concurrently, monitor blood pressure. The dose of the sympathomimetic may need to be adjusted. DISCUSSION: This interaction has been well documented in animal studies and human case reports have confirmed the interaction. Reserpine has been shown to decrease the response to epinephrine administered for hypotension. Reserpine has also been shown to decrease the effectiveness of ophthalmic epinephrine, a direct acting sympathomimetic. Ophthalmic phenylephrine has been shown to decrease the hypotensive effects of reserpine.	RESERPINE
Sympathomimetics (Direct, Mixed-Acting)/Methyldopa SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed. MECHANISM OF ACTION: Unknown. CLINICAL EFFECTS: The pressor response to sympathomimetics may be increased. PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined. PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Start with low doses of sympathomimetics and monitor blood pressure of patients during concurrent administration of sympathomimetics and methyldopa. DISCUSSION: The pressor response to sympathomimetics has been reported to be increased during methyldopa administration. In addition to increased duration of pressor response, severe hypertension has been reported.	METHYLDOPA

Drug Interaction

Drug Names

Sympathomimetics/Rauwolfia Alkaloids

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Reserpine depletes catecholamine stores within the peripheral vascular adrenergic nerve endings, thus indirect acting sympathomimetics are unable to trigger the release of catecholamines. The reserpine-induced catecholamine release increases sensitivity to the effects of direct acting sympathomimetics.

CLINICAL EFFECTS: Increased effects of direct acting sympathomimetics. Decreased effects of indirect acting sympathomimetics. Mixed acting sympathomimetics will show effects based on the predominance of either direct or indirect activity.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: If these agents are administered concurrently, monitor blood pressure. The dose of the sympathomimetic may need to be adjusted.

DISCUSSION: This interaction has been well documented in animal studies and human case reports have confirmed the interaction. Reserpine has been shown to decrease the response to epinephrine administered for hypotension. Reserpine has also been shown to decrease the effectiveness of ophthalmic epinephrine, a direct acting sympathomimetic. Ophthalmic phenylephrine has been shown to decrease the hypotensive effects of reserpine.

RESERPINE

Sympathomimetics (Direct, Mixed-Acting)/Methyldopa

SEVERITY LEVEL: 3-Moderate Interaction: Assess the risk to the patient and take action as needed.

MECHANISM OF ACTION: Unknown.

CLINICAL EFFECTS: The pressor response to sympathomimetics may be increased.

PREDISPOSING FACTORS: None determined.

PATIENT MANAGEMENT: Start with low doses of sympathomimetics and monitor blood pressure of patients during concurrent administration of sympathomimetics and methyldopa.

DISCUSSION: The pressor response to sympathomimetics has been reported to be increased during methyldopa administration. In addition to increased duration of pressor response, severe hypertension has been reported.

METHYLDOPA

Moderate List
Benign prostatic hyperplasia
Cardiac arrhythmia
Coronary artery disease
Hypertension
Hyperthyroidism
Nervousness

The following adverse reaction information is available for HEMORRHOIDAL SUPPOSITORIES (phenylephrine hcl/cocoa butter):

Overview
Severe
Less Severe

Adverse reaction overview.

No enhanced Common Adverse Effects information available for this drug.

There are 9 severe adverse reactions.

More Frequent	Less Frequent
None.	None.

Rare/Very Rare
Cardiac arrhythmia Dizziness Headache disorder Hyperhidrosis Insomnia Nervousness Pallor Tachycardia Tremor

There are 1 less severe adverse reactions.

More Frequent	Less Frequent
None.	None.

Rare/Very Rare
Rectal irritation

The following precautions are available for HEMORRHOIDAL SUPPOSITORIES (phenylephrine hcl/cocoa butter):

Pediatric
Pregnant
Lactation
Geriatric

No enhanced Pediatric Use information available for this drug.

Contraindicated

None

Severe Precaution

None

Management or Monitoring Precaution

None

Animal reproduction studies have not been performed with phenylephrine. It is not known whether topically applied phenylephrine can cause fetal harm when administered to pregnant women. Parenterally administered phenylephrine in late pregnancy or labor may cause fetal anoxia.

(See Cautions: Pregnancy and Lactation, in Phenylephrine Hydrochloride 12:12.04.) Topically applied phenylephrine should be used during pregnancy only when clearly needed.

Since it is not known whether phenylephrine is distributed into milk, the drug should be used with caution in nursing women.

No enhanced Geriatric Use information available for this drug.

The following icd codes are available for HEMORRHOIDAL SUPPOSITORIES (phenylephrine hcl/cocoa butter)'s list of indications:

Hemorrhoids
K64.0	First degree hemorrhoids
K64.8	Other hemorrhoids
K64.9	Unspecified hemorrhoids
O22.4	Hemorrhoids in pregnancy
O22.40	Hemorrhoids in pregnancy, unspecified trimester
O22.41	Hemorrhoids in pregnancy, first trimester
O22.42	Hemorrhoids in pregnancy, second trimester
O22.43	Hemorrhoids in pregnancy, third trimester
O87.2	Hemorrhoids in the puerperium
Proctitis
K62.7	Radiation proctitis
K62.89	Other specified diseases of anus and rectum
Pruritus ani
L29.0	Pruritus ani
L29.3	Anogenital pruritus, unspecified
Rectal pain
K62.89	Other specified diseases of anus and rectum