What are the Effective Medicines for Treating Pile Symptoms?

Piles Treatment: Which Medications Work Best for Relief?

Piles or haemorrhoids are a common medical condition that involves swollen blood vessels inside the lower rectum and anus. They cause symptoms such as pain, swelling, itching, irritation, bleeding, and anaemia in severe cases.

Early diagnosis and prompt treatment can address distressing piles symptoms, prevent side effects, and improve the quality of life. Now, the symptoms of piles can be addressed through both over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription medications.

Read ahead to get a comprehensive idea of the most effective medicines for the treatment of piles.

Which Over-the-Counter Medications Can Be Used for Piles Symptom Relief?

Pile symptoms can be relieved by various over-the-counter medicines like:

Topical Medications

The topical medications for the treatment of piles include the following:

Pile Creams and Ointments

These include topical creams and ointments that relieve inflammation, itching, and burning symptoms of external piles. Their active ingredients include phenylephrine, hydrocortisone, lidocaine, zinc oxide, and witch hazel, which have a cooling and soothing effect.

They can be directly applied to the affected area and provide short-term relief.

Suppositories

These are solid medical formulations that usually help relieve internal haemorrhoid symptoms. They are inserted into the rectum, where they dissolve and are imbibed by the rectal tissue, providing long-lasting relief from pain, swelling, and itching.

The active ingredients of suppositories can include phenylephrine, hydrocortisone, lidocaine, zinc oxide, and witch hazel, often combined with other ingredients such as oils or creams. These suppositories can also have a cooling effect on external haemorrhoids.

Several topical medicines, their active ingredients, actions, and brand names are given in the table below:

Note: Opt for the medications mentioned above only after consultation with your healthcare provider.

Other topicals that have a medicinal effect on piles are:

• Epsom salts
• Glycerin
• Petroleum jelly
• Aloe vera gel

1. Stool Softeners and Fiber Supplements

• Stool softeners or emollient laxatives such as Docusate can relieve symptoms of piles, such as hard stools, by softening them, making bowel movements smoother and less painful.
• Fibre supplements or bulk-forming laxatives like Psyllium Husk and Methylcellulose draw water towards the colon, making the stools bulkier and softer. This reduces the strain of bowel movements and eases symptoms.

2. Painkillers

• Over-the-counter medicines such as Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, and Aspirin can relieve pain and swelling of piles.
• These are non-steroidal and anti-inflammatory. Take the lowest dosage of these pain medicines to prevent adverse effects on the liver, kidneys, and heart.

Which Prescription Medicines are Recommended for Piles?

Severe piles resistant to at-home and over-the-counter treatments require stronger medicines to ease symptoms. Some of the most efficacious prescription medicines for piles contain the active ingredients hydrocortisone, pramoxine, or nitroglycerin.

Common brand names include:

• Analpram
• Mezparox
• Pramasone
• Protocream-HC
• Rectiv
• Nifedipine ointment

Different medicines can relieve piles based on their severity. Over-the-counter medicines are used for mild to moderate piles, while stronger prescription drugs are given to treat more persistent and serious cases. Medicines must be complemented by lifestyle changes like a high-fibre diet, increased water intake, and physical exercise for the best results.

Furthermore, please consult a medical professional for a customized treatment plan to treat pile symptoms.

Also Read:

→ How to Treat Piles Without Surgery

→ What is the Procedure for Piles Laser Treatment