Best creams and pills to get rid of anal fissures

Anal fissure is a tear on the opening of the anus caused by too much stretching of the lining brought by the passing of large and hard fecal matter. This could lead to bleeding and pain during bowel movements.

In treating anal fissures, healthcare providers must focus on alleviating pain and discomfort during defecation. Bowel movements are essential for colon health. Feces is solid waste, and if left inside the body, may cause bloating and toxin infestation.

Anal fissures can be treated with self-care, like changing the diet by adding foods rich in fiber and drinking more water. This helps in softening the stools so that they are easily expelled. Getting fiber supplement or over-the-counter laxatives may also help for a while, but the patient’s gut may develop dependence on it in the long run. And when worse comes to worst, some doctors recommend using creams and pills to alleviate the pain.

Here are the top three recommendations of doctors in treating anal fissures (or, at least, ease the pain of defecation):

1. Nitroglycerin cream (Rectiv)

This can also be taken in pill form. Nitroglycerin is known to relax the internal lining of the anus and reduce the pressure around the opening itself. This makes the passing of stools easier and more effortlessly. It also increases the blood flow around the applied area which promotes faster healing on the tear.

While doctors swear at its efficacy, this drug can only be bought upon their recommendation. This is because the side effects of nitroglycerin are so great that this is only recommended when other conventional treatments were deemed ineffective. It can cause severe headaches and dizziness, even to the point of fainting.

Also, nitroglycerin, even in cream form cannot be taken with Viagra®, Cialis®, or Levitra® because it can cause low blood pressure among takers.

With so many complications and side effects it can bring, it is important that the doctor and the patient both weigh the pros and cons before taking this product.

2. Calcium Channel Blocking Drugs

Calcium Channel Blocking Drugs or CCBs provide almost the same effect as that of nitroglycerin cream but with less aggressive side effects. It also calms the anal sphincter increase blood flow by inflating the blood vessels surrounding the anal area. These drugs are also used to treat high blood pressure, so this cannot be taken by patients who suffer from hypotension or low blood pressure.

Side effects include headaches and dizziness as well, plus a burning sensation on the applied area which would go away once it is used with the product. Same thing with nitroglycerin, it can only be purchased upon doctor’s prescription. This is given to anal fissures that cannot be treated by the above mentioned cream or pill or the side effects of the latter is too much for the patient.

3. Anesthetic creams

Topical anesthetic creams are one of the most common ointments doctors recommend for anal fissures. They help in reducing the pain during bowel movements by numbing the applied area while stools are passing. To become effective, this must be applied a few minutes before defecation.

As mentioned, anesthetic creams are not used to heal the tear, so this should only be used on the first two weeks of treatment and upon the advice of the healthcare professional.

Bottomline is whatever creams and pills that patients might want to try should first be consulted to their medical providers. This is done to avoid further severing the tear or worsen it into anal fistula.