If I have hemorrhoids, how long does it take for suppositories to work?
I have the beginnings of a hemorrhoid, so my doc gave me some Hydrocortisone suppositories. I’ve been using them for three nights now, and nothing seems to be happening. How long do I have to wait before the medication takes effect and my darn hemorrhoid goes away?
November 30th, 2009 at 1:04 pm
Hydrocortisone suppositories can take up to two weeks to work, and they work quite slowly. Their basic function is to reduce inflammation, and by so doing, reduce the hemorrhoid.
To make them work faster, you need to adopt the lifestyle that you’re going to use after it goes away to make sure hemorrhoids stay away. Gradually work up to between 25 to 30 grams of fiber per day, along with abouy 64 ounces of water, into your daily diet. Go on a brisk walk for about 30 minutes each morning (with doctor’s approval of course) and get up and walk around a bit every two hours.
For relief before then you can use sitz baths, towel wrapped ice packs and anything else your pharmacist tells you won’t interfere with your suppositories. Pharmacy consultation is always free, all you have to do is go up to the pharmacy section and ask to speak with one.
You may also find that putting your feet up on a footstool while sitting on the toilet can help. Sitting like that engages the muscles in the pelvic floor to support the area and reduce the strain of gravity on the hemorrhoid.
Best of luck!
November 30th, 2009 at 1:04 pm
Did your dr tell you to do anything else like, sitting in a tub of warm water a few times a day, or a Sitz bath. Also have to get more fiber to keep you from being constipated.I know I have had them a few times and they are not pleasant.