Analpram, Hydrocortisone Acetate-pramoxine, Proctofoam Hc, Hydrocort-pramoxine (perianal), Procort

Introduction

Written by Sarah Lewis, PharmD
Medically reviewed by Patricia Weiser, PharmD
Updated on August 28, 2023

Proctofoam HC is a brand-name medication prescribed for skin itching, irritation, and swelling in the anal area. Proctofoam HC belongs to a group of drugs called topical anesthetics and corticosteroids.

Common questions about Proctofoam HC

Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about Proctofoam HC.

How do you use Proctofoam HC?

Proctofoam HC comes as a foam inside a container. It also includes an applicator. To administer into the anus, follow the package directions for filling the applicator with the correct dose. Then insert the tip of it into the anus and press the plunger to deliver the foam. After each application, pull the applicator apart and wash it thoroughly with warm water.

To administer to the external skin of the anal area, apply a small amount of the foam to a tissue or pad. Then rub it in gently.

Your doctor or pharmacist will give you instructions for using Proctofoam HC. You can talk with them about any questions you have regarding how to properly use Proctofoam HC.

Are there any alternatives to Proctofoam HC?

Yes, there are several alternatives to Proctofoam HC. These include prescription and over-the-counter products. They come in various forms, including creams, ointments, pads, and suppositories. Many of them contain a corticosteroid or a topical anesthetic. There are also products that protect the skin in the area with a barrier layer or shrink swollen blood vessels in the area.

To learn more about alternatives to Proctofoam HC, you can talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Is Proctofoam HC available over the counter?

No, Proctofoam HC is a prescription product. It’s only available if your doctor prescribes it. But there are similar products available over the counter. These include corticosteroid creams, such as Preparation H, and topical anesthetic ointments, such as Americaine Hemorrhoidal Ointment.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to find out more about over-the-counter hemorrhoid and anal itch relief products.

How does Proctofoam HC work? And how long does it take to start working?

Proctofoam HC works in two ways. It has a topical anesthetic to numb tissues in the anal area. It also has a corticosteroid to help reduce swelling and itching. Together, these two ingredients can relieve irritation in the anal area.

Proctofoam HC can quickly numb the area and provide some symptom relief. It can take a few days to see the full effect of the corticosteroid ingredient on swelling.

If you’d like to know more about this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Uses of Proctofoam HC

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Proctofoam HC for certain conditions. Approved uses for Proctofoam HC are described below.

Use for skin irritation in the anal area

Doctors may prescribe Proctofoam HC for treating itching, irritation, or swelling in the anal area. It’s used for this purpose in children ages 2 years and older and adults. It’s usually prescribed as a short-term treatment.

With anal itching, irritation, or swelling, you may have pain and discomfort in and around the anus. Hemorrhoids are a common cause of these symptoms. Hemorrhoids are swollen veins that can develop in or around the anus. Other causes of anal irritation can include fissures (splits in the skin) and an allergic reaction to various products.

Side effects of Proctofoam HC

Proctofoam HC may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of Proctofoam HC and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.

To learn more about Proctofoam HC’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for Proctofoam HC listed in the “Resources” section.

Mild side effects

More common mild side effects reported with some forms of Proctofoam HC are listed below.

This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about Proctofoam HC’s side effects, refer to the prescribing information for Proctofoam HC listed in the “Resources” section.

With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects bother you, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.

Proctofoam HC’s mild side effects include:

• temporary burning, stinging, or itching after applying the medication
• skin dryness
• changes in skin texture at the application site
• mild allergic reaction*

* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for Proctofoam HC” section.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects of Proctofoam HC are listed below.

This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about Proctofoam HC’s side effects, refer to the prescribing information for Proctofoam HC listed in the “Resources” section.

With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.

In general, Proctofoam HC’s serious side effects include:

• Cushing syndrome (too much of the hormone cortisol)
• high blood sugar
• skin breakdown
• risk of skin infections
• severe allergic reaction*

* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for Proctofoam HC” section.

Interactions and warnings for Proctofoam HC

Below, you’ll find information about Proctofoam HC’s possible interactions and warnings.

Interactions of Proctofoam HC

Proctofoam HC isn’t known to interact with any medications or supplements. (Interactions can affect how a drug works.) But this doesn’t mean drug interactions with Proctofoam HC won’t happen or be reported sometime. For instance, medications created at a later time could interact with Proctofoam HC.

Because of this, you should ask your doctor and pharmacist about possible interactions with Proctofoam HC. They can check for any interactions that may affect you, such as those with:

• vaccines
• foods or alcohol
• other drugs

Warnings for Proctofoam HC

Proctofoam HC should be used cautiously by certain people.

Proctofoam HC could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether Proctofoam HC is a safe option for you.

Ask your doctor about specific warnings for Proctofoam HC, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:

• current health, including any allergies to medications
• past health conditions or surgeries

Allergic reaction

Proctofoam HC can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.

If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Proctofoam HC or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Proctofoam HC. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.

A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• skin rash
• itchiness
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:

• swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
• swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems

If you have an allergic reaction to Proctofoam HC, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.

Overdose of Proctofoam HC

You should not use more Proctofoam HC than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.

If you think you’ve used too much Proctofoam HC, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

Pregnancy or breastfeeding and Proctofoam HC

Information about Proctofoam HC and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.

Proctofoam HC and pregnancy

It’s not known whether Proctofoam HC should be used during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before using this medication.

Proctofoam HC and breastfeeding

It’s not known whether Proctofoam HC should be used while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before using this medication.

What to ask your doctor

Let your doctor know whether you have questions about Proctofoam HC or would like more details about it.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• How should I use Proctofoam HC?
• How does Proctofoam HC compare with other medications that could treat my condition?
• Am I at higher risk of side effects than other people?

Resources

• Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
• PDR. (n.d.). https://www.pdr.net
• Proctofoam HC — pramoxine hydrochloride hydrocortisone acetate aerosol, foam. (2018). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/3831e931-ec0a-11e3-ac10-0800200c9a66/spl-doc

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.