RECTOGESIC

Rectogesic ointment 0.4%w/w 30g Why do I need this medicine? Glyceryl Trinitrate rectal ointment is used to relieve the pain caused by chronic (long-term) anal fissures. Anal fissures are tears or breaks in the skin lining of the anal canal.

Glyceryl Trinitrate belongs to a class of medicines known as nitrates.

How do I take this medicine? Wash your hands thoroughly.

Place your finger alongside the dosing line printed on the outside carton of the ointment tube. Squeeze the tube to release a length of ointment onto your finger corresponding to the 2.5 cm line indicated on the carton.

Gently insert your finger into the anal canal. Apply the ointment around the area in a gentle, circular motion. The finger must be inserted up to the first finger joint (about 1 cm) into the anus. Wash your hands after applying the ointment. You may use a finger cot to apply the ointment instead of your bare finger.

Apply the ointment exactly as directed by your doctor. DO NOT apply larger amounts or more frequently than instructed by your doctor. What should I do if I have forgotten to take this medicine? Apply the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to apply your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Can I take this with other medicines? It is very important that you DO NOT use Glyceryl Trinitrate with medicines used to treat impotence, such as sildenafil (Viagra¶©), tadalafil (Cialis¶©), vardenafil (Levitra¶©) and other similar medicines.

Alert your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, especially those listed here:

- medicines for high blood pressure such as enalapril, atenolol or nifedipine
- medicines to treat angina, heart failure or an irregular heartbeat
- diuretics (water pills)
- medicines to treat depression or psychiatric illness
- dihydroergotamine
- aspirin or other painkillers
- other types of nitrates
- alteplase (heart medicine)
- heparin (blood-thinning medicine)
- acetylcysteine

Always inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
How should I store this medicine? Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.

Discard 8 weeks after opening.

When should I not use this medicine? It is very important that you DO NOT use Glyceryl Trinitrate with medicines used to treat impotence, such as sildenafil (Viagra¶©), tadalafil (Cialis¶©), vardenafil (Levitra¶©) and other similar medicines.

Alert your doctor if you have a history of heart or blood vessel problems, head injury or increased pressure in the brain, migraine, low blood pressure, anaemia (low red blood cell counts) or glaucoma (pressure in the eyes).

What should I take note of while using this medicine? Inform your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease.

Inform your doctor if you have piles (haemorrhoids) which seem to bleed more than usual.

Alert your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed if you are being treated with Glyceryl Trinitrate.

Glyceryl Trinitrate is not meant to be used in children younger than 18 years old.

Do not share this medicine with anyone else, even if they appear to have the same problem as you have. Are there any restrictions on the type of food I can take? Avoid alcohol as it may trigger or worsen the dizziness caused by Glyceryl Trinitrate.

GLYCERYL TRINITRATE

What side effects could I experience? You may experience headaches, nausea, tiredness, blurred vision and dizziness. There may also be some temporary discomfort in the anal region.

You may feel dizzy when getting up from a sitting or lying down position. It will help if you get up slowly from a sitting or lying down position. If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down until you feel better. Do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects become severe or refuse to go away.

Some side effects are uncommon but may be more serious and may require rapid medical attention. Alert your doctor if you develop severe headaches, chest pains, palpitations or a pounding heartbeat.