Digestive
Medicines for Haemorrhoids
Swollen blood vessels in or around the anus that can cause bright-red bleeding, itching, discomfort and lumps — usually eased by softening stools and avoiding straining.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Haemorrhoids?
Haemorrhoids, commonly called piles, are swollen blood vessels in or around the anus and lower back passage. They are very common and are often linked to straining to pass hard stools, constipation, pregnancy, or sitting for long periods.
- How it is treated: The mainstay of treatment is making stools softer and easier to pass and avoiding straining, which both eases existing haemorrhoids and helps prevent new ones.
- Self-care: Softer stools and less straining are the key, so eat plenty of fibre from fruit, vegetables, wholegrains and pulses, drink enough fluid, and stay active.
- When to seek help: See a GP if symptoms do not improve with self-care, if there is persistent or heavy bleeding, severe pain, or a lump that is painful or will not go back, as treatment such as banding may be needed.
What it is
Haemorrhoids, commonly called piles, are swollen blood vessels in or around the anus and lower back passage. They are very common and are often linked to straining to pass hard stools, constipation, pregnancy, or sitting for long periods. Symptoms vary: many people notice bright-red blood on the toilet paper or in the toilet after passing a stool, along with itching, soreness, a feeling of fullness, or one or more soft lumps around the anus. Internal haemorrhoids may not be felt but can bleed, while those lower down may be felt as lumps that sometimes come out (prolapse) during a bowel motion. Although haemorrhoids are usually harmless and often settle on their own, the symptoms — particularly bleeding — overlap with other, more serious conditions, so it is important not to assume that bleeding is simply piles.
How it is treated
The mainstay of treatment is making stools softer and easier to pass and avoiding straining, which both eases existing haemorrhoids and helps prevent new ones. That means more fibre and fluids, and a laxative where needed to keep stools soft. For short-term relief of soreness and itching, soothing creams and ointments can be used — some contain a topical corticosteroid to reduce inflammation, or a local anaesthetic to numb discomfort. These are for short-term use only: a topical steroid should not be used for prolonged periods, as long-term use can thin and damage the delicate skin around the anus. Where haemorrhoids are persistent, larger, or do not respond to these measures, procedures such as banding (placing a small band to cut off the blood supply) or, occasionally, surgery may be considered. Throughout, any rectal bleeding that is not clearly explained should be assessed rather than assumed to be piles.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Haemorrhoids
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Symptom checker
Symptoms that can point to Haemorrhoids
Haemorrhoids can be one cause of these symptoms. Each guide explains the other possible causes and the red-flag warning signs that mean you should get urgent help:
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Softer stools and less straining are the key, so eat plenty of fibre from fruit, vegetables, wholegrains and pulses, drink enough fluid, and stay active. Go to the toilet when you feel the urge rather than putting it off, and avoid straining or spending a long time sitting on the toilet. Gentle hygiene — patting the area clean and avoiding harsh or scented wipes — reduces irritation. Avoiding long periods of sitting where possible, and not lifting heavy weights with a held breath, can also help. These measures both ease symptoms and lower the chance of haemorrhoids returning.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
See a GP if symptoms do not improve with self-care, if there is persistent or heavy bleeding, severe pain, or a lump that is painful or will not go back, as treatment such as banding may be needed. Importantly, never assume that rectal bleeding is simply piles. Seek assessment if the blood is dark or mixed in with the stool, if your bowel habit changes (such as looser stools or going more often), if there is unexplained weight loss, or if you are over about 40 to 50, so that other causes — including bowel cancer — can be ruled out.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Haemorrhoids: frequently asked questions
What medicines are used for haemorrhoids?
The main approach is to keep stools soft and avoid straining, so a laxative is often used alongside extra fibre and fluids. For short-term relief of soreness and itching, soothing creams and ointments can help — some contain a topical corticosteroid to reduce inflammation, or a local anaesthetic to numb the area. These are for short-term use only: a topical steroid should not be used for a prolonged period, as long-term use can thin and damage the delicate skin around the anus. Persistent haemorrhoids may need a procedure such as banding.
Why should I not assume rectal bleeding is just piles?
Although haemorrhoids are a very common cause of bright-red bleeding, the symptom overlaps with other, more serious conditions, including bowel cancer. You should seek assessment rather than assume it is piles if the blood is dark or mixed into the stool, if your bowel habit changes, if there is unexplained weight loss, or if you are over about 40 to 50. A doctor can examine you and arrange any tests needed to rule out other causes.
How long can I use haemorrhoid creams?
Soothing creams and ointments are meant for short-term relief of symptoms, not ongoing use. In particular, products containing a topical corticosteroid should be used only for a short course, because using a steroid on the delicate skin around the anus for a prolonged period can thin and damage it. If symptoms persist beyond a week or so despite treatment, see a pharmacist or GP rather than continuing to use the cream indefinitely.
Do haemorrhoids go away on their own?
Many haemorrhoids settle on their own, especially once stools are kept soft and straining is avoided with more fibre, fluids and, where needed, a laxative. Soothing creams can ease symptoms in the meantime. Where they are persistent, larger or keep coming back, procedures such as banding or, occasionally, surgery may be considered. See a GP if symptoms do not improve, or if you have any bleeding you are unsure about.
Keep reading
Related articles
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NICE CKS: Haemorrhoids.
- Guts UK: Haemorrhoids (piles).
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