Medicine for Bleeding Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids can be an embarrassing and painful condition. Besides the discomfort, itching and swelling, an individual may also have to deal with bleeding, which occurs inside the rectum. Luckily, there are over-the-counter and prescription drugs, as well as home remedies, available to treat bleeding hemorrhoids.

Identifying the Problem

• To treat this condition with the right medication, you must know what kinds of hemorrhoids are causing you pain and discomfort. Hemorrhoids can be internal or external, and in some cases an individual can suffer from both. A physician can diagnose the presence of hemorrhoids by doing a rectal exam, and she may also perform a stool guaiac test to determine if there is blood in the stool. An individual suffering from hemorrhoids may have painful bowel movements or feel anal pain while sitting.

Temporary Hemorrhoid Treatment

• Hemorrhoids are bulging veins located in the lower part of the rectum or anus. When they bleed it means the vein has erupted or burst, and they are usually painful. To treat bleeding hemorrhoids that are not of a serious nature, over-the-counter suppositories and creams, such as Preparation H and Anusol-HC, and prescription medications, such as Proctosol, offer temporary relief.

Slowing the Flow of Blood

• There are no over-the-counter creams or prescription medications that cure bleeding hemorrhoids. The treatments can only offer fast, temporary relief to the bleeding problem. In some cases, medications used for internal hemorrhoids take up to three weeks before an individual notices a difference in his condition. Medications for bleeding hemorrhoids are used to slow the blood flow down, and other medications are necessary to ease other symptoms of the hemorrhoid condition.

Conventional and Alternative Medicines

• Just as there are numerous conventional creams, lotions, pills and prescription drugs to combat bleeding hemorrhoids, you can also treat the condition with homeopathic and herbal medicines. Taking 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar in a glass of water after meals has been said to stop bleeding hemorrhoids, and adding 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to a glass of water is also said to bring relief to the condition. Witch hazel is also a common natural treatment for bleeding hemorrhoids.

Hemorrhoid Sufferers Beware

• Bleeding hemorrhoids are not an unusual symptom for this condition; however, you should see a doctor to make sure that the bleeding isn't caused by an underlying medical condition. When using any kind of conventional medications, be aware of the possible harmful side effects of ingredients such as anesthetics and steroids, and never use suppositories on bleeding hemorrhoids. When medications do not give relief, an individual may have to consider other options, such as surgery.