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Espuma retal de hidrocortisona

Nota do autor clínico Michael Stewart 17/05/2022: Colifoam® rectal foam was discontinued in the UK in November 2019. At the time of review there are no branded or generic products for rectal use containing hydrocortisone available in the UK. Hydrocortisone rectal foam may still be available in other countries. This medicine leaflet is based on medical information accessed in the UK at the time of writing and is left here for reference purposes. Please also refer to the manufacturer's information supplied with your medicine.

Hydrocortisone belongs to a class of medicines known as corticosteroids (more commonly called steroids). It reduces inflammation.

You will have been prescribed it to settle symptoms of flare-up inflammation in the lower parts of your bowel.

The leaflet that comes inside your pack will give you full step-by-step instructions for using the foam. Please read it carefully.

Em resumo

  • Hydrocortisone rectal foam is a medicine used to reduce inflammation in the rectum and lower colon.

  • It is often prescribed for flare-ups of ulcerative colitis in the lower bowel.

  • You apply the foam into your back passage using an applicator.

  • Treatment usually lasts a few weeks until your flare-up settles.

  • Inform your doctor about your detailed medical history before using this foam.

  • Contact your doctor if you become ill or are exposed to chickenpox, measles, or shingles.

  • Local irritation is an uncommon side-effect, but seek medical advice for changes in behaviour or mood.

About hydrocortisone rectal foam

Tipo de medicamento

A corticosteroid, also commonly called a steroid

Usado para

Inflammation of the rectum and lower colon

Também chamado de

Colifoam® (discontinued)

Disponível como

Foam-filled canister with a plastic applicator

Colite ulcerativa (UC) is a condition where patches of inflammation develop in your large intestine. The most common symptoms when the disease flares up are diarrhoea mixed with blood, and tummy (abdominal) pain. In between these flare-ups you may have few or no symptoms. If the patches are confined to the lower parts of your bowel (the lower colon and rectum), it may be helpful during flare-ups for you to be treated with a rectal preparation. This means administering hydrocortisone into your back passage as a foam.

Hydrocortisone helps to reduce inflammation. A course of treatment will last a few weeks only - it will be stopped once your flare-up has settled.

Antes de usar hidrocortisona

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine can only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start using hydrocortisone it is important that your doctor knows:

  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding (even though hydrocortisone could still be prescribed for you).

  • If you think there may be any blockage in your bowel, or if there are any sore or bleeding areas of skin around your back passage.

  • Se você tiver qualquer tipo de infecção, ou se já teve tuberculose (TB).

  • Se você teve um ataque cardíaco, ou se você tem uma condição cardíaca.

  • Se você tiver algum problema com o funcionamento do seu fígado, ou se tiver algum problema com o funcionamento dos seus rins.

  • If you have diabetes (diabetes mellitus), or if you have an eye condition called glaucoma. You should also tell your doctor if a close member of your family has either of these conditions.

  • If you currently have any of the following conditions: high blood pressure, 'thinning' of the bones (osteoporosis), diverticulitis, an underactive thyroid, epilepsy, cataracts, or a condition causing severe muscle weakness, called myasthenia gravis.

  • Se você já teve algum dos seguintes: um coágulo sanguíneo em um vaso sanguíneo, uma úlcera estomacal ou um problema de saúde mental, como depressão ou psicose.

  • Se você estiver tomando outros medicamentos. Isso inclui quaisquer medicamentos que estejam disponíveis para compra sem receita médica, bem como medicamentos fitoterápicos e complementares.

  • Se você já teve uma reação alérgica a um medicamento, ou se já desenvolveu dor muscular após tomar um medicamento esteroide.

How to use hydrocortisone rectal foam

  • Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about hydrocortisone, and will also provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you could experience from using it. It will also give you a step-by-step guide on how to use it.

  • Your doctor will tell you how often to use hydrocortisone foam. It is usual to administer it once or twice a day for 2-3 weeks, and then for the dose to be reduced to once daily or on alternate days for a short while. This information will be on the label of the pack to remind you.

How to use Colifoam®

  1. Shake the canister well before each use.

  2. Withdraw the plunger on the applicator until it stops at the catch line.

  3. Hold the applicator with the nozzle downwards, and then insert the top of the canister of foam into the nozzle.

  4. Press the canister top gently so that foam fills about a quarter of the applicator. Only a short press is needed to do this. Wait a few seconds for the foam to expand and then press the canister top again. Continue to fill the applicator a little at a time until the foam reaches the 'fill' line.

  5. Stand with one leg raised on a chair (or lie down on your side if you prefer) and gently insert the applicator into your back passage. Push the plunger to empty the applicator.

  6. Take the applicator apart and wash it after each use.

Obtendo o máximo do seu tratamento

  • Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor and clinic. This is so your doctor can check on your progress.

  • Continue to use the foam for as long as your doctor has told you to. A course of treatment is likely to last a few weeks.

  • If you forget a dose, don't worry, just remember to administer the next dose when it is due.

  • Hydrocortisone can suppress your immune system, so it is important if you become ill that you make an appointment to see your doctor straightaway. Also, if you come into contact with anyone who has measles, shingles or chickenpox (or anyone who suspects they might have one of these viruses), you should see your doctor as soon as possible.

  • Some vaccines may not be suitable for you while you are being treated with hydrocortisone. If you need any immunisations, make sure you mention that you are using a steroid medicine.

  • If you are having an operation or any medical treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are using hydrocortisone.

  • Se você comprar qualquer medicamento, verifique com um farmacêutico se é seguro tomá-lo com os medicamentos prescritos.

Can rectal hydrocortisone cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the ones associated with hydrocortisone when used rectally, although these are uncommon. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

Rectal hydrocortisone side-effects (these affect fewer than 1 in 100 people)

O que posso fazer se passar por isso?

Local irritation

This should soon ease. If it continues, speak with your doctor

Changes in behaviour or mood

Se você ficar ansioso, confuso ou começar a ter pensamentos preocupantes sobre se machucar, fale com seu médico o mais rápido possível

For more information about the side-effects which are possible when hydrocortisone is used over a long period of time, see the separate condition leaflet called Esteroides Orais.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to hydrocortisone, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

Como armazenar hidrocortisona

  • Mantenha todos os medicamentos fora do alcance e da vista das crianças.

  • Armazene em local fresco e seco, longe de calor e luz diretos.

Informações importantes sobre todos os medicamentos

Informações importantes sobre todos os medicamentos

Never use more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else might have taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.

Este medicamento é para você. Nunca o dê a outras pessoas, mesmo que a condição delas pareça ser a mesma que a sua.

Não guarde medicamentos vencidos ou indesejados. Leve-os à sua farmácia local, que se encarregará de descartá-los para você.

Se você tiver alguma dúvida sobre este medicamento, pergunte ao seu farmacêutico.

Relatar efeitos colaterais de um medicamento ou vacina

Se você sentir efeitos colaterais, pode relatá-los online através do Site do Yellow Card.

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Inseguro sobre misturar medicamentos?

Verifique possíveis interações entre medicamentos, suplementos e alimentos antes de tomá-los juntos.

Perguntas frequentes

Why was Colifoam® discontinued?

The article mentions Colifoam® as the brand name for hydrocortisone rectal foam but notes that it has been discontinued. It does not specify the reasons why this particular brand was discontinued. However, hydrocortisone rectal foam, the active medicine, is still available under other names.

How does hydrocortisone rectal foam specifically help with ulcerative colitis?

Ulcerative colitis involves inflammation in the large intestine. Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid, which means it helps to reduce this inflammation. Administering it directly as a foam into the back passage allows it to act locally on the inflamed areas of the lower colon and rectum, relieving symptoms like diarrhoea mixed with blood and tummy pain during flare-ups.

How long will a typical course of hydrocortisone rectal foam treatment last?

A course of treatment will only last a few weeks. It will be stopped once your flare-up has settled. Your doctor will likely instruct you to use it once or twice a day for 2-3 weeks, and then the dose may be reduced to once daily or on alternate days for a short period.

What should I do if I become anxious or have worrying thoughts while using hydrocortisone rectal foam?

Although uncommon, hydrocortisone can sometimes cause changes in behaviour or mood. If you experience anxiety, confusion, or begin to have upsetting thoughts about harming yourself, it is important to speak with your doctor as soon as possible.

Are there any specific situations where I should avoid using a rectal preparation for ulcerative colitis?

Yes, there are some situations where extra care is needed or it might not be suitable. You should tell your doctor if you think there might be any blockage in your bowel, or if you have any sore or bleeding areas of skin around your back passage. These conditions can make rectal administration complicated or unsuitable.

Leitura adicional e referências

Sobre o autorVer biografia completa

Imagem do autor

Michael Stewart, MRPharmS

Gerente de Revisão de Folhetos de Medicamentos – Contratado, Farmacêutico

BPharm (Hons), MRPharmS

Michael é um farmacêutico comunitário atuando nas Midlands e em South Yorkshire, com mais de 20 anos de experiência em aconselhamento sobre medicamentos e condições médicas. Ele tem uma sólida formação em treinamento em saúde, tendo produzido e ministrado cursos de treinamento para equipes de farmácia e funcionários de ambientes de cuidados residenciais, incluindo enfermeiros. Ele também contribuiu para conselhos consultivos de farmácia para o manejo de condições de baixa gravidade na comunidade.

Sobre o revisor

Imagem do autor

Sid Dajani

Sultan Dajani se formou na Escola de Farmácia de Londres em 1994 e se tornou o membro mais jovem eleito para o conselho da Sociedade Real de Farmácia desde sua fundação em 1842.

Histórico do artigo

As informações nesta página são escritas e revisadas por clínicos qualificados.

  • Próxima revisão prevista para: 17 Abr 2028
  • 17 Abr 2025 | Última versão

    Última atualização por

    Michael Stewart, MRPharmS

    Revisado por

    Sid Dajani
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