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Best OTC Medicine For Hemorrhoids
(Pharmacist Guide)

Hemorrhoids can be painful, itchy, and sometimes bleeding. There are several over the counter products that can help self-manage hemorrhoids if used correctly, Some are preventative and others help alleviate the symptoms and assist in healing. 
 
Let us first define your specific symptoms and/or needs, then follow the recommendations to the best fit product​​​​​.

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If your hemorrhoids are itching and inflamed

My recommendation:

  • Hydrocortisone cream A topical steroid that helps reduce the inflammation and itching, but only for short-term use.

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If you need to calm down the irritation after stool passing

My recommendation:

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If you need to calm down the pain during stool passing

My recommendation:

  • RectiCare® (lidocaine 5%) A local anasthetic ointment that helps recovery by reducing the pain intensity allowing the area to start healing.

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If the pain is severe during stool passing

My recommendations​:

 

If you you have a swellen hemorrhoidal tissues

My recommendation:

  • Preparation H® use the ointment for external tissues, and suppositories for internal hemorrhoids. 

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If you have tense rectum and you need to relax the area

My recommendation:

  • Sitz bath® A warm bath toilet seat that allows you to soak the area in to help relaxation, use multiple times a day to relax the tense muscles.​​

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If you want a long-term friction reduction while passing stool

My recommendation:

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If Your stool is hard and you strain to pass it 

My recommendation:

  • docusate (Colace®) A stool softener to reduce straining, needs to be used over several days to allow tissue healing.

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Pharmacist Recommended OTC Treatment Options

Hydrocortisone

Hydrocortisone 1% Cream

A mild topical steroid that helps reduce inflammation, redness, itching, and swelling around the anus. It works by calming the local immune response and is most effective for short-term flare relief.

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Pharmacist Tips

  • Apply a thin layer 2–3 times daily, especially after bowel movements.

  • Limit use to a max of 7 days to avoid skin thinning.

  • Use only on intact external skin.

  • Wash hands before and after application.

Tucks® Witch Hazel Pads

Individual pads that contain witch hazel, a natural astringent that helps tighten tissue, reduce minor bleeding, and soothe irritation. They provide gentle cooling relief and are especially helpful after bowel movements.

 

Pharmacist Tips

  • Gently press (do not wipe) for 30–60 seconds.

  • Can be used multiple times daily after each bowel movement.

  • Refrigeration can enhance the cooling effect and improve effectiveness.

Tucks

RectiCare® (Lidocaine 5% Cream)

A maximum-strength topical anesthetic that helps numb nerve endings, providing fast relief from pain, burning, and itching during more severe flare-ups. 

 

Pharmacist Tips

  • Apply a small amount up to 3–4 times daily.

  • Helpful before bowel movements to reduce discomfort.

  • Avoid use on broken or severely irritated skin.

  • Discontinue if prolonged numbness or irritation occurs.

  • Wash hands before and after application.​

Recticare

Preparation H® (Creams / Suppositories)

Comes in creams with applicators and suppositories, contain vasoconstrictors that help shrink swollen hemorrhoidal tissue, reducing pressure, discomfort, and the feeling of fullness. 

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Pharmacist Tips

  • Use after bowel movements for best effect.

  • Creams: best for external symptoms (itching, burning).

  • Suppositories: best for internal hemorrhoids.

  • Wash hands before and after application.

Prep H

Vaseline® (Petroleum Jelly)

Acts as a protective barrier that reduces friction and irritation during bowel movements. It also helps protect sensitive skin from moisture and rubbing.

 

Pharmacist Tips

  • Apply a small amount before bowel movements.

  • Helps stool pass more easily and reduces irritation.

  • Useful for prevention and comfort, not inflammation.

  • Wash hands before and after application.

Vasaline

Stool Softeners (Docusate Sodium)

Help draw water into stool, making it softer and easier to pass, reducing straining—the main cause of hemorrhoid flare-ups.

 

Pharmacist Tips

  • Take with a full glass of water.

  • Combine with fiber intake for best results.

  • Best for prevention and recovery, not immediate relief.

stool softner

Ibuprofen (Advil®)

An NSAID that helps reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation associated with hemorrhoids, promoting faster recovery. Can be used as needed or up to 4 times daily only for a short-term pain management.

 

Pharmacist Tips

  • Take with food to reduce stomach irritation.

  • Use the lowest effective dose for short-term relief.

  • Avoid if you have ulcers, kidney disease, or are on blood thinners unless advised.

Ibuprofen

Acetaminophen (Tylenol®)

A pain reliever that helps reduce discomfort without affecting the stomach or increasing bleeding risk. Dose range between 325mg to 500mg up to 6 times a day. Max daily dose is 4000mg in healthy individuals.

 

Pharmacist Tips

  • Does not reduce inflammation, but helps with pain alternative to Ibuprofen.

  • Avoid exceeding the maximum daily dose.

  • Watch for duplicate use in combination products.

Acetaminophen

Sitz Bath (Hemorrhoid Relief Soaking)

A warm water bath that helps soothe irritation, improve blood flow, and relax the anal area, reducing pain and discomfort. It in a non-medicated option that can be used with other medications.

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Pharmacist Tips

  • Sit in warm water for 10–15 minutes, 2–3 times daily or after bowel movements.

  • Use plain water only—avoid soaps or additives.

  • Gently pat dry, do not rub.

  • Avoid hot water, use gentle warm water only.

Sitz bath
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