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Best OTC Medicine For Hemorrhoids
(Pharmacist Guide)

The following are the over-the-counter products for Hemorrhoids with pharmacist guidance to help you make the right selection. ​

 

​​​​Find the best match for your symptoms, then click the product name to learn more about it.

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⭐ For itching and swelling

Consider Hydrocortisone cream short-term to reduce inflammation. It is a mild steroid that can help mitigate the inflammatory response including itching episodes.

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⭐ For irritation relief and gentle cooling specially after bowel movements

Consider Tucks® witch hazel, these are pads that can used to wipe the area with. They help calm irritation, and soothe swelling

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⭐ For a local numbing effect during flares 

Consider RectiCare® (lidocaine 5%) for fast local numbing. Numbing the area helps recovery by reducing the pain intensity allowing the area to start healing.

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⭐ For severe pain during stool passing

Consider Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen regularly to help reduce pain intensity which makes it easier to defecate.

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⭐ For swellen hemorrhoidal tissues

Consider Preparation H® ointment for external tissues, and suppositories for internal hemorrhoids. 

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⭐ For non-medicated relief and to relax the area

Consider Sitz bath® multiple times a day. It is a warm bath toilet seat that allows you to soak the area in to help relaxation.

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⭐ For prevention and area protection 

Consider plain Vaseline (non-medicated) throughout the day to prevent friction and further irritation of the hemorrrhoids area.

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⭐ For hard stool that is difficult to pass 

Consider a stool softener such as docusate (Colace®) to reduce straining, use regularly to soften the stool and reduce tissue irritation.

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Disclosure: This page may contain affiliate links. If you buy through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.​

 

* 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 ≤7 days to avoid skin thinning.

  • Use only on intact external skin.

  • Wash hands before and after application.

Hydrocortisone

* Tucks® Witch Hazel Pads

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.

  • Refrigeration can enhance the cooling effect.

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)

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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