Xyloproct ointment is a prescription rectal ointment containing lidocaine and hydrocortisone acetate, used short term to relieve pain, itching, and inflammation associated with piles and anal irritation.
Xyloproct ointment is a rectal ointment. It is used to relieve uncomfortable symptoms around the back passage, such as itching, soreness, pain, and inflammation. It’s often prescribed when piles (haemorrhoids) are flaring, or when the skin around the anus is irritated and you need short-term relief to let things settle.[3]
What makes Xyloproct ointment different from a basic barrier cream is that it contains two active ingredients. Lidocaine numbs the area (so pain and burning ease), while hydrocortisone acetate reduces inflammation and itching. [3] In other words: one ingredient helps you feel better fast, and the other helps calm the underlying irritation.
It’s also worth saying the quiet part out loud: piles are common, but they’re not always the full story. If you’ve got ongoing bleeding, severe pain, or symptoms that keep coming back, it’s smarter (and safer) to get assessed rather than repeatedly treating at home. [2]
Xyloproct ointment is best used as a short course while you also tackle the trigger, usually constipation and straining.[3]
Helps relieve itching, pain, and inflammation around the anus
Contains lidocaine (local anaesthetic) plus hydrocortisone acetate (steroid)
Used short term, alongside self-care measures for piles
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Xyloproct ointment is a prescription rectal ointment used for short-term relief of itching, pain, and inflammation around the anus, including symptoms linked to haemorrhoids (piles).[1][2] This deep dive explains what Xyloproct ointment is, what’s in it, how to use it safely, and when to get checked
Five key takeaways
Xyloproct ointment combines lidocaine (local anaesthetic) and hydrocortisone acetate (steroid) to reduce pain, itching, and inflammation.
It’s for short-term use; if symptoms don’t improve quickly, get medical advice rather than repeating courses.
Piles are common, but persistent bleeding or a change in bowel habit should be checked.
The best long-term plan is prevention: softer stools, less straining, and better toilet habits.
Using too many products at once can irritate the area; keep it simple and follow the label.
Overview: Xyloproct ointment
Piles are swollen blood vessels in or around the anus. They often improve on their own, but flare-ups can be miserable. The NHS advice focuses on the basics that actually work: drink fluids, eat more fibre, avoid straining, and don’t spend longer than needed on the toilet. [1]
Xyloproct ointment fits into that picture as a short-term helper. When symptoms are sore and itchy, the lidocaine can make day-to-day life easier. And when inflammation is driving itching and swelling, hydrocortisone acetate can calm things down.
But because it contains a steroid, it’s not meant for long-term use. Overuse can irritate skin and may mask symptoms that need proper assessment. If you keep needing it, it’s a sign the trigger hasn’t been fixed (often constipation) or the diagnosis needs reviewing.[3]
If you’re dealing with bleeding, it’s easy to assume it’s piles. Often it is. But if bleeding is persistent, heavy, or paired with other changes, it needs checking. That’s not scare-mongering; it’s just good clinical sense.[2]
The best results come from a two-part plan: use Xyloproct ointment for short-term relief, and use lifestyle steps to reduce pressure and irritation so you’re not stuck in a loop of flare-up ? treatment ? flare-up.[3]
Buy Xyloproct Ointment (Prescription Only)
Xyloproct Ointment is a Prescription Only Medicine (POM). That means it’s only available with a valid prescription.
You can buy Xyloproct from courierpharmacy.co.uk by completing our quick online consultation. It’s designed to make sure the treatment is safe and suitable for you.
How it works
Complete the online consultation
A UK-qualified prescriber reviews your answers
If approved, your prescription is issued
We dispense and deliver your treatment discreetly
If Xyloproct isn’t suitable, we’ll let you know and suggest the next best option.
Active ingredients in Xyloproct ointment
Xyloproct® 5%/0.275% ointment contains contains lidocaine and hydrocortisone acetate. [3]
Each gram of Xyloproct Ointment contains 50 mg (milligrams) of lidocaine and 2.75 mg of hydrocortisone acetate.
The other ingredients are zinc oxide, aluminium acetate, stearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, purified water and macrogol (3350 and 400).The exact amounts are:
Lidocaine is a local anaesthetic that reduces pain and itching by numbing nerve endings. Hydrocortisone acetate is a corticosteroid used locally to reduce inflammation, swelling, and itching. [3]
This combination is commonly used in rectal preparations because it targets both symptom relief (numbing) and the inflammatory component (steroid effect).
What is the Xyloproct ointment used for
Xyloproct ointment is indicated for relief of symptoms such as anal and peri-anal itching (pruritus), pain, and inflammation.[3] In real life, that often means piles symptoms, irritation after straining, or soreness linked to inflamed skin around the anus.
NICE CKS includes topical haemorrhoidal preparations as an option for short-term symptomatic relief in haemorrhoids, alongside self-care measures. [3] That’s why you’ll see the same advice repeated everywhere (for good reason): soften stools, reduce straining, and keep the area clean and dry.
If symptoms are new, severe, or recurrent, it’s worth getting checked. A quick review can confirm the presence of piles and rule out fissures, infection, inflammatory bowel disease, or other causes of rectal symptoms.
How does Xyloproct ointment work
Lidocaine works locally by blocking nerve signals. When nerves can’t transmit pain and itch signals as strongly, symptoms ease. This can be especially helpful when pain makes bowel movements stressful, because stress and pain can lead to more straining (and more irritation). [3]
Hydrocortisone acetate reduces inflammation in the skin and tissue. When inflammation settles, swelling and itching often reduce too. That can help break the itch–scratch cycle, which is a surprisingly common reason symptoms linger. [3]
Used together, the ingredients can make the area feel calmer fairly quickly. That said, the ointment doesn’t remove the underlying cause of piles. If constipation, diarrhoea, pregnancy pressure, heavy lifting, or prolonged sitting on the loo is driving symptoms, you’ll still need to address that.
Because hydrocortisone is a steroid, the aim is short-term use. Longer use can increase the risk of local side effects, including skin thinning. That’s why guidance focuses on short courses and review if symptoms persist. [3]
How to use the Xyloproct ointment
Wash your hands before and after applying Xyloproct ointment. Use it exactly as directed in your leaflet or on the label. If you’re applying externally, a small amount is usually enough. More ointment doesn’t mean more benefit; it often just means more laundry. [3]
If you’ve been advised to apply it internally, follow the leaflet instructions carefully (some packs include an applicator). Applying gently reduces irritation. If insertion is painful, stop and seek advice, as you may have a fissure or significant inflammation that needs a different approach.
Try to apply after a bowel movement where possible, so the medicine stays in place longer. Keep the area clean and dry, and avoid harsh soaps or over-wiping, which can worsen irritation.
Warnings and precautions: Xyloproct ointment
If you have persistent bleeding, severe pain, a change in bowel habit, weight loss, or you feel unwell, get medical advice. The NHS advises review if symptoms don’t improve after a week of home treatment or if piles keep coming back.
Avoid using Xyloproct ointment for longer than recommended. Steroid-containing products can cause local side effects with prolonged use and may mask symptoms of infection or other conditions. [3]
If you have an infection in or around the anus, speak to a clinician before using a steroid-containing ointment. Steroids can reduce inflammation but may also affect local immune response. [3]
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, ask for personalised advice. Rectal products may be used in some cases, but the decision should be individual and based on symptom severity and alternatives. [3]
Side effects: Xyloproct ointment
Most side effects are local and mild, such as temporary burning, irritation, or discomfort at the application site. [3]
Some people can develop sensitivity reactions, including rash or worsening irritation. If symptoms clearly worsen after starting, stop and seek advice. [3]
With steroid-containing products, repeated or prolonged use can increase the risk of skin thinning and other local steroid effects. That’s why short courses are recommended. [3]
If you think you’re having a serious allergic reaction (such as swelling of the face or throat, breathing difficulty, or widespread rash), seek urgent medical help.
Drug interactions: Xyloproct ointment
Because Xyloproct ointment is used locally, systemic interactions are less common than with tablets. Still, it’s important to tell your prescriber about your medicines and medical conditions, especially if you’re using other steroid products or medicines that affect immunity. [3]
If you’re on anticoagulants and you have rectal bleeding, the key issue is assessment rather than symptom relief. Bleeding should be discussed with a clinician so the cause and risk can be reviewed. [3]
If you’re using other rectal products, try not to apply multiple treatments at the same time unless advised. Layering products can irritate the area and make it harder to tell what’s helping (or what’s causing the sting).
FAQ: Xyloproct ointment
What is Xyloproct ointment used for?
It’s used to relieve anal and peri-anal itching, pain, and inflammation.
Is Xyloproct ointment used for piles?
It can be prescribed to relieve symptoms associated with piles, alongside self-care measures.
What are the active ingredients in Xyloproct ointment?
Lidocaine and hydrocortisone acetate.
How quickly does Xyloproct ointment work?
Lidocaine can ease pain and itching fairly quickly because it numbs the area. The anti-inflammatory effect may take a little longer.
How long should I use Xyloproct ointment for?
Use it for the shortest time needed, following your label and leaflet. NICE CKS often advises 5–7 days for topical haemorrhoidal preparations.
Can I use Xyloproct ointment for more than a week?
Not usually without review. If symptoms persist, get medical advice rather than extending treatment.
Can Xyloproct ointment cause burning?
Yes, mild local irritation can happen. If it’s severe or worsening, stop and seek advice.
Can I use Xyloproct ointment if I’m pregnant?
Ask for personalised advice. Piles are common in pregnancy, but treatment should be individual.
Can I use Xyloproct ointment while breastfeeding?
Ask for personalised advice, especially if symptoms are persistent.
Is Xyloproct ointment a steroid?
It contains hydrocortisone acetate, which is a corticosteroid.
Is Xyloproct ointment an anaesthetic?
It contains lidocaine, a local anaesthetic.
Can I use Xyloproct ointment for anal fissures?
Some fissure symptoms overlap with piles, but fissures may need different treatment. If pain is sharp or severe, get assessed.
What if I have bleeding?
Piles can bleed, but persistent or heavy bleeding should be checked.
What are red flags with piles symptoms?
Persistent bleeding, change in bowel habit, weight loss, severe pain, or feeling unwell should be assessed.
Can constipation make piles worse?
Yes. Constipation and straining are major triggers.
What can I do to prevent piles coming back?
Eat more fibre, drink fluids, avoid straining, and don’t spend long on the toilet.
Can I use Xyloproct ointment with other piles creams?
Avoid stacking products unless advised. Too many products can irritate the area.
Can I use Xyloproct ointment internally?
Only if your leaflet/label advises it and you follow the instructions carefully.
What if it hurts to apply?
Stop and seek advice. You may have a fissure or significant inflammation that needs review.
Do I need to see a GP for piles?
Not always, but the NHS advises review if there’s no improvement after 7 days or if piles keep coming back.
When should I speak to a pharmacist?
If you’re unsure it’s piles, you’re pregnant/breastfeeding, you have ongoing bleeding, or symptoms aren’t improving, ask.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any new treatment.
