balsam peru + bismuth oxide + bismuth subgallate + zinc oxide at a glance
Medicine class
Topical treatment for haemorrhoids and related anorectal conditions.
Available forms
Ointment for external or internal application and suppositories for anal insertion.
Important check
Rectal bleeding or blood in the stool should be medically assessed before use.
Age
The selected products are not recommended for children.
What is balsam peru + bismuth oxide + bismuth subgallate + zinc oxide used for?
Licensed uses represented by the selected UK products include:
Relief of internal haemorrhoids and related anorectal conditions.
Ointment treatment of uncomplicated internal and external haemorrhoids, anal itching, proctitis and anal fissures.
Ointment use following specified anorectal procedures or treatment of thrombosed or sclerosed anorectal veins.
How does balsam peru + bismuth oxide + bismuth subgallate + zinc oxide work?
Zinc oxide and the bismuth compounds form a protective layer and have mildly astringent effects. Zinc oxide also absorbs moisture and reduces friction. Balsam Peru provides protective and very mild antiseptic effects. The combination soothes discomfort but does not treat underlying contributors such as constipation.
How to take balsam peru + bismuth oxide + bismuth subgallate + zinc oxide
Use only in or around the anus; do not swallow. Follow the instructions for your formulation.
For ointment, gently clean and dry the area before application. It may be placed on gauze for external use.
For internal ointment use, attach the supplied rectal nozzle and clean it after use.
Remove a suppository's wrapper before anal insertion.
Wash your hands after handling the product.
balsam peru + bismuth oxide + bismuth subgallate + zinc oxide side effects
Get urgent medical advice
- Stop using the product and seek advice for marked burning, redness, peeling, worsening irritation, pain, itching, rash or hives.
- Rare hypersensitivity can occur. Call 999 for breathing difficulty, throat tightness, fainting or sudden swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat.
- Balsam Peru can cause skin sensitisation or systemic contact dermatitis in susceptible people.
balsam peru + bismuth oxide + bismuth subgallate + zinc oxide in pregnancy
Formal pregnancy studies have not been conducted. Product information recommends use only when the expected maternal benefit outweighs possible fetal risk. If pregnant, check with a doctor, midwife or pharmacist before use.
balsam peru + bismuth oxide + bismuth subgallate + zinc oxide interactions
No interactions with other medicines are known for the selected products. Tell a pharmacist or prescriber about other rectal products to avoid duplication or local irritation.
Common questions about balsam peru + bismuth oxide + bismuth subgallate + zinc oxide
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can this treatment cure haemorrhoids?
It protects and soothes irritated tissue but does not remove underlying contributors such as constipation or straining.
Which form is used for external piles?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.