What Is Anusol HC? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Anusol HC is a prescription medication containing hydrocortisone acetate, a corticosteroid used to reduce inflammation in and around the rectum and anus. It's one of the most commonly prescribed medications for hemorrhoids, anal itching, and rectal inflammatory conditions. Here's everything you need to know about this medication.

What Is Anusol HC?

Anusol HC is the brand name for hydrocortisone acetate rectal, distributed by Salix Pharmaceuticals (a division of Bausch Health US, LLC). The active ingredient is hydrocortisone acetate, a synthetic corticosteroid.

It comes in several forms:

• 25 mg rectal suppository (prescription only) — white, cylinder-shaped with one tapered end. Available in 12 and 24 suppository packs.
• 2.5% rectal cream (prescription only) — applied to the rectal area using a perineal applicator or externally.
• 1% cream — available over the counter (OTC) under various brand names for mild external symptoms.

Anusol HC is NOT a controlled substance. It does not require special scheduling or tracking.

What Is Anusol HC Used For?

Anusol HC is prescribed to treat a variety of inflammatory conditions of the rectum and anus:

• Inflamed hemorrhoids: Reduces the swelling, pain, itching, and bleeding associated with internal and external hemorrhoids.
• Pruritus ani (anal itching): Controls itching caused by inflammation in and around the anus.
• Proctitis: Inflammation of the rectal lining (nonspecific proctitis).
• Factitial proctitis: Rectal inflammation following radiation therapy (post-irradiation proctitis).
• Ulcerative colitis of the rectum (as an adjunct): Used alongside other treatments to manage rectal inflammation in ulcerative colitis.
• Cryptitis: Inflammation of the anal crypts.

How Do You Use Anusol HC?

Suppository instructions:

1. Wash your hands before and after use.
2. Remove the foil wrapper. Handle the suppository as little as possible — warmth from your hands can cause it to soften.
3. Lie on your left side with your right knee bent.
4. Gently push the suppository, pointed end first, into the rectum with your finger, deep enough so it does not slide back out.
5. Remain in the same position for about 5 minutes to allow absorption.

Cream instructions:

Wash hands, attach the perineal applicator to the tube, lie on your left side with knees bent, insert the applicator gently, and squeeze a small amount of cream into the rectal area. Clean the applicator thoroughly after each use. For external use, apply a thin layer to the affected area only.

Typical Anusol HC Dosage

• Standard (nonspecific proctitis): 1 suppository rectally twice daily (morning and night) for 2 weeks.
• Severe cases: 1 suppository 3 times daily or 2 suppositories twice daily.
• Factitial proctitis: Treatment for 6-8 weeks or less, based on response.
• Cream (2.5%): Apply thin layer 3-4 times daily for adults.

Always follow your doctor's specific instructions — dosage varies based on your condition and response to treatment.

Who Makes Anusol HC?

Brand-name Anusol HC is distributed by Salix Pharmaceuticals, a division of Bausch Health US, LLC, based in Bridgewater, NJ. Generic equivalents are produced by multiple manufacturers including Cosette Pharmaceuticals (Anucort-HC), Nucare, and Paddock Laboratories.

Storage Instructions

Store Anusol HC suppositories at room temperature (68°-77°F). Keep away from heat and protect from freezing. If a suppository softens, chill it briefly in the refrigerator or run cold water over the wrapper before use.

For more detail on how this medication works in your body, see: How Does Anusol HC Work? Mechanism of Action Explained. For side effects, see: Anusol HC Side Effects: What to Expect and When to Call Your Doctor.