Hemroids Medications
 A number of over the counter hemroid medications are manufactured for providing relief from the symptoms of hemroids. These products work by using various anesthetic agents and other ingredients that are specifically designed to ease the pain and discomfort associated with inflamed hemroid tissues. Both external and internal hemorrhoids can be treated with over the counter hemorrhoid medications, some products for external use and some for internal use. Following is an overview of the main types of over the counter hemroid medication for symptomatic relief. Most hemorrhoid symptoms should either disappear or significantly reduce in a week after the patient starts applying these products. If the symptoms persist longer than a week, the patient must see a physician before continuing hemorrhoids treatment with over the counter hemorrhoids medication.
Astringents
Astringents reduce the swelling of the affected tissues by shrinking them. They also act to decrease mucous and other secretions. This way, astringents reduce hemroid symptoms like inflammation, burning, and itching. However, they do not relive pain. Calamine, witch hazel (hamamelis water), and zinc oxide are the most commonly used astringents for hemroid treatment.
Protectants
Protectants are a type of over the counter hemroid medication that reduces inflammation by forming a protective barrier over the skin and mucous membrane. Protectants also prevent stratum corneum (topmost skin layer) from losing water. A number of protectants are employed in over the counter hemroid medication, e.g. aluminum hydroxide (in gel form), glycerin (water solution), cocoa butter, mineral oil, kaolin, and petrolatum etc.
Vasoconstrictors
Vasoconstrictors are a group of over the counter hemorrhoid medication that works to reduce swelling by causing the blood vessels to constrict. They also have a slightly anesthetic effect on the blood vessels. These enable vasoconstrictors to provide relief from itching, irritation, and discomfort of the affected tissues. Vasoconstrictors are not usually recommended for people with blood pressure problems and heart diseases because the chemical agents in these products can raise blood pressure and cause abnormal heartbeat along with a range of other side effects.
Local Anesthetics
By blocking the nerves from conducting messages of pain, burning, itching, and irritation, local anesthetics provide temporary relief from these hemroid symptoms. Local anesthetics are mostly used for external hemorrhoids only and include such chemical agents as Benzocaine, Benzyl alcohol, Dibucaine, and Lidocaine etc.
Keratolytics
Keratolytics are yet another type of over the counter hemroid medication. Keratolytics act to dissolve skin flakes and scales (peel off the skin), which enables the affected tissues to better absorb other topical medication for hemorrhoids. This way, Keratolytics reduce itching and irritation associated with the condition. Examples of Keratolytics include Alcloxa and Resorcinol.
Antipruritics
As over the counter hemroid medication, antipruritics provide temporary relief from the annoying symptoms of hemroids (pain, burning, itching, irritation) by distracting the mind’s perception of these sensations. Menthol, juniper tar, camphor etc. are some of the well-known antipruritics, though their safety of use is still debated.
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