General Information on Cortifoam
Cortifoam is used for preventing ulcerative proctitis or ulcerative colitis of the rectum. Although it is not a cure for the condition, Cortifoam can relieve the symptoms such as diarrhea, bloody stools, and rectal pain.
The generic name of the medicine is Hydrocortisone, and it belongs to the group of drugs known as corticosteroids. It works by reducing inflammation in the patient’s rectum. Cortifoam is available in the form of an aerosol container and comes with a rectal applicator.
Side effects of Cortifoam
Do not buy Cortifoam if you have stomach or intestinal ulcers, infection, bleeding, are suffering from any blockage or underwent a recent surgery, have an eye condition such as glaucoma, cataract or herpes infection in the eye, heart problem such as recent heart attack or congestive heart failure, bone loss, thyroid problem, kidney or liver disease, high blood pressure, blood clotting or bleeding problem, a mental or mood condition such as depression or psychosis, or low potassium levels in the blood.
Burning or itching in the rectum can commonly occur as a side effect of Cortifoam. However, you should inform your doctor if this persists or worsens. If the medicine gets absorbed into your bloodstream, it may lead to swelling of the feet or ankles, vision problems, weight loss, unusual or extreme tiredness, headache, or increased urination or thirst.
Some serious side effects associated with Cortifoam include persistent or new rectal bleeding, black or tarry stools, unusual bleeding or bruising, dark colored vomit, bone pain, stomach or abdominal pain, mental or mood changes such as mood swings, depression, or agitation, brittle bones, irregular heartbeat, or muscle pain or weakness. You may also notice signs of an infection, including persistent throat soreness, fever, pain while urinating, irritation near the anus, and worsening redness in the area.
Some hypersensitive patients may also develop an allergic reaction after using Cortifoam. Symptoms of an allergy include hives, facial swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing.
Dosage of Cortifoam
Cortifoam has to be administered in the patient’s rectum as instructed by the doctor. Usually, you will have to use it once or twice a day for 2 to 3 weeks. After that, your doctor may ask you to use it every other day. The duration of treatment and the dosage depends on a patient’s medical condition and his or her response to treatment. In order to minimize the side effects of the drug, your doctor may ask you to lower the dose gradually once positive results have been achieved. The lowest dosage that can yield positive results for your condition will be maintained thereafter.
When you buy Cortifoam, its package will also contain an applicator that you can use to administer the drug in your rectum. Shake the bottle properly before application and hold it upright. Fill the applicator with the right Cortifoam dose, insert its tip gently into your anus, push its plunger to administer the medication, and then remove the applicator. Wash the applicator, container tip, and cap with warm water after use, and also wash your hands. Administering more Cortifoam than prescribed will not help in achieving the results any faster. It will only worsen the condition and increase the risk of serious side effects of the drug.
