Different medications are prescribed as remedy to anal fissure. The most common medication for fissures are the nitroglycerin ointment and calcium channel blockers. But like any medicine, they may also have side effects. Some people experience minor to no side effects, while other people may be greatly affected.
Nitroglycerin Ointment
This ointment contains petroleum jelly that is used to treat acute and chronic fissures in the anus. The nitroglycerin helps the muscle in the internal anal sphincter to relax thereby increasing the blood flow to the injured tissue and decreasing the pressure. This way, the fissure heals faster and more effectively. Alongside an intake of fluids and high-fiber foods, the application of this ointment is one of the best non-operative treatments for fissures.
One of the chief side effects of using nitroglycerin is headaches. Some patients complain of a decrease in blood pressure. It can also cause dizziness, especially if it is taken with alcohol or other medicines. It is best to use this ointment with extreme caution.
You should not use nitroglycerin apart from prescription and not for prolonged periods. You should not change its dose and it shouldn’t be used on children and elderly people. If the ointment does not bring healing and immediate relief to anal fissure, consult your doctor and discontinue its use. Likewise, you should advise a dentist or doctor that you are using the nitroglycerin ointment prior to other dental or medical attention or surgery.
Calcium Channel Blockers
Similar to nitroglycerin ointments, calcium channel blockers aid in healing chronic fissures by increasing the blood supply to the affected area. They are available as topical ointments and oral medication. The side effects of taking calcium blockers to address fissures include drops in blood pressure as well as headaches. Calcium channel blockers applied as topical ointments have also been known to cause dizziness and burning or itching at the affected area. However, most patients attest that the side effects go away as soon as their body gets used to the medication.
If ever you encounter severe side effects such as allergic reactions, fainting and flushing, you should seek medical attention immediately. Allergic reactions include difficulty breathing, hives, itching, rashes, tightness in the chest, and swelling in local areas such as the mouth, lips, face, tongue and throat. Other severe symptoms include persistent dizziness, light-headedness, and swollen and blistered skin. And like with any other medication, it is best not to drive or do unsafe tasks until you know your reaction to a particular medicine. If you become pregnant and you are using medication for fissures, make sure you advise your doctor so that you can identify the possible risks involved.
Remember that an anal fissure has a tendency to recur. Even though it has been fully healed, there is a risk of having it torn again after another trauma from hard bowel movement or loose stools. To aid in the healing process, make sure you incorporate adjustments in your diet, fluid intake and exercise. When fissures do not heal, you should have them re-examined. There may be cases of scarring and internal spasm that is delaying the healing. You may also have other intestinal concerns and infections.
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