Understanding How long do Anusol suppositories take to work? A comprehensive guide

October 8, 2025 •

4 min read

According to Anusol's own guidance, most people will notice an improvement in symptoms within a few days of starting treatment with Anusol suppositories, with full resolution of symptoms typically occurring within one to two weeks. Several factors, including the severity of the condition and the active ingredients, influence how long do Anusol suppositories take to work?

Quick Summary

Anusol suppositories can provide initial relief from hemorrhoid symptoms within days, with noticeable shrinking and decreased pain often taking about a week. The total time for healing varies based on severity and consistent usage, and some products contain different ingredients that affect the speed.

Key Points

Initial Relief: Initial relief from symptoms like itching and burning is often felt within a few days of consistent Anusol suppository use.
Full Healing Time: For hemorrhoids to shrink and completely heal, it may take one to two weeks of regular application.
Factors Affecting Speed: The time it takes depends on the severity of the hemorrhoids, adherence to the recommended application frequency, and individual response to the medication.
Proper Application is Key: For maximum effectiveness, the suppository must be inserted correctly after a bowel movement, followed by a period of lying still.
Anusol-HC vs. Standard: The HC version with hydrocortisone may act faster on inflammation but is typically recommended for short-term treatment and is not available over-the-counter in all locations.
When to See a Doctor: If symptoms persist beyond the recommended treatment duration, worsen, or are accompanied by serious bleeding, medical advice is necessary.

The Anusol timeline: from initial relief to full healing

When using Anusol suppositories, it's helpful to understand the timeline for treatment. You can typically expect to experience some initial symptom relief fairly quickly, but achieving full healing takes more time and consistent application.

Initial relief: Many users report starting to feel relief from itching, burning, and discomfort within a few days of beginning regular treatment. This initial effect is due to the active ingredients working locally to soothe the inflamed area.
Full healing: For the hemorrhoids to shrink and heal completely, a more extended period is necessary. Most cases show significant improvement and resolution within one to two weeks of consistent, directed use.

Factors influencing the speed of treatment

Several variables can affect how quickly Anusol suppositories work for an individual. Understanding these can help you manage your expectations and ensure the best possible outcome from your treatment.

Severity of hemorrhoids

Not all hemorrhoids are the same, and their size and inflammation level directly impact the healing time. Smaller, less inflamed hemorrhoids will respond more quickly to treatment than larger, more severe ones.

Consistency of application

For the medication to be most effective, it is crucial to use the suppositories exactly as directed on the packaging or by a healthcare provider. Missing applications or inconsistent use can prolong the healing process.

The active ingredients

Different Anusol products contain different active ingredients, which can influence how they work. Standard Anusol suppositories contain ingredients like zinc oxide, bismuth subgallate, and Peru Balsam. The prescription-strength Anusol-HC contains hydrocortisone, a corticosteroid that provides a stronger anti-inflammatory effect.

Standard Anusol: Relies on astringent, antiseptic, and protective ingredients to soothe and promote healing.
Anusol-HC: The added hydrocortisone works more powerfully to reduce inflammation and swelling quickly. However, this version is typically recommended for short-term use and should only be used under a doctor's supervision.

How to use Anusol suppositories correctly for best results

Proper technique is essential for the suppository to dissolve and deliver the medication effectively. Follow these steps for optimal use:

Prepare: Ensure you have a clean and dry rectal area, ideally after a bowel movement. Wash your hands thoroughly.
Unwrap: Remove the suppository from its foil or plastic packaging. If it is soft, you can harden it by running it under cool water for a few moments.
Insert: Lie on your side with one knee bent toward your chest. Gently push the pointed end of the suppository into the rectum using your finger, inserting it about an inch deep to ensure it passes the anal sphincter.
Remain still: Stay lying down for a few minutes to allow the suppository to melt and for your body to absorb the medication effectively.
Avoid bowel movement: Do not have a bowel movement for a period recommended by a healthcare professional or the product instructions after insertion to give the medication sufficient time to work.
Clean up: Wash your hands again thoroughly after insertion.

Comparison table: Anusol suppositories vs. cream

Choosing between suppositories and a topical cream or ointment depends on the location and nature of your hemorrhoids. This table highlights the key differences.


Feature	Anusol Suppositories	Anusol Cream/Ointment
Primary Use	Internal hemorrhoids and itching	External hemorrhoids and surrounding skin irritation
Application	Inserted directly into the rectum	Applied to the affected external area
Mechanism	Melts inside the rectum to deliver medication directly to internal tissues	Provides a protective barrier and delivers active ingredients topically
Onset of Relief	Symptom relief can begin within a few days of regular use	Many users report near-immediate soothing relief upon application
Sustained Relief	Offers more sustained, long-lasting relief as it melts slowly	Relief is often shorter-lived and may require more frequent application
Use with Other Products	Can be combined with cream for external symptoms	Can be used to lubricate the suppository for easier insertion

When to see a doctor

While Anusol suppositories are effective for many people, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should consult a healthcare provider if:

Your symptoms do not improve after consistent use for a period recommended by a healthcare professional or the product instructions.
Your symptoms worsen or new ones appear.
You experience rectal bleeding that is new or heavy.
You have black, tarry stools, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds, which can be signs of internal bleeding.
You develop signs of an infection, such as fever, painful urination, or worsening redness and irritation.

Conclusion

For those wondering, how long do Anusol suppositories take to work?, the answer depends on consistent use and the severity of the hemorrhoids. Symptom relief is generally experienced within days, with more significant healing occurring over one to two weeks. Proper application, understanding the differences between product types, and knowing when to seek professional medical help are all crucial for an effective treatment process. If your symptoms don't improve after the recommended course, consulting a doctor is the next step to explore other options and ensure there are no underlying issues.

For more detailed information on hydrocortisone-containing treatments, please refer to authoritative sources such as the NHS website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Many people begin to notice an improvement in their hemorrhoid symptoms, such as itching and burning, within a few days of starting consistent treatment with Anusol suppositories.

You should use Anusol suppositories as directed on the packaging or by a healthcare professional. If your symptoms do not improve after a period recommended by a doctor or the product instructions, you should consult a doctor.

Yes, for best results, it is recommended to insert the suppository after a bowel movement. You should then try to retain it for a period recommended by a healthcare professional or the product instructions to allow the medication time to work effectively.

Yes, it is possible to use both. Suppositories are best for internal hemorrhoids, while the cream is for external symptoms. You can apply the cream to the outer area and insert the suppository for internal relief.

If you forget to use a suppository, use it as soon as you remember, unless it is nearly time for your next scheduled application. It is important to follow the recommended frequency of use and not exceed the total number of applications per day to avoid potential irritation.

Anusol-HC contains hydrocortisone, a corticosteroid that provides a stronger anti-inflammatory effect. Unlike standard Anusol, it is often prescription-only and should typically not be used for more than a recommended short duration without medical supervision.

You should see a doctor if your symptoms do not improve after the recommended treatment duration, if they worsen, or if you experience unusual or heavy rectal bleeding. A doctor can rule out other conditions and recommend further treatment.