Rectal Bleeding
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.
Rectal bleeding can be caused by constipation, hemorrhoids, or anal fissures. It may also be caused by polyps, tumors, or medical conditions, such as colitis or diverticulitis.
DISCHARGE INSTRUCTIONS:
Medicines:
- Pain medicine may be needed. Do not wait until your pain is severe before you take this medicine. The medicine may not work as well at controlling your pain if you wait too long to take it. Pain medicine can make you dizzy or sleepy. Prevent falls by asking for help when you want to get out of bed.
- Iron supplement: Iron helps your body make more red blood cells.
- Steroids: This medicine decreases inflammation in your rectum. It may be applied as a cream, ointment, or lotion.
- Take your medicine as directed. Contact your healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not helping or if you have side effects. Tell your provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency.
Follow up with your doctor as directed:
Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.
Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions
Preparation H Maximum Strength
Preparation H Maximum Strength is used for hemorrhoids
Otezla
Otezla (apremilast) is used to treat plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, and oral ulcers ...
Proctozone HC
Proctozone HC is used for anal itching, hemorrhoids, proctitis, pruritus
Proctofoam HC
Proctofoam HC is used for dermatitis, dermatological disorders, hemorrhoids
Anusol-HC
Anusol-HC is used for anal itching, hemorrhoids, proctitis, pruritus
Anusol-HC Suppositories
Anusol-HC Suppositories is used for anal itching, hemorrhoids, proctitis, pruritus
Aluminum hydroxide
Aluminum hydroxide systemic is used for duodenal ulcer, erosive esophagitis, gastrointestinal ...
Vasopressin
Vasopressin systemic is used for abdominal distension prior to abdominal x-ray, abdominal ...
Omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate
Omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate systemic is used for duodenal ulcer, erosive esophagitis ...
Treatment options
The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.
- Anucort-HC
- Preparation H Maximum Strength
- tranexamic acid
- hydrocortisone
- omeprazole/sodium bicarbonate
Drink liquids as directed:
Ask your healthcare provider how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you. This will help prevent dehydration and constipation.
Contact your healthcare provider if:
- You have a fever.
- Your rectal bleeding stopped for a time, but has started again.
- You have nausea.
- You have cold, sweaty, pale skin.
- You have changes in your bowel movements, such as diarrhea.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
Return to the emergency department if:
- You are breathing faster than usual.
- You are dizzy, lightheaded, or feel faint.
- You are confused or cannot think clearly.
- You urinate less than usual or not at all.
- Your rectal bleeding is constant or heavy.
- You have severe abdominal pain or cramping.
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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.
Learn more about Rectal Bleeding
Treatment options
- Medications for Bleeding Disorder
- Medications for Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage
- Medications for Hemorrhoids
Care guides
Symptoms and treatments
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.