Ungüento rectal de trinitrato de glicerilo
Rectogesic
Revisado por pares por Sid DajaniÚltima actualización por Michael Stewart, MRPharmSLast updated 20 Oct 2024
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Glyceryl trinitrate rectal ointment can ease the pain associated with small tears of skin around the back passage (anal fissures).
Use the ointment twice daily at 12-hourly intervals. You can use it for up to eight weeks if necessary.
The most common side-effect is a headache.
At a glance
Glyceryl trinitrate rectal ointment eases pain from anal fissures by increasing blood flow.
Apply 2.5 cm of ointment just inside your back passage every 12 hours.
Do not drink alcohol while using this ointment as it increases side-effects.
Headaches are a very common side-effect, ask your pharmacist for a painkiller.
If your symptoms do not improve, speak with your doctor.
Store opened ointment for no longer than eight weeks.
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About glyceryl trinitrate rectal ointment
Tipo de medicamento | A nitrate |
Usado para | Pain relief for anal fissures (in adults) |
También llamado | Nitroglycerin (in US); Rectogesic® |
Disponible como | Rectal ointment |
An fisura anal is a small tear of the skin around your back passage (anus). Glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) rectal ointment (Rectogesic®) works by relaxing the muscle just inside your back passage. Relaxing this muscle increases the flow of blood to the area, which eases pain. It can be helpful where other treatments have not been effective.
A different brand of glyceryl trinitrate ointment (Percutol®) is used to relieve angina pain. For information on this product please see our medicine leaflet Glyceryl trinitrate for angina.
Before using glyceryl trinitrate rectal ointment
Volver al contenidoTo make sure that this is the right treatment for you, before you start using GTN rectal ointment it is important that your doctor knows:
Si estás embarazada o amamantando.
Si tienes algún problema con el funcionamiento de tu hígado, o algún problema con el funcionamiento de tus riñones.
If you have migraines or severe headaches.
If you have low blood pressure, or a heart condition.
If you have been told by a doctor you have low levels of iron in your blood (anaemia), or low levels of oxygen in your blood (hypoxaemia).
Si tienes una glándula tiroides hipoactiva.
Si tienes una afección ocular llamada glaucoma.
Si recientemente has tenido una lesión en la cabeza o un ataque al corazón.
Si alguna vez has tenido una reacción alérgica a un medicamento.
If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal or complementary medicines. It is particularly important that you tell your doctor if you are using any medicines to help treat erectile dysfunction.
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How to use glyceryl trinitrate rectal ointment
Volver al contenidoBefore you use the ointment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about using the ointment, and it will also provide you with a full list of side-effects which you could experience.
Cover your finger with a finger cot (available from pharmacies), or a piece of cling film, or use a disposable glove. Then measure out 2.5 cm of the ointment from the tube on to your finger (there is a measuring line on the packaging to help you). Then, using your finger, gently insert the ointment just inside your back passage. To make sure that the ointment gets to the correct place, insert your finger to the first finger joint. Apply the ointment this way every 12 hours until the pain goes away. You can continue to use the ointment for up to eight weeks, if needed.
Obteniendo el máximo de tu tratamiento
Volver al contenidoRemember to follow any lifestyle or dietary advice you have been given by your doctor. Try to avoid becoming constipated, by eating a high-fibre diet and drinking several glasses of water each day.
It is best not to drink alcohol while you are using GTN rectal ointment. Alcohol will increase the chance that you experience side-effects such as feeling dizzy and light-headed.
If you experience any bleeding from your back passage, or if your symptoms do not improve, you should discuss this with your doctor.
If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are suitable for you to take while you are using GTN rectal ointment.
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Can glyceryl trinitrate rectal ointment cause problems?
Volver al contenidoAlong with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with GTN rectal ointment. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.
Very common glyceryl trinitrate rectal ointment side-effects (these affect more than 1 in 10 people) | ¿Qué puedo hacer si experimento esto? |
Dolor de cabeza | Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller. If the headache is severe or if it continues, please ask your doctor for further advice |
Common glyceryl trinitrate rectal ointment side-effects (these affect fewer than 1 in 10 people) | ¿Qué puedo hacer si experimento esto? |
Sensación de mareo o aturdimiento | No conduzca ni utilice herramientas o máquinas mientras esté afectado |
Sentirse mal (náuseas) | Try to stick to simple meals (avoid rich or spicy foods). If it becomes troublesome, please speak with your doctor |
Less common glyceryl trinitrate rectal ointment side-effects | ¿Qué puedo hacer si experimento esto? |
Blurred vision, diarrhoea, local burning or itching | If any become troublesome, please speak with your doctor |
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the ointment, please speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.
How to store glyceryl trinitrate rectal ointment
Volver al contenidoOnce opened, do not store or use the ointment for longer than eight weeks.
Mantenga todos los medicamentos fuera del alcance y la vista de los niños.
Almacenar en un lugar fresco y seco, lejos del calor y la luz directos.
Información importante sobre todos los medicamentos
Volver al contenidoInformación importante sobre todos los medicamentos
Never use more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that someone might have swallowed some of the ointment by accident, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
Este medicamento es para ti. Nunca lo des a otras personas, incluso si su condición parece ser la misma que la tuya.
If you are having an operation or dental treatment, please remember to tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking/using.
No guardes medicamentos caducados o no deseados. Llévalos a tu farmacia local, que se encargará de desecharlos por ti.
Si tienes alguna pregunta sobre este medicamento, consulta a tu farmacéutico.
Informar efectos secundarios de un medicamento o vacuna
Si experimenta efectos secundarios, puede reportarlos en línea a través de Yellow Card website.

¿Inseguro sobre mezclar medicamentos?
Verifica posibles interacciones entre medicamentos, suplementos y alimentos antes de tomarlos juntos.
Preguntas frecuentes
How does glyceryl trinitrate rectal ointment help with anal fissures?
Glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) rectal ointment works by relaxing the muscle just inside your back passage. This relaxation helps to increase blood flow to the affected area, which in turn eases the pain caused by anal fissures.
Are there any specific medical conditions that might prevent me from using this ointment?
Yes, it's important to tell your doctor if you have certain conditions, such as liver or kidney problems, migraines, severe headaches, low blood pressure, a heart condition, low iron or oxygen levels in your blood, an underactive thyroid gland, glaucoma, or if you've recently had a head injury or heart attack. Also, disclose if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have any allergies to medicines.
How long can I use glyceryl trinitrate rectal ointment?
You should apply the ointment every 12 hours until the pain subsides. If needed, you can continue using it for a maximum of eight weeks.
What should I do if I experience a headache after using the ointment?
Headaches are a very common side-effect. You can ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller. If the headache is severe or continues, you should seek further advice from your doctor.
Can I drink alcohol while using this ointment?
It is best not to drink alcohol when using GTN rectal ointment, as it can increase your chance of experiencing side-effects like feeling dizzy and light-headed.
What should I do if my symptoms don't improve or if I notice bleeding?
If you experience any bleeding from your back passage, or if your symptoms do not get better, you should discuss this with your doctor.
How should I store the opened tube of ointment?
Once the tube is opened, do not store or use the ointment for longer than eight weeks. Keep it in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light, and out of reach and sight of children.
Lecturas adicionales y referencias
- Manufacturer's PIL, Rectogesic® 4 mg/g Rectal Ointment; Grunenthal Meds, Kyowa Kirin International UK NewCo Ltd, The electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated February 2024.
- Medicamentos Completos BNF 89ª Edición; Asociación Médica Británica y Sociedad Real de Farmacia de Gran Bretaña, Londres.
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About the authorView full bio

Michael Stewart, MRPharmS
Medicine Leaflet Review Manager – Contractor, Pharmacist
BPharm (Hons), MRPharmS
Michael is a community pharmacist practicing in the Midlands and South Yorkshire with more than 20 years’ experience advising on medicines and medical conditions. He has a strong background in healthcare training, having produced and delivered training courses for pharmacy teams and staff of residential care settings, including nurses. He has also contributed to pharmacy advisory boards for the management of low acuity conditions in the community.
About the reviewer

Sid Dajani
Sultan Dajani qualified at the London School of Pharmacy in 1994 and became the youngest elected member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society council since its founding in 1842.
Historial del artículo
La información en esta página está escrita y revisada por pares por clínicos calificados.
Próxima revisión: 16 de octubre de 2027
20 Oct 2024 | Última versión

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