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What is Nupercainal® Ointment?

Sara Schmidt
Sara Schmidt
Sara Schmidt
Sara Schmidt

Hemorrhoids and other anorectal problems can be very bothersome and painful. To remedy this pain, many types of ointment are available. Nupercainal® ointment is a popular over-the-counter medicinal cream for treating hemorrhoids.

Several different ingredients make up this antibacterial ointment. Light mineral oil, white petrolatum, lanolin, and dibucaine, a topical analgesic pain medication, are all components of the analgesic ointment. These substances work together to provide quick, temporary relief to various hemorrhoid and anorectal symptoms, such as burning, itching, and pain.

Nupercainal ointment may be used to treat cuts and scrapes.
Nupercainal ointment may be used to treat cuts and scrapes.

The dibucaine in Nupercainal® ointment works as a numbing agent. It prevents the nerves from sending pain signals to the brain, causing the body to feel a milder pain sensation, or to not experience the pain at all. The other ingredients of the ointment prevent the skin from drying out. They also protect and soothe the skin as it heals.

This medicinal ointment is not limited to treating anorectal ailments. Nupercainal® cream is also useful in treating minor burns, sunburn, and other minor skin irritations. It can also be used to treat cuts, scrapes, and insect bites. The remedy is typically available in a tube, with the most common size containing 2 ounces (56 grams) of the ointment.

Nupercainal ointment may be used to treat insect bites.
Nupercainal ointment may be used to treat insect bites.

Nupercainal® ointment does not prevent or treat internal hemorrhoids. The skin ointment does not prevent hemorrhoids from recurring, either. The skin ointment can be used for up to seven days for relief of hemorrhoid symptoms. If symptoms do not improve or worsen within that time period, a physician should be contacted.

Prior to applying this remedy, the affected area should be cleaned with mild soap and water, then completely dried. External application can be administered three to four times daily during treatment. The recommended dose on the product's package should not be exceeded unless directed by a doctor.

Nupercainal® is an over-the-counter medicinal cream used to treat hemorrhoids.
Nupercainal® is an over-the-counter medicinal cream used to treat hemorrhoids.

Hand should be washed thoroughly before and after using this ointment. Contact with the eyes should be avoided. The affected area should not be bandaged or wrapped unless advised by a doctor. Internal use of this hemorrhoid treatment is not recommended. Nupercainal® cream should not be inserted directly into the rectum.

Allergic reaction to Nupercainal® ointment is possible. If allergic to any of the ingredients within the cream, or to products that contain sulfites, a person should avoid its use. Women who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or nursing, children, and people taking medications should seek a physician's advice before using the ointment. Nupercainal® ointment should be stored out of reach of children and between 68° to 77° Fahrenheit (20° to 25° Celsius). If swallowed, the product can cause many averse reactions, from vomiting to seizures, and the patient should immediately visit the nearest emergency center.

Sara Schmidt
Sara Schmidt

A graduate of Southeast Missouri State University, Sara has a Master’s Degree in English, which she puts to use writing for TheHealthBoard and several magazines, websites, and nonprofit organizations. She has published her own novella, and has other literary projects currently in progress. Sara’s varied interests have also led her to teach children in Spain, tutor college students, run CPR and first aid classes, and organize student retreats.

Learn more...
Sara Schmidt
Sara Schmidt

A graduate of Southeast Missouri State University, Sara has a Master’s Degree in English, which she puts to use writing for TheHealthBoard and several magazines, websites, and nonprofit organizations. She has published her own novella, and has other literary projects currently in progress. Sara’s varied interests have also led her to teach children in Spain, tutor college students, run CPR and first aid classes, and organize student retreats.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon964147

Since it's been sold to Ductre Pharma, it now stinks as a product. The ingredients are the same as before the product sold to Ductre but now its looks different(more clear) and doesn't do much anymore. Eventually that customer base will fade as they discover its not a good product anymore since they sold it to Ductre Pharma.

It does make you wonder why Novartis would get rid of a product though, if it has a huge customer base.

anon320051

Novartis has sold Nupercainal Ointment to Ductre Pharma (New York) at the end of 2012. I have not been able to locate this company and Novartis will not say if Ductre Pharma is even interested in manufacturing the product.

Logic dictates that a company wouldn't buy the product and then not manufacture it. The product has a huge customer base and dedicated following.

anon314616

Just a hint. I'm sure no one is here for this reason but when I get a really bad cold sore I use nupercainal. I realize it's for hemorrhoids but if you've ever had a really bad cold sore you'll understand.

anon302397

CVS has a version. It is the only place I have found it.

anon283029

I am having real trouble locating nupercainal in stores or online. There is a definite supply interruption.

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    • Nupercainal ointment may be used to treat cuts and scrapes.
      By: soupstock
      Nupercainal ointment may be used to treat cuts and scrapes.
    • Nupercainal ointment may be used to treat insect bites.
      By: claffra
      Nupercainal ointment may be used to treat insect bites.
    • Nupercainal® is an over-the-counter medicinal cream used to treat hemorrhoids.
      By: carroteater
      Nupercainal® is an over-the-counter medicinal cream used to treat hemorrhoids.
    • Nupercainal® ointment can be used to treat sunburns.
      By: Rostislav Sedlacek
      Nupercainal® ointment can be used to treat sunburns.