Hemorrhoids are uncomfortable, but choosing a treatment can be confusing. Pharmacy shelves may contain several creams, ointments, suppositories, wipes, and oral products that all claim to help with similar symptoms.
This Anusol Plus review takes a patient-friendly look at what the Canadian ointment contains, what it may help with, its possible drawbacks, and how it compares with Preparation H. The goal is not to declare one product the “best.” It is to help you understand what each option is designed to do so you can make a more informed choice.
Health Canada currently lists Anusol Plus Ointment as a marketed, non-prescription product for topical and rectal use.
Quick Answer
Anusol Plus Ointment is a non-prescription topical and rectal medication marketed in Canada for hemorrhoid symptom relief. Health Canada’s Drug Product Database lists two active ingredients: pramoxine hydrochloride 1% and zinc sulfate 0.5%.
Pramoxine is a local anesthetic that helps relieve pain, while the manufacturer describes the zinc-containing formulation as providing an astringent action intended to help reduce swelling. The product is intended for internal and external hemorrhoids.
This makes Anusol Plus primarily a symptom-relief treatment rather than a product that addresses every possible cause of hemorrhoids.
Anusol Plus Ointment
Over-the-counter ointment for temporary relief of hemorrhoid symptoms such as pain, itching, burning, irritation, and swelling.
$16.99
Buy NowWhat Benefits Can Anusol Plus Offer?
Immediate Pain Relief
The pramoxine in Anusol Plus is a local anesthetic. Its purpose is to immediately reduce pain and discomfort in the treated area.
This can be useful when soreness or pain is one of the main symptoms.
Relief of Several Hemorrhoid Symptoms
The Canadian manufacturer lists Anusol Plus for immediate relief of itching, pain, soreness, swelling, burning, and irritation associated with hemorrhoids.
For someone experiencing several of these symptoms at once, a multi-symptom ointment may be convenient.
Internal and External Use
Health Canada lists Anusol Plus Ointment for both rectal and topical administration.
This means the ointment can be used for external hemorrhoids and, when appropriate, internally according to the package directions.
What Are the Common Symptoms of Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoid symptoms can vary depending on whether they are internal or external. Common symptoms include:
- Bright red bleeding during or after a bowel movement
- Itching or irritation around the anus
- Pain or discomfort, particularly when sitting
- Swelling or a lump near the anus
- A feeling of pressure or incomplete bowel movement
- An internal hemorrhoid that protrudes outside the anus (prolapse)
External hemorrhoids are more likely to cause itching, tenderness, pain, or a noticeable lump. Internal hemorrhoids often cause painless bright-red bleeding, although prolapsed internal hemorrhoids can become uncomfortable or painful.
Rectal bleeding should not automatically be assumed to be from hemorrhoids. Other digestive or rectal conditions can cause similar symptoms, so new, persistent, heavy, or unexplained bleeding should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
What Pharmacists Commonly Consider When Discussing Hemorrhoid Treatment
Medication counselling for hemorrhoids usually starts with the symptoms rather than the brand name.
A pharmacist may consider whether your main problem is pain, itching, swelling, bleeding, or irritation. They may also ask whether the hemorrhoids seem to be internal or external, how long symptoms have been present, and whether you have already tried another treatment.
This matters because two products sold for hemorrhoids can contain very different ingredients.
For example, someone mainly troubled by pain may place more value on a product containing a local anesthetic. Someone with persistent bleeding or severe pain may need medical assessment rather than another OTC product.
That is why the best hemorrhoid cream is not necessarily the same product for every person.
How Should Anusol Plus Be Used?
Follow the current package directions rather than relying on older online instructions.
For external hemorrhoids, gently clean the area and pat it dry before applying the ointment. Avoid vigorous rubbing because already irritated tissue can become more uncomfortable.
For internal use, follow the instructions supplied with the applicator. The manufacturer specifically warns not to use the applicator if inserting it causes additional pain.
A useful rule is simple: more medication is not necessarily better. Do not increase the amount or frequency beyond the label in an attempt to make symptoms disappear faster.
What Side Effects or Problems Should You Watch For?
Even though Anusol Plus is available without a prescription, it can still cause problems in some people.
The manufacturer advises stopping the product and seeking medical advice if symptoms such as increasing irritation, redness, swelling, pain, or bleeding occur.
Possible practical concerns include:
- local irritation or sensitivity;
- worsening discomfort;
- pain with applicator insertion;
- persistent bleeding;
- symptoms that continue despite treatment.
If a product seems to make the area noticeably more irritated rather than more comfortable, continuing to apply it is generally not a good strategy.
How Long Should You Keep Using It?
Hemorrhoid products should not become an indefinite self-treatment for unexplained rectal symptoms.
If symptoms worsen or fail to improve within the period stated on the package, speak with a healthcare professional. The manufacturer’s Canadian information advises medical review when symptoms persist rather than continuing treatment without reassessment.
This is particularly important if bleeding is present.
Rectal bleeding can occur with hemorrhoids, but hemorrhoids are not the only cause. HealthLink BC notes that hemorrhoids, anal fissures, constipation-related irritation, and other problems can all cause rectal bleeding.
Anusol Plus vs Preparation H
This comparison needs a little care because Preparation H is not one single formulation.
Different Preparation H products contain different medicinal ingredients. Health Canada, for example, approved a Preparation H Ointment formulation in 2025 containing phenylephrine hydrochloride 0.25%, mineral oil 14%, and petrolatum 74.9%.
A newer Preparation H Cream formulation is also listed by Health Canada as a non-prescription rectal cream with four active ingredients.
Anusol Plus, by contrast, contains pramoxine and zinc sulfate.
| Question | Anusol Plus | Preparation H |
|---|---|---|
| Is it one formulation? | Specific ointment formulation | No, several products exist |
| Contains pramoxine? | Yes, 1% | Some formulations do |
| Contains zinc sulfate? | Yes | Not in the newer ointment formulation referenced here |
| Contains phenylephrine? | No | Present in some formulations |
| Used locally? | Yes | Most cream, ointment and suppository products are |
| Best for everyone? | No | No |
So Which One Is Better?
There is no honest universal answer.
If pain is the dominant symptom, a product containing a local anesthetic may be appealing. If another symptom is more prominent, a different formulation may make more sense.
Some patients also prefer an ointment because it feels more protective, while others prefer a lighter cream. That preference can matter, but the active ingredients and appropriate use matter more.
If you are choosing between Anusol Plus and Preparation H, check:
- the exact active ingredients;
- whether the product is meant for internal or external use;
- which symptoms it is labelled to relieve;
- whether you have used another hemorrhoid medication already;
- whether persistent symptoms need medical assessment instead.
Can You Use Anusol Plus With Preparation H?
Do not automatically combine them.
Some hemorrhoid products may contain overlapping ingredients or provide similar effects. Combining products does not necessarily improve relief and could increase irritation or exposure to similar medicines.
If you already use one hemorrhoid product and are considering adding another, check with a pharmacist first.
This is especially important if you take prescription medications, are pregnant or breastfeeding, have ongoing rectal bleeding, or have other medical conditions.
Practical Tips That Matter Just as Much as Cream
Pharmacists often emphasize bowel habits because repeated straining can keep the problem going even when a cream temporarily reduces discomfort.
HealthLink BC recommends measures such as increasing fibre, drinking adequate fluids, and reducing straining as part of hemorrhoid self-care.
A practical approach is to focus on three things:
Keep stools softer. Fibre and fluids work together to make bowel movements easier to pass. HealthLink BC specifically notes this relationship in its constipation guidance.
Avoid prolonged straining. Do not sit on the toilet longer than necessary.
Treat the area gently. Avoid harsh wiping or irritating cleansers when the skin is already sore.
These simple measures may do more for recurrent hemorrhoids than repeatedly switching between creams.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Anusol Plus good for hemorrhoids?
It is designed for temporary relief of hemorrhoid symptoms such as pain, itching, soreness, swelling, burning, and irritation.
Whether it is the right choice depends on your symptoms and individual health situation.
Does Anusol Plus contain hydrocortisone?
The Canadian Anusol Plus Ointment covered here does not list hydrocortisone as an active ingredient. Health Canada lists pramoxine and zinc sulfate.
Is Anusol Plus better than Preparation H?
Not necessarily.
Preparation H comes in several formulations, so the correct comparison is between the specific ingredient lists rather than the brand names alone.
Is Anusol Plus the best hemorrhoid cream?
There is no single best hemorrhoid cream for everyone.
The best choice depends on the main symptom, whether hemorrhoids are internal or external, the active ingredients, other medications, and how long symptoms have been present.
Can Anusol Plus be used internally?
Health Canada lists Anusol Plus Ointment for rectal as well as topical administration.
Use the applicator only as directed and stop if insertion causes additional pain.
Can hemorrhoids improve without medication?
Yes. Many cases improve with conservative care.
HealthLink BC notes that home treatments work for many people and include fibre, fluids, stool-management measures, and symptom-relieving ointments when needed.
Conclusion
This Anusol Plus review suggests that the product has a straightforward role: immediate relief of common hemorrhoid symptoms.
Its pramoxine component can help with pain and discomfort, while the overall formulation is intended to address symptoms such as itching, burning, irritation, and swelling.
Its limitations are equally important. Anusol Plus does not address every cause of hemorrhoids, it is not automatically superior to Preparation H, and persistent symptoms should not be treated indefinitely without reassessment.
The most useful approach is to match the product to your symptoms, follow the label carefully, improve bowel habits where needed, and speak with a pharmacist when you are uncertain.
For more information, Pharmacy24’s guide to the best creams for hemorrhoids in Canada can help you understand the different topical options available.
Need Help Choosing the Right Hemorrhoid Treatment?
Speak with Pharmacy24 for general product guidance, or find a nearby location for in-person pharmacy support.
About the Health Experts Behind This Article
Our health content is written in a patient-friendly format and reviewed to help ensure it is clear, practical, and aligned with pharmacy guidance available at the time of publication.
Pharmacy24 Editorial Team
The editorial team prepares general health and pharmacy-related content to help readers better understand topics such as medications, supplements, vaccinations, travel health, and everyday pharmacy care.
Our content is developed with a patient-friendly approach and is intended for educational purposes only.
He is a registered pharmacist in British Columbia. He provides professional input on selected health content to help ensure the information is clear, practical, and consistent with commonly available pharmacy and public health guidance at the time of publication.
This content is for general education and should not replace personalized advice from a pharmacist, physician, or other healthcare professional.