Pharmacy Guide
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Pharmacy Guide
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Germoloids Ointment
⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.
If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Zinc oxide, Lidocaine hydrochloride may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
What it is and what it is used for
FOR Haemorrhoids (also known as piles) are swollen or enlarged blood vessels, which can cause discomfort, itching and bleeding, particularly after a bowel movement. They may be either internal (inside the anus) or external (outside the anus). Germoloids Ointment is used to relieve the symptoms of pain, swelling and irritation associated with internal and external haemorrhoids and anal itching (pruritus ani). The ointment contains two active substances, zinc oxide and lidocaine. Zinc oxide has astringent properties (causes contraction when applied to the skin), which help to shrink swelling. It also helps to soothe and protect the area around the anus from damage and has antiseptic properties. Lidocaine is a local anaesthetic, which helps to soothe swelling, pain and irritation and relieve itching. The ointment base acts as a lubricant and emollient to help the passing of stools and reduce the straining during bowel movement which is bad for haemorrhoids.
What you need to know before you take it
E GERMOLOIDS® OINTMENT DO NOT use Germoloids Ointment:
- If you are allergic (hypersensitive) to zinc oxide or lidocaine, or any of the other ingredients in the product (see section 6). Warnings and precautions Before using Germoloids Ointment, talk to your doctor if you:
- Continually suffer from haemorrhoids or have severe haemorrhoids.
- Experience excessive bleeding. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: You may use Germoloids Ointment if you are pregnant or breastfeeding but as with all medicines at this time, you should discuss it with your doctor first. Germoloids Ointment contains wool fat and propylene glycol: This medicine contains 20 mg propylene glycol per 1 g of ointment. It also contains wool fat which may cause local skin reactions (e.g. contact dermatitis).
How to take it
GERMOLOIDS® OINTMENT Follow the directions below carefully. Wash your hands before and after using the ointment. Adults and children aged 12 years and over: 1. Before using the ointment for the first time, check that the tube seal is not broken. 2. Remove the seal by peeling from the tag. 3. For external haemorrhoids, apply the ointment directly to the affected area. For internal haemorrhoids, screw the applicator nozzle onto the tube and smear some of the ointment on the outside of the nozzle to ease application. Carefully insert the applicator into the opening of the anus. Gently squeeze the tube whilst slowly withdrawing the nozzle so that the ointment moves gently up the anus.
Apply the ointment to the affected area at least twice a day with a minimum of 3 to 4 hours between applications. Further applications can be made at any time of the day, and are particularly recommended after a bowel movement. Do not use the ointment more than 4 times in any 24 hour period. Children under 12: Not recommended unless used under the supervision of a doctor. If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist. The ointment is for use in and around the anus only. Do not put the ointment in your mouth or swallow it. If some of the ointment is swallowed accidentally, tell your doctor straight away or contact your nearest Accident and Emergency Department. 4. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Rarely, you may experience increased local irritation, burning sensations or rashes at the site of application after applying the ointment. If you experience any of these symptoms or react badly to the ointment in any other way, stop using this product and tell your doctor or pharmacist immediately. Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible
Possible side effects
not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
How to store it
GERMOLOIDS® OINTMENT Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. This product should be stored in its original carton. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and on the end of the tube of ointment. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help to protect the environment.
Contents of the pack and other information
What Germoloids Ointment contains: The active substances are zinc oxide (6.6% w/w) and lidocaine hydrochloride (0.7% w/w). The other ingredients are yellow soft paraffin, wool fat, methyl salicylate, propylene glycol and menthol. See end of Section 2 for wool fat and propylene glycol advice. What Germoloids Ointment looks like and contents of the pack: Germoloids Ointment is available in tubes containing 25ml or 55ml of a pale yellow ointment (not all pack sizes may be marketed). Marketing Authorisation Holder: Bayer plc, 400 South Oak Way, Reading, RG2 6AD, UK. [email protected] Manufacturer: Famar A.V.E. Avlon Plant, 49th km National Road Athens-Lamia, Avlona Attiki, 19011, Greece. How to help reduce the occurrence and/or severity of the condition: Constipation and straining during bowel movement can make haemorrhoids worse. To help avoid this, the following steps can be taken:
- Eat a high fibre diet of fruits, vegetables and whole grain food
- Drink plenty of fluids, at least eight glasses a day (preferably water)
- Go to the toilet immediately when you need to pass stools and try to avoid straining during bowel movement
- Exercise regularly as it can help to stimulate regular bowel movement. This leaflet was last revised in November 2020. Remember: if you have any doubts about using Germoloids® Ointment correctly, seek the advice of your doctor or pharmacist. ® Germoloids is a registered trademark.
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Frequently asked questions about Germoloids Ointment
How do I take Germoloids Ointment?
Germoloids Ointment comes as ointment. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.
What is the active substance in Germoloids Ointment?
The active substance in Germoloids Ointment is zinc oxide, lidocaine hydrochloride.
Where does this information come from?
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Germoloids Ointment, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Can I get Germoloids Ointment without a prescription?
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
About this leaflet
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
- Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc), Datapharm
- Active substance: zinc oxide, lidocaine hydrochloride
- Official document: view the original leaflet on emc →
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
4.1. Therapeutic indications
The symptomatic relief of pain, swelling, irritation and itching associated with haemorrhoids, and pruritus ani.
4.2. Posology and method of administration
Adults and children aged 12 years and over:
Apply at least twice a day with a minimum of three to four hours between applications. Further applications can be made at any time of day and are particularly recommended after a bowel movement.
Do not use more than four times in any 24-hour period.
External piles and pruritus ani:
Apply to the affected area.
Internal piles:
Gently insert applicator into the anal opening and expel a small amount of the ointment by squeezing the tube gently.
Children under 12 years:
Only as directed by a doctor.
The elderly:
Use as per adult directions.
4.3. Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to any of the constituents.
4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use
Persons who continually suffer from haemorrhoids or who have severe haemorrhoids or who experience excessive bleeding, are advised to consult a doctor.
4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
None known for topical preparations.
4.6. Pregnancy and lactation
There is a lack of definitive evidence of safety of the product in human pregnancy and lactation. However, lidocaine hydrochloride and zinc oxide have been in wide use for many years without apparent ill consequence. It is not necessary to contraindicate this product in pregnancy and lactation provided caution is exercised and the directions for use are followed. However, as with all medicines, the advice of a doctor should be sought.
4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines
None.
4.8. Undesirable effects
Very rarely increased irritation and burning sensations may occur at the site of application. Rarely rashes may occur.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
4.9. Overdose
It is very unlikely that overdosage would occur from this pharmaceutical form. Symptoms of lidocaine overdosage would be unlikely to occur even after anal insertion of 25g of ointment.
Normally there should be no systemic adverse effects, but at worst CNS and cardiovascular effects are possible. Treatment would be symptomatic after withdrawal of the product.
In the case of accidental oral ingestion, the advice of a doctor should be sought.
🇷🇴 Known in Romania as
Medicines sold in Romania with the same active substance: Cunoscut în România ca
⚠ Not the same combination. This medicine contains Zinc oxide, Lidocaine hydrochloride. The products below do not contain exactly the same set of active substances — they are not direct substitutes.
- VERSATIS 700 mg prescription partial — not the same combinationLIDOCAINUM · skin / topical
- INSTILLIDO 20 mg/ml prescription partial — not the same combinationLIDOCAINUM · skin / topical
Some of these do not contain exactly the same active substances — check each one. The strength, the form and whether you need a prescription can differ. Always ask a pharmacist before you switch. Romanian medicines in the UK →
🇵🇱 Known in Poland as
Medicines sold in Poland with the same active substance: W Polsce znany jako
⚠ Not the same combination. This medicine contains Zinc oxide, Lidocaine hydrochloride. The products below do not contain exactly the same set of active substances — they are not direct substitutes.
- Versatis partial — not the same combinationLidocainum · skin / topical
Some of these do not contain exactly the same active substances — check each one. The strength, the form and whether you need a prescription can differ. Always ask a pharmacist before you switch. Polish medicines in the UK →
💬 Ask about this leaflet
Ask anything about Germoloids Ointment. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.
Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.