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 Suppositories
⚠ 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 Suppositories are used to relieve the symptoms of pain, swelling and irritation associated with internal haemorrhoids and anal itching (pruritus ani). The suppositories contain 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 mild antiseptic properties. Lidocaine is a local anaesthetic, which helps to soothe swelling, pain and irritation and relieve itching. The suppository 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® SUPPOSITORIES DO NOT use Germoloids Suppositories:
- 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 Suppositories, talk to your doctor if you:
- Continually suffer from haemorrhoids or have severe haemorrhoids.
- Experience excessive bleeding. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: You may use Germoloids Suppositories if you are pregnant or breastfeeding but as with all medicines at this time, you should discuss it with your doctor first.
How to take it
GERMOLOIDS® SUPPOSITORIES Follow the directions below carefully. Wash your hands before and after using the suppository.
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® SUPPOSITORIES Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not store above 25°C. 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 suppository blister pack. 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 Suppositories contain: The active substances are zinc oxide (283.5mg) and lidocaine hydrochloride (13.2mg). The other ingredients are hard fat, methyl salicylate and glyceryl tristearate. What Germoloids Suppositories look like and contents of the pack: Germoloids Suppositories are white and torpedo-shaped, with each suppository filled into a plastic mould approximately 3cm in length. Strips of six suppositories are packed in cartons containing 12 or 24 suppositories (not all pack sizes may be marketed). Marketing Authorisation Holder: Bayer plc, 400 South Oak Way, Reading, RG2 6AD, UK. [email protected] Manufacturer: Delpharm Huningue S.A.S., 26 rue de la Chapelle, F68330 Huningue, France. 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® Suppositories correctly, seek the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.
Adults and children aged 12 years and over: 1. Gently clean and dry the area around the anus. 2. Tear down on the perforation to remove one suppository from the strip. 3. Peel apart the blister to remove the suppository. 4. Insert the suppository into the anus (round end first).
®
5048758 GB
Germoloids is a registered trademark.
5048758 GB
Frequently asked questions about Germoloids Suppositories
How do I take Germoloids Suppositories?
Germoloids Suppositories comes as suppository. 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 Suppositories?
The active substance in Germoloids Suppositories is zinc oxide, lidocaine hydrochloride.
Where does this information come from?
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Germoloids Suppositories, 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 Suppositories 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 12 years and over:
One suppository to be inserted into the rectum on retiring at night and in the morning, preferably after bowel movement.
If necessary Germoloids Suppositories may be used at any time during the day with a minimum 3 - 4 hours between suppositories.
Do not use more than 4 suppositories in any 24-hour period.
Children under 12 years:
Only as directed by a doctor.
The elderly:
The normal adult dose may be used.
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 suppositories.
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 stated.
4.8. Undesirable effects
Very rarely increased irritation may occur at the site of application.
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.
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 rectal administration of large quantities (up to 30-fold greater doses).
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.
⚠ Same active substance, but a different pharmaceutical form (for example a gel instead of a tablet). Not interchangeable — ask a pharmacist.
- LIDOCAINA NORIDEM 10 mg/ml prescription partial — not the same combinationLIDOCAINUM · injection / infusion
- LIDOCAINA NORIDEM 20 mg/ml (vezi N01BB02) prescription partial — not the same combinationLIDOCAINUM · injection / infusion
- LIDOCAINA KABI 10 mg/ml prescription partial — not the same combinationLIDOCAINUM · injection / infusion
- LIVOHEP 20 mg/ml prescription partial — not the same combinationLIDOCAINUM · injection / infusion
- LIVOHEP 10 mg/ml prescription partial — not the same combinationLIDOCAINUM · injection / infusion
- VERSATIS 700 mg 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.
- Lidoposterin partial — not the same combinationLidocaini hydrochloridum · rectal / vaginal
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 Suppositories. 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.