Anal fissure: What helps it heal?

@rashida - I tried applying a bit externally and internally keeping the overall dosage amount the same as prescribed. So far so good and it appears to be more effective in tamping down spasms. Great news - thanks again!

@ruth2019 your compound sounds good. You have the same concentration of Nifedipine and since that is the main ingredient it should work okay. The other two ingredients seem like they are to ease pain. The compound may be more effective if you applied it internally. I applied internally and externally, even though instructions were to apply internally.

Thank you so much for this additional info! Sounds like you had nifedipine only and it was prepared by a compounding pharmacy (mixed to order) vs. pre-packaged and sold by a non-compounding pharmacy (Walgreens, CVS, etc.). Mine is also compounded with the two additional components (hydrocortisone 2.5%, lidocaine 5%). The concentration of nifedipine in mine is the same as yours (0.2%). It's so encouraging that you had success. I'll call my physician's office w/an update next week and perhaps that will result in some adjustments based on my symptoms. Take care and thank you again.

@ruth2019 the label just says “Nifedipine 0.2% ointment compound” so I don’t know if a compound means it is a combination of other drugs. It was made up in a compounding pharmacy. I applied it internally, using a finger cot three times a day plus after a bowel movement. The ointment came in a pump dispenser which I found very convenient.

I’m so sorry you are suffering like that. I’m on this forum because I had a colon re-section. I’ve recovered really well. (I’m now on the breast cancer forum as I have been diagnosed with breast cancer recently.)

I had terrible haemorrhoids before the surgery and the cream I was given, and worked quite well is, proctosedyl. It is a Rx and has 5% cortisone, which helps reduce the swelling. Maybe you could ask your doctor to prescribe it. I am in Canada, I know that can make a difference to availability. I hope you can try it, it sounds like you’re dealing with something terrible.

Hi Rashida - may I ask if your compounded ointment was Nifedipine only? Right now I am using a blended compounded ointment (hydrocortisone, lidocaine, nifedipine) 2x per day for six weeks. Then a recheck with my physician. Also, may I ask if you applied the Nifedipine externally only or also internally? I was told to only apply my ointment externally, but I've read elsewhere that others are told to apply internally as well. I'm still having spasms and am concerned those will impact healing (in a negative way). Any information you can share is most appreciated. Thank you!

@cahabagirl yes, Nifedipine compounded ointment is what healed my fissure - cost me around $70 because my government health plan didn’t cover it, but it was worth the out of pocket cost! It took six weeks of application three times a day.

I too developed constipation after my colonoscopy and had to remedy that first. That was why it took so long for the fissure to heal.

Hi there - completely agree. Thanks again. 🙂

What finally helped me after 2 surgeries and 14 years sitting on a donut was an anti-seizure medication for an unrelated matter. 2 weeks on Topamax and I was better. My pelvic therapist mentioned that she had heard of that. Well, why not mention it to me???

Hi Mikaylar - thank you for your response. I am on a conservative treatment path that includes sitz baths, a compounded ointment, pelvic floor therapy, and so on. Hoping very much to heal it without a surgical intervention. I'm scheduled for a recheck in October. In my case, I was initially misdiagnosed and I think the time lapse is what slowed down my healing. I will add more time w/feet elevated based on your suggestion! Thank you again.