Rectiv

1 What is Rectiv?

Brand: Rectiv

Generic: Nitroglycerin

Rectiv is a nitrate used for relief of moderate to severe pain secondary to chronic anal fissures. Anal fissures present as tears in the skin around the opening of the anus or rectal area.

This drug relaxes the muscles around the anus that lessen the pressure in the area. This drug requires a prescription.

2 What to Know Before Using

Before using Rectiv, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. Inform your healthcare provider for any allergic reactions to these drugs or any other drugs, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals.

Carefully read the label of non-prescription drugs for any possible allergic reaction or contraindications. Studies in children regarding the correlation of age to the effects of nitroglycerin have not been performed while safety and efficacy have not been established.

Studies in the elderly have not demonstrated any geriatric-specific problems that would limit the utility of nitroglycerin.

Adjustments in the dose of the elderly may be required since they are more likely to have unwanted effects such as lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting. Adverse effects have been reported in animal studies but studies in pregnant women or animals are still inadequate.

Infant risk is still undetermined when using this drug during breastfeeding. Discuss with your healthcare professional about the potential risks and benefits of taking this drug while breastfeeding.

Drugs should not be taken together to prevent any interactions but in necessary cases inquire your healthcare provider regarding the adjustments in dosage or any other necessary precautions to prevent any unwanted side effects.

Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking any other drugs such as:

  • Avanafil
  • Riociguat
  • Sildenafil
  • Tadalafil
  • Vardenafil
  • Alteplase
  • Recombinant Heparin
  • Acetylcysteine
  • Aspirin
  • Dihydroergotamine
  • or Pancuronium

Intake of specific food or using alcohol or tobacco with this drug is associated with an increased risk of certain side effects. Your healthcare professional can give you special instructions about the use of food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Inform your doctor if you have any other medical problems such as:

3 Proper Usage

Proper usage of Rectiv requires strict adherence to your doctor’s orders. This drug must be used in the rectal are only. Avoid any to your eyes, nose, mouth, or vagina. Rinse it off immediately if it does get in these areas.

It is recommended to wash your hands before using this drug. Your finger must be covered with a plastic wrap, disposable surgical glove, or finger cot. The covered finger must lie next to the dosing line on the side of the drug box.

The tip of your finger should be at one end of the dosing line and the ointment must be squeezed onto your finger. The amount of drug should be the same length as the dosing line. Your finger must be gently inserted with the ointment into the anal canal.

Pushing your finger past the first finger joint is not recommended. Carefully apply the ointment around the inner sides of the anal canal. Apply the ointment directly to the skin on the outside if you have too much pain in the anal canal. Dispose of the finger covering in the garbage and wash your hands.

The dose of this drug will be variable for different patients. The directions on the label or the prescription by your healthcare professional should be followed. The dosage of this drug you take depends on the medical problem for which you are using this drug. Adults with pain caused by anal fissures are advised to Apply 1 inch into the anus every 12 hours.

Use and dose in children must be determined by your healthcare professional. A missed dose should be taken as soon as possible. However, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule if it is almost time for your next dose.

Store the drug in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. Keep out of the reach of children.

Dispose any outdated or expired drugs and ask your healthcare professional for the proper disposal of the drugs.

4 Precautions to Take

Before using Rectiv, there are some precautions you must take. Regular visits should be made to your healthcare provider to track your progress and to monitor the effectiveness of the drug.

Taking sildenafil (ViagraВ®), tadalafil (CialisВ®), or vardenafil (LevitraВ®) with this drug is not recommended as these may cause blurred vision, dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience an angina attack while taking these drugs.

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or faintness may occur, especially when you get up quickly from a lying or sitting position. Getting up slowly may help. This drug may cause headaches which are a sign that it is working. Consult with your healthcare professional if you have severe pain.

You will be advised avoid intake of alcohol to prevent more dizziness. If you have questions about this, talk with your doctor. Limit yourself from driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy.

Consult with your healthcare professional before you take any other prescription or nonprescription drugs, and herbal or vitamin supplements.

5 Potential Side Effects

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Rectiv. Side effects may vary for each individual and prompt medical attention should be given if they occur.

Seek advice from your healthcare professional immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms such as:

  • Bluish-colored lips, fingernails, or palms
  • Dark urine
  • Difficulty with breathing
  • Difficulty with swallowing
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Feeling of warmth
  • Fever
  • Hives
  • Itching pale skin
  • Puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
  • Redness of the face, neck, arms, and occasionally, upper chest
  • Shortness of breath
  • Skin rash
  • Tightness in the chest
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising
  • Unusual tiredness or weakness
  • Wheezing
  • Blurred vision
  • Confusion
  • Dizziness
  • Faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
  • or Sweating

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. As your body adjusts to the drug, the side effects will slowly disappear. Ask your healthcare professional about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

If any of the following side effects persists or are inconvenient, or if you notice any other effects, or if you have any questions about them, consult with your health care professional. Report any side effects to the FDA hotline at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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