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Rectal Rockets

Rectal Rockets at Tache Pharmacy in Winnipeg

What are rectal rockets?

Rectal rockets are specially-shaped, and specially-formulated, suppositories used in the treatment of hemorrhoids and anal fissures.  As the name suggests, rectal rockets are shaped like a rocket, as you can see in the picture below.  The rectal rocket suppository is tapered at the top for easy insertion into the rectum but flares at the bottom to keep it in place.  The rectal rocket is a unique suppository that is not meant to fully enter the rectum but rather remain partially outside the rectum.

Rectal Rocket

Download Our Rectal Rocket Prescription Template

What medications are in the rectal suppositories?

Rectal rockets contain a combination of the following medications:

  • Misoprostol (Important: this ingredient cannot be used in pregnant women)
  • Sucralfate
  • Hydrocortisone
  • Lidocaine
  • Nifedipine

Why are rectal rockets shaped like a rocket?

Rectal rockets are shaped like a rocket so that the flared bottom of the suppository does not allow the suppository to fully enter into the rectum.  With hemorrhoids and anal fissures there is often both an external component and an internal component involved in the condition.  The shape of the rectal rocket allows the suppository to stay in place and provides medication to both areas where it is needed.

Delivery of the medication to the injured tissues allows both hemorrhoids or anal fissures to heal.

How do the various ingredients, which may be added to rectal rockets, work?

Misoprostol stimulates mucosal blood flow, thereby creating a cytoprotective effect. 

Sucralfate has been shown to work by attaching to the mucosal cells of the rectum and producing protective effects against tissue damage. Sucralfate also stimulates prostaglandin synthesis, promotes local blood flow and increases the production of epidermal growth factor.  All these factors leads to healing of the tissues in the rectum.

Hydrocortisone is a corticosteroid that has an extensive array of physiological and metabolic actions. Hydrocortisone creates its antiā€inflammatory effect by blocking the arachidonic acid cascade, stabilizing cell membranes, hindering histamine release and stopping cytokine release and production.

Lidocaine is a local anesthetic which blocks the transmission of signals in the nerves thus blocking pain signals from the local area.  Local anesthetics are what are used for ā€œfreezingā€ your mouth at the dentist.

Nifedipine works in two different ways.  First, it helps to diminish the squeezing effect of the smooth muscle around the anus.  This effect reduces the internal anal sphincter pressure leading to a reduction in pain. 

Second, nifedipine also dilates blood vessels.  This dilation promotes better blood flow to the injured area.  The increase in blood flow helps to heal hemorrhoids and fissures.

If you are looking for rectal rockets in Winnipeg or for more information on these special suppositories please feel free to call our compounding pharmacy department or speak to one of our pharmacists. We can be reached at (204) 233-3469 , or by email at pharmacist.tache@mymts.net