Which is more likely to make hemmorhoids worst, antibiotics or decongestants such as sudafed.

IME decongestants can cause dry, hard stools, and that can make hems worse. If you need an decongestant, try adding some Metamucil or psyllium fiber & LOTS of water. Or, a little mineral oil.

If you are taking an antibiotic that is causing diarrhea, that (and frequent wiping) can also aggravate hems. Add a probiotic (like yogurt w/active cultures, or a supplement), and use a warm, damp tissue wad to wipe. That's less irritating than dry, scratchy TP. Some people swear by tissue wipes, but I find the chemicals in the wipes irritate my hems.

With any luck, if you need to take both a decongestant & an antibiotic, they would cancel each other out :rolleyes:

Best wishes.

IME decongestants can cause dry, hard stools, and that can make hems worse. If you need an decongestant, try adding some Metamucil or psyllium fiber & LOTS of water. Or, a little mineral oil.

If you are taking an antibiotic that is causing diarrhea, that (and frequent wiping) can also aggravate hems. Add a probiotic (like yogurt w/active cultures, or a supplement), and use a warm, damp tissue wad to wipe. That's less irritating than dry, scratchy TP. Some people swear by tissue wipes, but I find the chemicals in the wipes irritate my hems.

With any luck, if you need to take both a decongestant & an antibiotic, they would cancel each other out :rolleyes:

Best wishes.



I took a strong antibiotic for 2 days. Had to stop. It made me sick, vomitting all day. I've taken a lot before, never had his happen. Also it flared up some hemmorhroids, my doc says most likely caused by the antibiotics and not the sudafed.

I really wonder sometimes for those people with strenuous jobs, or sitting/on their feet all day and have constant hemm problems, how do they cope.
Like my friend who had 2 surgeries and he end up with new hemms, you can't just go and have surgery every year. Whats better for treatment, warm water baths or cold water.

IME usually warm baths are recommended. This is because often spasms accompany painful BMs when there are hems, and the warmth relieves the spasms. sometimes meds or herbs (aloe vera, witch hazel, or horse chestnut) are added to the water. Some people purchase special sitz bath devices, so that they can soak their bottoms several times per day without having to run a full tub of water.

Docs may recommend ice packs for acutely inflamed hems.

Have you asked your doc for prescription hem cream? It is usually steroid-based & can work wonders within a few days.

Best wishes.

Have you asked your doc for prescription hem cream? It is usually steroid-based & can work wonders within a few days.

Best wishes.


My doc is useless sometimes. I mentioned the hemms. Didn't recommend anything. Its a killer trying to get work done when every step you take, feels
like getting rubbed with sandpaper. :eek: