Prednisolone rectal foam, enema and suppositories

Last updated by Peer reviewed by Sid Dajani
Last updated Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

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Rectal prednisolone reduces inflammation of the rectum (proctitis) in conditions such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Read the leaflet that comes with the pack for full instructions for using the preparation.

A course of treatment usually lasts 2-4 weeks.

Type of medicineA corticosteroid (often referred to as a 'steroid')
Used forProctitis; ulcerative colitis; Crohn's disease
Available asRetention enema, rectal foam and suppository

In inflammatory bowel conditions such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, patches of inflammation develop in the lining of parts of your gastrointestinal tract. Both of these conditions can cause inflammation of the lower parts of your bowel and the rectum. Inflammation in the rectum is called proctitis. Symptoms of a flare-up of inflammation in the rectum are fresh bleeding and a feeling of wanting to go to the toilet frequently. It may be helpful during flare-ups such as these for you to be treated with a corticosteroid given rectally. This means giving the medication into your back passage, as an enema or suppository.

Prednisolone is a corticosteroid medicine, it is also referred to as a steroid medicine. It relieves the symptoms of a flare-up by reducing inflammation. There are three types of prednisolone formulation available for rectal use: suppositories, a liquid enema in a disposable pack with an application nozzle, and a foam which is administered using an applicator attached to an aerosol cannister.

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start using prednisolone it is important that your doctor knows:

  • If you have any kind of infection, or if you have ever had tuberculosis (TB).
  • If you (or anyone you are in close contact with) have recently had chickenpox, measles or shingles.
  • If you have ever had a blood clot in an artery or vein.
  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is because your doctor will want to monitor the progress of you and your baby closely.
  • If you have any of the following: high blood pressure, weakened bones (osteoporosis), epilepsy, an underactive thyroid gland, or a stomach ulcer.
  • If you have had a heart attack, or if you have any other heart problems.
  • If you or anyone in your family have diabetes mellitus, or increased eye pressure (glaucoma).
  • If you have recently had, or are about to have, any vaccinations.
  • If you have a condition causing muscle weakness, called myasthenia gravis.
  • If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.
  • If you have had an allergic reaction to a medicine, or if you have developed muscle pain after taking a steroid medicine.
  • Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about prednisolone and will provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you may experience from using it. It will also give you a step-by-step guide on how to use the preparation you have been supplied with.
  • Follow the directions you have been given by your doctor about how much to use and when to use it. It is usual to be prescribed either one or two doses a day depending upon which preparation you have been supplied with. Your dose will be printed on the label of the pack to remind you about what the doctor said to you.
  • It is usual for a course of treatment to last 2-4 weeks, but your doctor will tell you what is right for you. The aim is to treat the flare-up but to keep the total amount of steroid treatment as low as possible. 
  • Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress.
  • Prednisolone can suppress your immune system, so it is important if you become ill that you make an appointment to see your doctor straightaway. If you come into contact with anyone who has measles, shingles or chickenpox (or anyone who suspects they might have them), you should contact your doctor for advice as soon as possible.
  • If you are having an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are using a rectal steroid preparation. It is also important that, if you are due to have any vaccinations, you make sure that the person treating you knows that you are using prednisolone. Some vaccines are not suitable for you while you are being treated with prednisolone.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with your pharmacist that they are suitable for you to take with prednisolone.

Prednisolone can be absorbed into the body from rectal formulations, so these preparations can cause similar unwanted side-effects to oral steroids. However, because less of the medicine is absorbed when given rectally than when taken by mouth, the risk of side-effects is much lower.

Children are susceptible to side-effects from corticosteroids. The main concern is for children who need frequent courses, as it can have an effect on their growth and this may need to be monitored.

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Never use more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that someone has swallowed some of the medicine by accident, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.

This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Do not keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.

If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

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