Proctofoam
pramoxine hydrochloride hydrocortisone acetate · Aerosol, Foam · Topical, Rectal
Uses
Proctofoam ® HC is indicated for the relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses of the anal region.
Dosage and administration
Apply to affected area 3 to 4 times daily. Use the applicator supplied for anal administration. For perianal use, transfer a small quantity to a tissue and rub in gently. Directions for Use. 1. Attach Cap: Place cap on top of container. 2. Shake Container: Shake foam container vigorously for 5-10 seconds before each use. Do not remove container cap during use of the product. 3. Attach Applicator: Hold container upright on a level surface and gently place the tip of the applicator onto the nose of the container cap. CONTAINER MUST BE HELD UPRIGHT TO OBTAIN PROPER FLOW OF MEDICATION. 4. Pull Plunger: Pull plunger past the fill line on the applicator barrel. 5. Prime Container: Hold the container and applicator at eye level. Place the index and middle fingers on the container cap flanges and the thumb beneath the container. Support the applicator with your other hand. Prime the container by pressing down firmly on flanges and then release. With initial priming, a burst of air may come out of the container. It usually requires 1-2 pumps for foam to appear. 6. Fill Applicator: To fill applicator barrel, press down firmly on cap flanges, hold for 1-2 seconds, and release. Wait 5-10 seconds to allow foam to expand in applicator barrel. Repeat until foam reaches fill line. It usually requires 3-4 pumps for foam to reach fill line. Remove applicator from container cap. Note: If foam goes beyond fill line, it will continue to expand and flow backwards resulting in foam build-up under cap. 7. Foam Application: Hold applicator firmly by barrel, making sure thumb and middle finger are positioned securely underneath and resting against barrel wings. Place index finger over the plunger. Gently insert tip into anus. Once in place, push plunger to expel foam, then withdraw applicator. CAUTION: Do not insert any part of the aerosol container directly into the anus. Apply to anus only with enclosed applicator. Do not insert any part of the applicator past the anus into rectum. 8. Clean Applicator: After each use, applicator parts should be pulled apart for thorough cleaning with warm water. Since some foam will appear under the cap, the cap and underlying tip should be pulled apart and rinsed to help prevent build-up of foam and possible blockage.
Contraindications
Topical corticosteroid products are contraindicated in those patients with a history of hypersensitivity to any of the components of the preparation.
Warnings
Do not insert any part of the aerosol container directly into the anus. Avoid contact with the eyes. Contents of the container are under pressure. Do not burn or puncture the aerosol container. Do not store at temperatures above 120°F (49°C). If there is no evidence of clinical improvement within two or three weeks after starting Proctofoam ® HC therapy, or if the patient's condition worsens, discontinue the drug. Keep this and all medicines out of the reach of children.
Precautions
General Systemic absorption of topical corticosteroids has produced reversible hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, manifestations of Cushing's syndrome, hyperglycemia, and glucosuria in some patients. Conditions which augment systemic absorption include the application of the more potent steroids, use over large surface areas, prolonged use, and the addition of occlusive dressings. Therefore, patients receiving a large dose of a potent topical steroid applied to a large surface area or under an occlusive dressing should be evaluated periodically for evidence of HPA axis suppression by using the urinary free cortisol and ACTH stimulation tests. If HPA axis suppression is noted, an attempt should be made to withdraw the drug, to reduce the frequency of application or to substitute a less potent steroid. Recovery of HPA axis function is generally prompt and complete upon discontinuation of the drug. Infrequently, signs and symptoms of steroid withdrawal may occur, requiring supplemental systemic corticosteroids. Pediatric patients may absorb proportionally larger amounts of topical corticosteroids and thus be more susceptible to systemic toxicity. (see PRECAUTIONS: Pediatric Use .) If irritation develops, topical corticosteroids should be discontinued and appropriate therapy instituted. In the presence of dermatological infections, the use of an appropriate antifungal or antibacterial agent should be instituted. If a favorable response does not occur promptly, the corticosteroid should be discontinued until the infection has been adequately controlled. Information for the Patient Patients using topical corticosteroids should receive the following information and instructions: 1. This medication is to be used as directed by the physician. It is for anal or perianal use only. Avoid contact with eyes. 2. Be advised not to use this medication for any disorder other than for which it has been prescribed. 3. Report any signs of adverse reactions. Laboratory Tests The following tests may be helpful in evaluating the HPA axis suppression: Urinary free cortisol test ACTH stimulation test Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility Long-term animal studies have not been performed to evaluate the carcinogenic potential or the effect on fertility of topical corticosteroids. Studies to determine mutagenicity with prednisolone and hydrocortisone have revealed negative results. Pregnancy Teratogenic Effects Corticosteroids are generally teratogenic in laboratory animals when administered systemically at relatively low dosage levels. The more potent corticosteroids have been shown to be teratogenic after dermal application in laboratory animals. There are no adequate, well-controlled studies of teratogenic effects from topically applied corticosteroids in pregnant women. Therefore, topical corticosteroids should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Drugs of this class should not be used extensively on pregnant patients, in large amounts, or for prolonged periods of time. Nursing Mothers It is not known whether topical administration of corticosteroids could result in sufficient systemic absorption to produce detectable quantities in breast milk. Systemically administered corticosteroids are secreted into breast milk in quantities not likely to have a deleterious effect on the infant. Nevertheless, caution should be exercised when topical corticosteroids are administered to a nursing woman. Pediatric Use Pediatric patients may demonstrate greater susceptibility to topical corticosteroid-induced HPA axis suppression and Cushing's syndrome than mature patients because of a larger skin surface area to body weight ratio. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, Cushing's syndrome, and intracranial hypertension have been reported in pediatric patients receiving topical corticosteroids. Manifestations of adrenal suppression in pediatric patients include linear growth retardation, delayed weight gain, low plasma cortisol levels, and absence of response to ACTH stimulation. Manifestations of intracranial hypertension include bulging fontanelles, headaches, and bilateral papilledema. Administration of topical corticosteroids to pediatric patients should be limited to the least amount compatible with an effective therapeutic regimen. Chronic corticosteroid therapy may interfere with the growth and development of pediatric patients. Geriatric Use Reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious using the least amount compatible with an effective therapeutic regimen and reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.
Side effects
The following local adverse reactions are reported infrequently with topical corticosteroids, but may occur more frequently with the use of occlusive dressings. These reactions are listed in approximate decreasing order of occurrence: burning, itching, irritation, dryness, folliculitis, hypertrichosis, acneiform eruptions, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, maceration of the skin, secondary infection, skin atrophy, striae and miliaria. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Meda Pharmaceuticals Inc. at 1-866-210-5948 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Teratogenic Effects Corticosteroids are generally teratogenic in laboratory animals when administered systemically at relatively low dosage levels. The more potent corticosteroids have been shown to be teratogenic after dermal application in laboratory animals. There are no adequate, well-controlled studies of teratogenic effects from topically applied corticosteroids in pregnant women. Therefore, topical corticosteroids should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Drugs of this class should not be used extensively on pregnant patients, in large amounts, or for prolonged periods of time.
Pediatric use
Pediatric Use Pediatric patients may demonstrate greater susceptibility to topical corticosteroid-induced HPA axis suppression and Cushing's syndrome than mature patients because of a larger skin surface area to body weight ratio. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis suppression, Cushing's syndrome, and intracranial hypertension have been reported in pediatric patients receiving topical corticosteroids. Manifestations of adrenal suppression in pediatric patients include linear growth retardation, delayed weight gain, low plasma cortisol levels, and absence of response to ACTH stimulation. Manifestations of intracranial hypertension include bulging fontanelles, headaches, and bilateral papilledema. Administration of topical corticosteroids to pediatric patients should be limited to the least amount compatible with an effective therapeutic regimen. Chronic corticosteroid therapy may interfere with the growth and development of pediatric patients.
Geriatric use
Geriatric Use Reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious using the least amount compatible with an effective therapeutic regimen and reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.
Overdosage
Topically applied corticosteroids can be absorbed in sufficient amounts to produce systemic effects. (See PRECAUTIONS .)
Description
Proctofoam ® HC (hydrocortisone acetate 1% and pramoxine hydrochloride 1%) is a topical aerosol foam for anal use containing hydrocortisone acetate 1% and pramoxine hydrochloride 1% in a hydrophilic base containing cetyl alcohol, emulsifying wax, methylparaben, poly-oxyethylene-10-stearyl ether, propylene glycol, propylparaben, purified water, trolamine and inert propellants: isobutane and propane. Proctofoam ® HC contains a synthetic corticosteroid used as an anti-inflammatory/antipruritic agent and a local anesthetic. Hydrocortisone acetate Molecular weight: 404.50. Solubility of hydrocortisone acetate in water: 1 mg/100 mL. Chemical name: pregn-4-ene-3,20-dione, 21-(acetyloxy)-11,17-dihydroxy-,(11β)-. Pramoxine hydrochloride Molecular weight: 329.86. Pramoxine hydrochloride is freely soluble in water. Chemical name: morpholine, 4-[3-(4-butoxyphenoxy) propyl]-, hydrochloride. Hydrocortisone Acetate Structural Formula Pramoxine Hydrochloride Structural Formula
How supplied
Proctofoam ® HC is supplied in an aerosol container with a special anal applicator. When used correctly, the aerosol container will deliver a minimum of 14 applications. NDC 0037-6822-10 10 g Store upright at controlled room temperature 20°-25°C (68°-77°F). DO NOT REFRIGERATE. Distributed by: Meda Pharmaceuticals Inc. Canonsburg, PA 15317 U.S.A. © 2025 Viatris Inc. PROCTOFOAM is a registered trademark of Alaven Pharmaceutical LLC, a Viatris Company. IN-682210-05 141371-0421
Label text from the FDA structured product label by Viatris Specialty LLC (revised Apr 15, 2025). Long sections are shortened; the complete label is on DailyMed.
Active ingredients
- Pramoxine Hydrochloride in 2 products
- Hydrocortisone Acetate in 1 product
Proctofoam NDC products (2)
| NDC | Strength & form | Labeler | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0037-6822 | Pramoxine Hydrochloride 100 mg/10g; Hydrocortisone Acetate 100 mg/10g Aerosol, Foam | Viatris Specialty LLC | ANDA |
| 0037-6823 | Pramoxine Hydrochloride 150 mg/15g Aerosol, Foam | Viatris Specialty LLC | OTC MONOGRAPH DRUG |
Proctofoam recalls
- D-0452-2022 Feb 2, 2022 · Class II · Terminated
cGMP deficiencies - D-0529-2021 Jun 2, 2021 · Class II · Terminated
CGMP Deviations: Intermittent exposure to temperature excursion during storage.
Frequently asked questions
What is Proctofoam used for?
Proctofoam ® HC is indicated for the relief of the inflammatory and pruritic manifestations of corticosteroid-responsive dermatoses of the anal region.
What are the side effects of Proctofoam?
The following local adverse reactions are reported infrequently with topical corticosteroids, but may occur more frequently with the use of occlusive dressings. These reactions are listed in approximate decreasing order of occurrence: burning, itching, irritation, dryness, folliculitis, hypertrichosis, acneiform eruptions, hypopigmentation, perioral dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis,… See the full label for the complete list.
Who makes Proctofoam?
Proctofoam is listed by 1 labeler in the FDA NDC directory, including Viatris Specialty LLC.
Has Proctofoam been recalled?
The FDA enforcement database lists 2 recalls for Proctofoam, most recently D-0452-2022 (class ii): cGMP deficiencies