How does lidocaine work against hemorrhoids?
Lidocaine belongs to the group of local anesthetics and works by blocking pain signals in the nerve pathways. This temporarily numbs the affected tissue, quickly relieving pain and itching in hemorrhoids.
|
Property of lidocaine |
Effect on hemorrhoids |
|
Local anesthesia |
Pain relief |
|
Reduction of itching |
Reduction of itching and irritation |
|
Short duration of action |
Immediate but limited effect |
|
No healing function |
Relief, but no causal treatment |
Since lidocaine does not have anti-inflammatory effects, it should be combined with other active ingredients to treat the cause of the symptoms. Read more about all treatment approaches in the blog post on hemorrhoid treatment.

Which hemorrhoid ointments contain lidocaine?
There are numerous over-the-counter and prescription ointments for hemorrhoids that contain lidocaine.
|
Product name |
Active ingredient combination |
Prescription requirement |
|
Posterisan akut |
Lidocaine |
No |
|
Jelliproct |
Lidocaine + Fluocortolone (cortisone) |
Yes |
|
DoloPosterine |
Lidocaine + witch hazel |
No |
|
Haenal akut |
Lidocaine |
No |
Lidocaine ointments are especially useful for acute pain and severe itching, but should not be used for extended periods.
Is lidocaine safe to use for hemorrhoids?
Lidocaine is considered a safe active ingredient when used correctly. It should not be applied more than 2–3 times daily to avoid side effects. Additionally, it is important to adhere to the recommended application duration of a maximum of 14 days, as longer use can lead to skin irritation or allergic reactions.

How long does the pain-relieving effect of lidocaine last?
The effect of lidocaine begins within a few minutes and lasts about 30 to 60 minutes. The short duration of action makes it necessary to use lidocaine in combination with other active ingredients to achieve lasting relief.
Are there side effects when using lidocaine?
Like any medication, lidocaine can have side effects, but these are rare.
|
Possible side effects |
Frequency |
|
Skin irritation (redness, burning) |
Occasional |
|
Allergic reactions (itching, swelling) |
Rarely |
|
Numbness at the treated area |
Common |
|
Hypersensitivity reactions |
Very rare |
Those allergic to local anesthetics should not use lidocaine. If side effects occur, use should be discontinued.
Can lidocaine be used during pregnancy for hemorrhoids?
The use of lidocaine during pregnancy should always be discussed with a doctor. Studies show that only small amounts of lidocaine are absorbed by the body and hardly enter the bloodstream, so it is considered safe in low doses. Especially in late pregnancy or after childbirth, lidocaine can help relieve symptoms. There are also many alternatives for therapy during pregnancy.
Are there alternatives to lidocaine for pain relief?
Those who cannot tolerate lidocaine or are looking for a natural alternative can use other active ingredients.
|
Alternative |
Effect |
|
Witch hazel |
Itch relief, anti-inflammatory |
|
Menthol |
Cooling, mildly numbing effect |
|
Oak bark |
Astringent, soothing |
|
CANNEFF® SUP suppositories |
CANNEFF® SUP suppositories are a plant-based alternative with anti-inflammatory effects |
Is lidocaine suitable for long-term use in hemorrhoids?
Lidocaine should only be used for short-term relief of acute symptoms. Long-term use can lead to skin irritation or tolerance, reducing its effectiveness. Those suffering from hemorrhoids over a longer period should consider a holistic treatment of hemorrhoids with anti-inflammatory agents or medical measures.
How quickly does lidocaine work for acute hemorrhoid pain?
Lidocaine works within a few minutes by blocking nerve signals, temporarily eliminating pain and itching. The maximum effect occurs after about 10–15 minutes and lasts on average for one hour.
Can lidocaine be combined with other hemorrhoid remedies?
Yes, lidocaine can be well combined with other active ingredients to ensure a more comprehensive treatment of hemorrhoids.
|
Combination |
Advantage |
|
Lidocaine + witch hazel |
Pain-relieving + anti-inflammatory |
|
Lidocaine + hydrocortisone |
Numbing + anti-swelling |
|
Lidocaine + zinc oxide |
Soothing + healing-promoting |
|
Lidocaine + CANNEFF® SUP |
Gentle numbing + herbal healing effect of CANNEFF® SUP suppositories |
These combinations are especially effective for acute flare-ups and severe pain. Lidocaine is a proven remedy for rapid pain relief in hemorrhoids. It numbs locally, relieves itching, and provides temporary relief. Due to its short duration of action, it makes sense to combine lidocaine with anti-inflammatory or healing agents. Especially for long-term hemorrhoid symptoms, CANNEFF® SUP suppositories can be a gentle alternative.
Read more about various therapy approaches in the blog post on treatment of hemorrhoids. The blog post about the doctor's visit for hemorrhoids provides comprehensive information on diagnosis and examinations.