What medications can be used to treat anal fissures?

Nov 15, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Jingxiang
Introduction
In general, anal fissure is a small ulcer formed by a full-thickness longitudinal tear in the skin of the anal canal, often accompanied by symptoms such as pain during defecation and rectal bleeding. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as nitroglycerin ointment, compound carrageenan cream, lidocaine hydrochloride gel, Ma Yinglong Musk Hemorrhoids Ointment, or erythromycin ointment for treatment. A detailed analysis is as follows:

Under normal circumstances, anal fissure is a small ulcer formed by a full-thickness longitudinal tear in the skin of the anal canal, often accompanied by symptoms such as pain during defecation and rectal bleeding. Patients may follow medical advice to use medications such as nitroglycerin ointment, compound carrageenan cream, lidocaine hydrochloride gel, Ma Yinglong Musk Hemorrhoid Ointment, and erythromycin ointment for treatment. Specific analysis is as follows:

1. Nitroglycerin Ointment

Nitroglycerin ointment can relax the smooth muscles of the anal canal, reduce anal canal pressure, improve local blood circulation, promote healing of anal fissure ulcers, and simultaneously alleviate spastic pain during defecation. It is a commonly used medication for treating chronic anal fissures.

2. Compound Carrageenan Cream

The main ingredients include carrageenan, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide. This cream forms a protective film on the surface of the anal mucosa, reducing friction and irritation from feces on the fissure wound, thereby relieving pain and bleeding. It also has anti-inflammatory effects and promotes mucosal repair.

3. Lidocaine Hydrochloride Gel

This is a local anesthetic that blocks nerve ending conduction, rapidly alleviating severe pain caused by anal fissures during bowel movements. It helps patients defecate smoothly and prevents worsening of the condition due to fear of pain-induced constipation.

4. Ma Yinglong Musk Hemorrhoid Ointment

Containing ingredients such as synthetic musk, synthetic bezoar, and pearl, this ointment has effects of clearing heat and detoxifying, promoting blood circulation to remove blood stasis, and removing necrotic tissue to promote new tissue growth. It reduces local inflammation and swelling associated with anal fissures, promotes ulcer healing, and relieves symptoms such as pain and rectal bleeding.

5. Erythromycin Ointment

This is an antibiotic with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It is suitable for anal fissures complicated by bacterial infection, especially when there is redness, swelling, or increased discharge. It helps prevent and control infection, thus creating favorable conditions for wound healing.

In daily life, it's important to develop good bowel habits, avoid prolonged squatting or sitting on the toilet, maintain regular and smooth bowel movements, and avoid consuming spicy and irritating foods such as chili peppers, Sichuan pepper, and ginger, which may irritate the anal mucosa and hinder recovery.