Scheriproct Suppositories

1. Name Of The Medicinal Product

Scheriproct® Suppositories

2. Qualitative And Quantitative Composition

Each yellowish-white suppository contains:

Prednisolone hexanoate 1.3 mg

Cinchocaine hydrochloride 1.0 mg

3. Pharmaceutical Form

Suppository

4. Clinical Particulars

4.1 Therapeutic Indications

For the symptomatic relief of haemorrhoids and pruritus ani in the short term (5-7 days).

4.2 Posology And Method Of Administration

One Scheriproct suppository to be inserted daily. In severe cases one suppository two to three times daily at the beginning of treatment. The suppositories should be inserted after defaecation.

4.3 Contraindications

Viral infections. Primary bacterial or fungal infections. Secondary infections of the skin in the absence of appropriate anti-infective therapy. Known sensitivity to local anaesthetics.

4.4 Special Warnings And Precautions For Use

Warnings: In infants, long-term continuous therapy with topical corticosteroids should be avoided. Occlusion is not appropriate on the perineum. Adrenal suppression can occur, even without occlusion. As with all topical steroids, there is a risk of developing skin atrophy following extensive therapy. The application of unusually large quantities of topical corticoids may result in the absorption of systemically active amounts of corticoid. Secondarily infected dermatoses definitely require additional therapy with antibiotics or chemotherapeutic agents. This treatment can often be topical, but for heavy infections systemic antibacterial therapy may be necessary. If fungal infections are present, a topically active antimycotic should be applied.

4.5 Interaction With Other Medicinal Products And Other Forms Of Interaction

None known.

4.6 Pregnancy And Lactation

There is inadequate evidence of safety in human pregnancy. Topical administration of corticosteroids to pregnant animals can cause abnormalities of foetal development, including cleft palate and intra-uterine growth retardation. There may therefore be a very small risk of such effects on the human foetus.

4.7 Effects On Ability To Drive And Use Machines

None known.

4.8 Undesirable Effects

As with all topical steroids, there is a risk of developing skin atrophy following extensive therapy. Allergic skin reactions may occur.

4.9 Overdose

None stated.

5. Pharmacological Properties

5.1 Pharmacodynamic Properties

Prednisolone hexanoate - On local application, exerts a powerful anti-inflammatory action which is superior to that of both cortisone and hydrocortisone. Its effects include a reduction of capillary dilatation, intercellular oedema and inflammatory infiltration within tissues, and the inhibition of vascularisation.

Cinchocaine hydrochloride - Has a local anaesthetic effect on mucous membranes and, in combination with prednisolone hexanoate, provides a quick relief of painful and pruritic symptoms.

5.2 Pharmacokinetic Properties

No data are available on the rectal absorption of prednisolone hexanoate in humans. However, the extent of the rectal absorption from a similar lipophilic corticosteroid ester, fluocortolone pivalate, amounted to only about 15% of the dose with the cream and only 5% of the dose from the suppository.

No data are available on the elimination of prednisolone hexanoate in humans. It is known that corticosteroids are excreted in the urine.

In-vitro and in-vivo investigations with corticosteroid esters (halogenated and nonhalogenated corticoids) have shown that these compounds are split extremely rapidly into the corticoid and fatty acid by the esterases which are ubiquitously present in the body. For this reason, after topical application and percutaneous absorption of prednisolone hexanoate, the steroid alcohol, prednisolone, becomes systemically available.

Inactivation of free prednisolone is carried out by the liver and to a small extent by the kidneys.

5.3 Preclinical Safety Data

There are no preclinical safety data which could be of relevance to the prescriber and which are not already included in other relevant sections of the SPC.

6. Pharmaceutical Particulars

6.1 List Of Excipients

Hard fat

6.2 Incompatibilities

None known.

6.3 Shelf Life

Two years

6.4 Special Precautions For Storage

Do not store above 25^oC

6.5 Nature And Contents Of Container

Laminated aluminium foil strip packs. Packs of 12 suppositories.

6.6 Special Precautions For Disposal And Other Handling

In order to restore the consistency of suppositories which have become soft owing to warm temperature, they should be put into cold water before the covering is removed.

Keep out of reach of children.

7. Marketing Authorisation Holder

Intendis GmbH

Max-Dohrn-Strasse 10

D-10589

Berlin

Germany

8. Marketing Authorisation Number(S)

PL 28428/0004

9. Date Of First Authorisation/Renewal Of The Authorisation

9 September 1999

10. Date Of Revision Of The Text

29 September 2006