Anal Fissures: Nifedipine and Diltiazem
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Nifedipine and diltiazem are calcium channel blockers.
They are usually taken as pills to lower blood pressure. But these medicines can also help heal anal fissures.
A gel form of these medicines is best. When used as a gel directly on the anus, these medicines work as well as nitroglycerin cream.footnote 1 The gel form of these medicines also has fewer side effects than the pill form.
One
cause of fissures is increased tension (called resting pressure) and spasm in
the internal anal sphincter, one of two muscles that control the anus. These
medicines work by relaxing the smooth muscle, allowing the fissure to
heal.
References
Citations
- Chong PS, Bartolo DCC (2008). Hemorrhoids and fissure in ano. Gastroenterology Clinics of North America, 37(3): 627-644.
Credits
ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerAnne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerC. Dale Mercer, MD, FRCSC, FACS - General Surgery
Current as of:
May 5, 2017
Chong PS, Bartolo DCC (2008). Hemorrhoids and fissure in ano. Gastroenterology Clinics of North America, 37(3): 627-644.