Ointment | Calcium antagonists

Ointment

Ointments containing calcium antagonists can be used to relieve pain and discomfort in the anus region. For example, such ointments can help in cases of hemorrhoidal disease (painful blood vessel bulges at the exit of the bowel) and anal fissures (tearing of the intestinal mucosa in the anal canal). It works directly on the spot and prevents the sphincter muscle from cramping, which can otherwise lead to severe pain.

Especially after an operation, the use of an ointment with a calcium antagonist as the active ingredient can be useful. This leads to a relaxation of the muscles of the sphincter as well as to an improved blood circulation. This also supports the healing process.

The ointment is applied several times a day with a finger in the anus all around the anus. Only a pea-sized amount should be used at a time. The total application period should be between four and six weeks. The exact instructions for application will be given by the treating doctor.

Valsartan

The active ingredient valsartan is not a calcium antagonist but a so-called AT1-antagonist.These unfold their effect not by blocking calcium channels on the cells, but by inhibiting the tissue hormone angiotensin. Although calcium also plays an important role in the mechanism of action of valsartan in the cells, it is still a different group of active ingredients than the calcium antagonists. Valsartan and the calcium antagonists have in common that both are used for the treatment of hypertension.

Frequently, both drugs are also combined so that a lower dosage can be chosen in each case. Whether or not a calcium antagonist or better valsartan (or other drugs with a similar mechanism of action) is appropriate for a patient depends on the circumstances. Patients who also suffer from arterial occlusive disease of the legs (“window dressing disease”) are more likely to benefit from the effect of a calcium antagonist. Patients suffering from diabetes (diabetes) or heart failure are better treated with valsartan (or another drug from the Sartane group or ACE inhibitors).