Chronic anal fissure: 2% topical diltiazem hydrochloride

About topical diltiazem hydrochloride

Topical diltiazem hydrochloride is not licensed in the UK for treating chronic anal fissure. Topical diltiazem hydrochloride typically comes as a 2% cream or ointment. Topical means that the medicine is applied to the surface of the body, in this case, just inside the anus (back passage). The 2% figure gives an indication of the strength of the medicine because it tells us the amount of active ingredient present in the cream (in this case, the amount of diltiazem hydrochloride).

A small amount of the diltiazem cream or ointment is applied to the affected area twice a day. The medicine is thought to work by helping the ring muscle (sphincter) that goes around the anus (back passage) to relax and allow blood to flow to the lining of the anus (back passage). This aids the healing process and relieves the pain (see 'What is a chronic anal fissure?').