Rectiv
Medically reviewed by A Ras MD.
What is Rectiv?
Rectiv is a prescription medicine that is used to treat anal pain. Rectiv may be given to you for other reasons.
Description
Nitroglycerin is 1,2,3,-propanetriol trinitrate, an organic nitrate whose structural formula is as follows:
- CH2-ONO2
- |
- CH-ONO2
- |
- CH2-ONO2
and whose molecular weight is 227.09. RECTIV (nitroglycerin) Ointment 0.4% contains 0.4% nitroglycerin w/w (4 mg nitroglycerin/1 g ointment), propylene glycol, lanolin, sorbitan sesquioleate, paraffin wax, and white petrolatum. RECTIV (nitroglycerin) Ointment 0.4% is available in tubes with a one-inch dosing line on the carton allowing the measurement of approximately 375 mg of nitroglycerin ointment 0.4% (1.5 mg nitroglycerin) for application.
Mechanism of Action
Nitroglycerin forms free radical nitric oxide (NO), which activates guanylate cyclase, resulting in an increase of guanosine 3′,5′-monophosphate (cyclic GMP) in smooth muscle and other tissues. This leads to dephosphorylation of myosin light chains, which regulates the contractile state in smooth muscle and results in vasodilatation.
Before taking Rectiv, tell your doctor:
- If you are allergic to Rectiv; any part of this medicine; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
- If you have any of these health problems: Anemia, raised pressure in the head (like with bleeding in the brain or head injury), or recent heart attack.
- If you have heart problems.
- If you have low blood volume.
- If you are taking any of these drugs: Avanafil, riociguat, sildenafil, tadalafil, or vardenafil.
- If you are taking any of these drugs: Dihydroergotamine, ergonovine, ergotamine, or methylergonovine.
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Rectiv with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while I take Rectiv?
- Tell all of your health care providers that you take Rectiv. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert or have clear eyesight until you see how Rectiv affects you.
- To lower the chance of feeling dizzy or passing out, rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down. Be careful going up and down stairs.
- Check your blood pressure as you have been told.
- This medicine may affect certain lab tests. Tell all of your health care providers and lab workers that you take Rectiv.
- Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Rectiv.
- If you are 65 or older, use Rectiv with care. You could have more side effects.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.
How is Rectiv best taken?
Use Rectiv as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- Wash your hands before and after use.
- Cover your finger with plastic-wrap, a surgical glove, or a finger cot.
- Use the dosing guide on the box to put the ointment on your covered finger.
- Place the finger with the ointment on it into the anal canal up to the first finger joint.
- Smear the ointment inside the anus.
- You may also put the ointment on the outside of your anus.
- Keep out of your mouth, nose, vagina, and eyes (may burn).
What do I do if I miss a dose?
- Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
- If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
- Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
What are the side effects of Rectiv that I need to call my doctor about immediately?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Very bad dizziness or passing out.
- Fast, slow, or abnormal heartbeat.
- Flushing.
- Blurred eyesight.
- Dry mouth.
- Sweating a lot.
- Pale skin.
- Very upset stomach or throwing up.
- Restlessness.
- Feeling very tired or weak.
What are some other side effects of Rectiv?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
- Dizziness or headache.
- You may have headaches when you start taking Rectiv. Most of the time it gets better with time. Do not change how you use Rectiv to avoid these headaches. Talk with your doctor for ways to lessen this side effect.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
If overdose is suspected:
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
How do I store and/or throw out Rectiv?
- Store at room temperature in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
- Keep the tube tightly closed. Use within 8 weeks of first opening.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
Label
Principal Display Panel – Rectiv Carton Label
- Allergan™
- Use within 8 weeks
of first opening. - 30 g
- RECTIV®
- (nitroglycerin)
- Ointment 0.4%
- For Intra-anal Use Only
- Do not discard the carton – Dosage Guide included on two sides of the carton
