Hemorrhoid Cream Packaging Units
Hemorrhoid creams are packaged and measured in grams, not milligrams. 1
Standard Packaging Information
- Topical hemorrhoid preparations, including hydrocortisone creams, are sold in gram quantities such as 28.4 g (1 oz) tubes 1
- The active ingredient concentration is expressed as a percentage (e.g., hydrocortisone 1% cream), meaning 1 gram of active ingredient per 100 grams of cream 1
- Ointments and creams for intravaginal or rectal use are typically dispensed in 5-gram applications per dose 2
Clinical Application Dosing
- When prescribing or recommending hemorrhoid creams, the amount applied is measured in grams rather than milligrams 3
- Topical nifedipine 0.3% with lidocaine 1.5% ointment, which is highly effective for thrombosed external hemorrhoids, is applied as an ointment measured in grams 3, 4
- Corticosteroid creams for hemorrhoids should be applied topically (measured in grams of cream) for no more than 7 days to avoid thinning of perianal and anal mucosa 3, 4
Why Grams, Not Milligrams
- Creams and ointments are semi-solid preparations where the vehicle (base) plus active ingredients together constitute the total weight 1
- The total product weight in tubes ranges from approximately 14 grams to 30 grams or more, making grams the appropriate unit 1
- Milligrams would only be used to describe the amount of active pharmaceutical ingredient within the cream, not the cream product itself 1