Hydrocortisone is a steroid that reduces the actions of chemicals in the body that cause inflammation.

Lidocaine is a local anesthetic (numbing medication). It works by blocking nerve signals in your body.

Ana-Lex topical (for the skin) is a combination medicine used to treat itching and discomfort caused by allergic reactions, eczema, minor burns, insect bites, or other skin conditions.

Ana-Lex rectal (for the rectum) is used to treat itching or swelling caused by hemorrhoids or other inflammatory conditions of the rectum or anus.

Ana-Lex may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to hydrocortisone or any type of numbing medicine, or if you have tuberculosis, a fungal skin infection, herpes simplex, or chickenpox.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not take by mouth. This medicine is for use only on the skin or in your rectum.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Wash your hands before and after applying this medicine, unless you are using it to treat a hand condition.

Use only a small amount of hydrocortisone and lidocaine topical on the affected area and rub it gently into the skin.

Do not cover the treated skin area unless your doctor tells you to. Covering the skin can increase the amount of the drug your skin absorbs, which may lead to unwanted side effects.

Your body may also absorb this medicine if you use too much, or if you apply it over large skin areas or skin that is cut or irritated.

For best results from the rectal medication, use only the applicator that comes with the medicine.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, if they get worse, or if you develop signs of infection (redness, swelling, oozing).

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

You should not use Ana-Lex if you are allergic to hydrocortisone or any type of numbing medicine, or if you have:

• a fungal skin infection;

• herpes simplex;

• chickenpox; or

• tuberculosis.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver disease; or

• a heart rhythm problem.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

It may not be safe to breast-feed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

Do not use this medicine on a child without a doctor's advice. Children are more sensitive to the effects of hydrocortisone and lidocaine.

Since Ana-Lex is used when needed, you may not be on a dosing schedule. Skip any missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

An overdose of Ana-Lex is not expected to produce life threatening symptoms. Long term use of high doses can lead to thinning skin, easy bruising, changes in body fat (especially in your face, neck, back, and waist), increased acne or facial hair, menstrual problems, impotence, or loss of interest in sex.

Do not apply Ana-Lex to swollen skin areas or deep puncture wounds. Avoid using the medicine on skin that is raw or blistered, such as a severe burn or abrasion. Avoid using on body areas where you have skin folds or thin skin unless your doctor has told you to.

Avoid getting this medication in your eyes, mouth, and nose, or on your lips. If this does happen, rinse with water.

Avoid using other medications that contain hydrocortisone or lidocaine, or other numbing medicines such as prilocaine. Avoid using any other skin medications unless your doctor tells you to.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using Ana-Lex and call your doctor at once if you have severe irritation or swelling of any treated skin.

Your skin can absorb topical steroid medicine, which may cause steroid side effects throughout the body. Tell your doctor if you have:

• weight gain (especially in your face or your upper back and torso);

• slow wound healing, thinning skin, increased body hair;

• irregular menstrual periods, changes in sexual function; or

• muscle weakness, tired feeling, depression, anxiety, feeling irritable.

Common side effects of Ana-Lex may include:

• redness or swelling of treated skin;

• thinning of treated skin; or

• numbness on areas where the medicine is accidentally applied.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Medicine used on the skin is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.