Relitch0.05%+0.1%+2.5%

Relitch is a fixed-dose topical combination of a corticosteroid, an alpha-adrenergic vasoconstrictor, and a local anesthetic, formulated as an anorectal (perianal/rectal) ointment or cream.

Established / Guideline-Supported Uses

• Symptomatic relief of pain, itching, burning, and swelling associated with internal and external hemorrhoids (piles).
• Symptomatic relief of anal fissures and pruritus ani (anal itching) of inflammatory origin.
• Short-term relief of local inflammation and congestion in proctitis and other benign anorectal conditions, as labeled by the marketing authorization holder.

Adjunct Use

• Short-term adjunct symptom control before or after minor anorectal procedures (e.g., sclerotherapy, banding, or hemorrhoidectomy), used only under medical supervision.

Relitch provides symptomatic relief only; it does not cure the underlying cause of hemorrhoids or anorectal disease, and it is not intended for long-term or unsupervised use.

Each gram of Betamethasone + Phenylephrine + Lignocaine ointment/cream typically contains: Betamethasone (as valerate or dipropionate) 0.05%–0.1% w/w, Phenylephrine Hydrochloride 0.25%–0.5% w/w, and Lignocaine (Lidocaine) Hydrochloride 2%–5% w/w, in a suitable ointment/cream base. Exact strengths vary by manufacturer and brand; refer to the specific product's labeling for its precise composition.

Relitch is a combination anorectal preparation that brings together three complementary actions in one topical product: an anti-inflammatory corticosteroid (betamethasone), a vasoconstrictor/decongestant (phenylephrine), and a fast-acting local anesthetic (lignocaine). It is applied externally to the perianal skin or intrarectally with an applicator, for short-term relief of the pain, itching, swelling, and congestion of hemorrhoids and related anorectal conditions.

Anorectal preparation — combination of a topical corticosteroid, a sympathomimetic (alpha-adrenergic) vasoconstrictor, and an amide-type local anesthetic. Relitch is a representative fixed-dose combination of this class.

Betamethasone + Phenylephrine + Lignocaine combines three distinct mechanisms of action at the site of application:

• Betamethasone is a potent synthetic corticosteroid that reduces local inflammation by inhibiting phospholipase A2 and the release of inflammatory mediators, decreasing redness, swelling, and itching.
• Phenylephrine is a direct-acting alpha-1 adrenergic agonist that produces local vasoconstriction, reducing venous congestion and swelling of hemorrhoidal tissue.
• Lignocaine (lidocaine) is an amide local anesthetic that blocks voltage-gated sodium channels in sensory nerve endings, producing rapid, temporary relief of pain and itching.

Together these actions provide combined anti-inflammatory, decongestant, and analgesic effects for anorectal symptoms. Systemic absorption of all three components through intact anorectal mucosa/skin is normally low with recommended short-term use, but increases with prolonged use, occlusion, or application to large or broken areas.

Clean and dry the perianal area gently before applying Relitch. Apply a thin layer to the affected external skin, or introduce a small amount intrarectally using the applicator supplied with the product (if any), as directed by a physician. Wash hands thoroughly before and after application. Relitch is for anorectal use only and must not be applied to the eyes, taken orally, or used on broken or infected skin unless specifically directed by a physician.

Because Relitch is applied topically/intrarectally and systemic absorption is normally low with short-term recommended use, well-established systemic drug interactions are limited. Clinically relevant considerations include:

• Other corticosteroids (topical, inhaled, or systemic): concurrent use may increase the total corticosteroid burden and the risk of systemic effects; avoid combining multiple corticosteroid-containing products without medical advice.
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants: if significant systemic absorption of the phenylephrine component occurs (e.g., with prolonged/excessive use), there is a theoretical risk of exaggerated pressor (blood pressure-raising) effect.
• Other local anesthetics or antiarrhythmic drugs: concomitant use with other products containing local anesthetics, or with Class I antiarrhythmics, may have additive effects on cardiac conduction if substantial systemic absorption of the lignocaine component were to occur.

Inform the physician of all other medicines being used before starting Relitch.

Adverse effects of Relitch are generally local and mild when used as directed for short courses.

• Local burning, stinging, or tingling sensation on application
• Itching or contact dermatitis at the application site
• Skin thinning (atrophy), striae, or telangiectasia with prolonged or excessive use of the corticosteroid component
• Rebound congestion or irritation if the phenylephrine-containing product is used for longer than recommended
• Rarely, systemic effects (e.g., adrenal suppression from the corticosteroid, or palpitations/elevated blood pressure from the phenylephrine component) if used excessively, on broken skin, or under occlusion
• Rare hypersensitivity reactions to the lignocaine component

Discontinue Relitch and consult a physician if irritation worsens or signs of infection or systemic effects appear.

Relitch should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed and if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus; a physician should be consulted before use, particularly for anything beyond brief, limited-area application, as systemic absorption of the corticosteroid and vasoconstrictor components could theoretically affect the fetus with extensive or prolonged use.

It is not established whether clinically significant amounts of the components of Relitch pass into breast milk after topical anorectal use. Caution is advised, and a physician should be consulted before use while breastfeeding.

Relitch is intended for short-term use only, per product labeling.

• Do not use for longer than about 7 days without medical reassessment; prolonged corticosteroid use in the anorectal area may cause local tissue thinning and other local corticosteroid-related effects (see Side Effects).
• Avoid applying to a larger area, more frequently, or under occlusive dressing than directed, to limit systemic absorption of all three components.
• Avoid contact with the eyes; if accidental contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water.
• Rebound congestion or irritation can occur with excessive or prolonged use of the decongestant (phenylephrine) component; discontinue if this occurs and consult a physician.
• Do not use on skin with untreated infection (viral, fungal, or bacterial) unless directed by a physician (see Contraindications).
• Take Relitch exactly as prescribed; do not stop, extend, use more often, or share this medicine with others without medical advice.
• If bleeding, a lump, or symptoms persist or worsen after 7 days of use, stop use and seek medical evaluation, as these may indicate a condition other than simple hemorrhoids.

Significant systemic toxicity from topical/intrarectal overdose of Relitch is unlikely with appropriate short-term use, but excessive or prolonged application, use on broken skin, or accidental ingestion could increase the risk of systemic corticosteroid, sympathomimetic (e.g., raised blood pressure, palpitations), or local anesthetic effects (e.g., dizziness, numbness, in severe cases cardiac or central nervous system effects). If overdose, accidental ingestion, or a significant adverse reaction is suspected, seek immediate medical attention or contact a poison control center. Do not attempt unsupervised home treatment.

Store at room temperature (below 30°C), away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Renal/Hepatic Impairment: No specific dose adjustment is well established for topical/intrarectal use of Relitch, as systemic absorption is normally low; use with caution and medical supervision if impairment is significant.

Elderly: No specific dose adjustment is generally required; use with the same short-term precautions as in other adults, particularly if cardiovascular disease is present (see Contraindications).

Pediatric: Safety and efficacy of Relitch in children have not been established; avoid use in children unless specifically directed and supervised by a physician (see Pediatric Uses).

Treatment with Relitch is intended to be short-term, typically up to about 7 days. If symptoms do not improve, or worsen, within this period, treatment should be reassessed by a physician rather than continued or repeated without supervision, since underlying anorectal disease may require other treatment.

Corticosteroid (topical) + alpha-adrenergic sympathomimetic (vasoconstrictor/decongestant) + amide-type local anesthetic — combined as an anorectal preparation.

Betamethasone + Phenylephrine + Lignocaine acts through three complementary mechanisms: betamethasone suppresses local inflammatory mediator release to reduce swelling, redness, and itching; phenylephrine stimulates alpha-1 adrenergic receptors in local blood vessels to produce vasoconstriction and reduce venous congestion; and lignocaine blocks sodium channels in sensory nerve fibers to produce rapid local anesthesia. Together, these actions relieve the pain, itching, swelling, and congestion associated with hemorrhoids and related anorectal conditions.

The safety and efficacy of Relitch have not been established in children. Use in pediatric patients is generally avoided and should only be considered under direct medical supervision if a physician judges the potential benefit to outweigh the risk, given the potential for greater systemic absorption of the corticosteroid and other components through a child's proportionally larger skin surface area.