Hemorrhoids are common, yet many people avoid seeking treatment out of embarrassment — when relief is simpler than expected. Intimo Life offers ointment and suppository options for targeted relief from pain, itch, and inflammation.
💊 Ointment and suppository for targeted hemorrhoid relief
👨⚕️ Online pharmacist — private, no travel needed
Hemorrhoids are swollen veins in the rectum or anus caused by increased pressure, producing pain, itching, bleeding, or a lump at the anal opening.
📊 Key statistics:
Around 75% of people will experience hemorrhoids at least once in their lifetime
Thailand records over 1 million cases annually; those aged 45–65 are most at risk
Grade 1–2 hemorrhoids can typically be managed with medication alone, without surgery
💊 Available treatments include Doproct Ointment (Hydrocortisone, Zinc Oxide, Benzocaine) for topical anti-inflammatory and local anaesthetic relief, and Doproct Suppository (Lidocaine, Hydrocortisone, Zinc Oxide, Aluminium Acetate) for internal symptom coverage.
⚠️ These medications relieve symptoms but do not permanently cure hemorrhoids. See a doctor if bleeding is heavy or symptoms do not improve.
Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels in the rectum and anus caused by increased pressure. Internal hemorrhoids sit inside the rectum — typically painless but may bleed. External hemorrhoids form around the anal opening and cause more pain and itching.
Hemorrhoids are very common during pregnancy due to increased abdominal pressure from the growing baby and progesterone's effect on blood vessel walls, which also worsens constipation.
Self-care includes eating fibre-rich foods, staying hydrated, avoiding prolonged standing or sitting, and warm sitz baths for relief.
Always consult a pharmacist or doctor before using any hemorrhoid medication during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. Pregnancy-related hemorrhoids usually improve or resolve after delivery as abdominal pressure decreases.
",
"question_en": "Can hemorrhoids heal on their own?",
"answer_en": "
Early-stage hemorrhoids (Grade 1–2) often improve or resolve on their own with lifestyle changes such as increasing fibre intake, staying hydrated, and avoiding straining. However, if you have noticeable symptoms like bleeding, pain, or a prolapsing lump, using medication helps relieve symptoms and speeds up recovery.
",
"question_en": "What is the difference between Doproct Ointment and Doproct Suppository?",
"answer_en": "
Both treat hemorrhoids but suit different locations. Doproct Ointment is applied topically for external hemorrhoids or symptoms near the anal opening. Doproct Suppository is inserted rectally for internal hemorrhoids higher in the rectum. A pharmacist may recommend using both together for broader coverage.
",
"question_en": "How do you use a hemorrhoid suppository?",
"answer_en": "
Wash your hands thoroughly. Lie on your side or bend forward slightly, then gently push the suppository fully into the rectum so it stays in place. It is generally recommended to insert after a bowel movement or at bedtime, once or twice daily. Lying down briefly after insertion helps the medication absorb effectively.
",
"question_en": "Should I see a doctor if I have rectal bleeding from hemorrhoids?",
"answer_en": "
Small amounts of bright red blood on toilet paper or in the bowl are common with hemorrhoids and usually harmless. However, see a doctor if there is heavy bleeding, dark blood mixed with stool, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, or if symptoms do not improve after two weeks of medication, as these may indicate a condition requiring further investigation.
",
"question_en": "What is the difference between hemorrhoids and anal skin tags?",
"answer_en": "
Hemorrhoids and anal skin tags are different conditions despite appearing similar. Hemorrhoids are swollen blood vessels that typically bleed and feel soft. Anal skin tags are small pieces of excess skin around the anal opening — painless, non-bleeding, and non-vascular. Treatment differs, so a doctor's diagnosis is recommended.
",
"question_en": "Can hemorrhoids be prevented?",
"answer_en": "
Hemorrhoids can be prevented to a significant extent. The most effective approach is preventing constipation — eat a high-fibre diet with plenty of vegetables and fruit, drink enough water, exercise regularly, and avoid sitting on the toilet for prolonged periods. For those who have had hemorrhoids before, these habits also help reduce the chance of recurrence.
",
"question_en": "What should I do if medication is not working?",
"answer_en": "
If you have used topical medication or suppositories consistently for 1–2 weeks without improvement, or if symptoms are worsening, consult a doctor. Your hemorrhoids may be at a stage requiring a procedural treatment such as rubber band ligation, sclerotherapy, or surgery, or there may be another underlying condition worth investigating.
",
"question_en": "Can hemorrhoids come back after treatment?",
"answer_en": "
Yes, especially if the underlying risk factors remain — such as a low-fibre diet, chronic constipation, or prolonged sitting. Medication relieves symptoms and reduces inflammation during an episode, but does not address root causes. Maintaining good lifestyle habits long-term is the most important factor in preventing recurrence.
Fenafex is a second-generation antihistamine containing Fexofenadine Hydrochloride, manufactured by Siam Bheasach / Speciality Pharma Service. It is indicated for chronic idiopathic urticaria and seasonal allergic rhinitis.
📊 Key highlights:
The least sedating second-generation antihistamine — Fexofenadine has minimal CNS penetration compared to Cetirizine and Loratadine, making it the preferred choice for patients who need to stay alert
Long-acting 24-hour formula — take just once daily for all-day relief
🏭 Fenafex is a Thai FDA-registered generic equivalent of Telfast (Registration No. 1A 21/53(N)), offering the same efficacy at a more accessible price.
⚠️ This is a prescription-category medicine. Take only as directed by a doctor or pharmacist, and always take with plain water only.
Medically reviewed by
ทีมเนื้อหา Intimo Life | แหล่งข้อมูล: FDA Thailand, Drugs.com, NHS UK
Last reviewed: 2026-02-20
About Fenafex
Add a short description for this section
What is Fenafex? What does it treat? How does it work?
Fenafex is a second-generation antihistamine with Fexofenadine Hydrochloride as its active ingredient. It works as a selective peripheral H1-receptor antagonist — blocking histamine H1 receptors in peripheral tissues without significantly crossing the blood-brain barrier, which is why it causes far less drowsiness than first-generation antihistamines.
Mechanism of Action
When the body is exposed to an allergen, mast cells release histamine, which binds to H1 receptors on tissues and causes symptoms such as itching, swelling, runny nose, and urticaria (hives). Fexofenadine competitively blocks these H1 receptors before histamine can bind, effectively preventing allergic symptoms. The drug is rapidly absorbed and begins working within 1–2 hours, providing continuous relief for 24 hours. It is primarily excreted via feces, with a smaller portion via urine.
Approved Indications
Fenafex is indicated for: Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria (CIU) — significantly reducing the number, size, and severity of hives and associated itch; Seasonal Allergic Rhinitis — relieving sneezing, runny nose, nasal itching, itchy eyes, watery eyes, and red eyes; and other allergic skin conditions responsive to antihistamine therapy, at the physician's discretion.
Who Should Not Use This Medicine
Fenafex is not recommended for children under 12 years of age, individuals with a known hypersensitivity to Fexofenadine or other antihistamines, or patients with severe renal impairment (dose adjustment required under medical supervision).
How to Take Fenafex / Dosage
Fenafex is taken once daily and can be taken with or without food. However, it is critically important to take this medicine with plain water only. Never take it with fruit juices (orange, apple, or grapefruit juice), as these inhibit the intestinal transport protein OATP, reducing drug absorption by up to 36% and significantly lowering efficacy.
Dosing by Patient Group
Adults and children aged 12 and above: once daily. Children under 12: This dose is not recommended — consult a doctor for age-appropriate formulations. Renal impairment: Dose reduction may be required under medical supervision. Elderly patients with normal kidney function: No dose adjustment needed.
Best Time to Take the Medication
Take at the same time each day to maintain consistent blood levels. This is particularly important for continuous management of chronic urticaria. The drug begins working within 1–2 hours and reaches peak efficacy between 2–6 hours after ingestion.
Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is closer to the time of your next dose (less than half the usual interval), skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Never double the dose, as this increases the risk of side effects.
Treatment Duration
For acute allergic reactions, if symptoms do not improve within 3–5 days, stop and consult a doctor. For chronic conditions with daily symptoms, continuous use is generally well tolerated — follow your doctor's recommended duration.
Where to Buy Fenafex?
Fenafex is a pharmacist-dispensed medicine. You can order it online through Intimo Life, where every order is reviewed and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist.
Can I Buy Fenafex Online?
Yes. Order directly through Intimo Life. Every order is verified and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist to ensure you receive authentic, standard-quality medication in full compliance with Thai law.
Do I Need a Prescription?
A formal prescription is not required, but the medicine must be dispensed by a licensed pharmacist — a step that Intimo Life fulfills on every order.
How Does Intimo Life Ship?
We ship nationwide across Thailand. All orders are packaged discreetly — no product names, brand names, or item descriptions on the outside of the package. Your privacy is our top priority.
Side Effects of Fenafex
Fenafex is a second-generation antihistamine with an excellent safety profile and far fewer side effects than first-generation antihistamines. Understanding potential side effects helps patients monitor themselves and respond appropriately.
Common Side Effects (occurring in more than 1% of users)
Headache is the most frequently reported side effect, typically mild and occurring early in treatment. Mild fatigue may occur in some patients, especially at the start of therapy. Mild nausea or indigestion, which can often be minimized by taking the medication with food.
Uncommon Side Effects (occurring in less than 1% of users)
Mild drowsiness — despite Fexofenadine's reputation as a non-drowsy antihistamine, some individuals may still experience slight sedation. Monitor yourself when starting the medication. Dizziness and mild dry mouth are also occasionally reported.
Rare but Serious — Stop Medication Immediately
Severe hypersensitivity reactions (anaphylaxis) including difficulty breathing, facial swelling, swollen lips, or tongue swelling (angioedema). Severe widespread skin rash. Cardiac arrhythmia (very rarely reported). If any of these occur, stop taking Fenafex immediately and seek emergency medical care.
What to Do If You Experience Side Effects
For mild side effects such as headache or fatigue, monitor the symptom — it usually resolves within a few days as the body adjusts. If symptoms persist or worsen, consult a pharmacist or doctor. For any severe reaction, stop immediately and seek medical attention.
Warnings and Precautions for Fenafex
Despite its excellent safety profile, Fenafex has important contraindications and precautions that all patients should be aware of before starting treatment.
Contraindications
Do not use Fenafex if you have a known hypersensitivity to Fexofenadine Hydrochloride or any excipient in the formulation. Do not use if you have previously experienced anaphylaxis to any antihistamine. Not recommended for children under 12 years of age.
Special Precautions
Renal impairment: As Fexofenadine is partly renally excreted, dose adjustment or extended dosing intervals may be required under medical supervision. Hepatic impairment: Risk of drug accumulation — consult a doctor before use. Pregnancy: Avoid during the first trimester; use only when the benefit clearly outweighs the risk as assessed by a physician. Breastfeeding: Not recommended, as the drug may be excreted in breast milk. Patients who drive or operate machinery: Monitor yourself for drowsiness, particularly when starting treatment.
Key Drug Interactions
CNS depressants (e.g., Diazepam, Alprazolam): May enhance sedative effects, increasing drowsiness. Aluminum/Magnesium antacids: May reduce Fexofenadine absorption — take at least 2 hours apart. Alcohol: Avoid; may potentiate CNS depression. Fruit juices (orange, apple, grapefruit): Significantly reduce drug absorption — strictly avoid.
Fenafex vs Other Options
The antihistamine market offers several options. Understanding the differences helps patients and pharmacists select the most appropriate choice for each individual.
Fenafex vs Telfast (Originator Fexofenadine)
Telfast is the originator brand containing the same active ingredient — Fexofenadine Hydrochloride. Fenafex is a Thai FDA-registered generic equivalent offering identical efficacy at a more affordable price — ideal for patients who require long-term continuous therapy.
Fenafex vs Cetirizine
Cetirizine is also a second-generation antihistamine but has a significantly higher risk of drowsiness than Fexofenadine due to greater CNS penetration. Fenafex is therefore the preferred choice for patients who drive, operate machinery, or need to maintain full mental clarity throughout the day.
Summary
For patients seeking the least sedating antihistamine with 24-hour duration and once-daily dosing, Fenafex is the optimal choice. Browse all antihistamines in our Hay Fever collection.
Fenafex and Fruit Juice — Why Can't They Be Taken Together?
One of the most common questions from Fenafex users is: why must it only be taken with plain water? The answer lies in an interesting pharmacological mechanism.
How Fruit Juice Interferes
Orange, apple, and grapefruit juices contain compounds that inhibit an intestinal transport protein called OATP1A2 (Organic Anion Transporting Polypeptide 1A2). This protein plays a critical role in absorbing Fexofenadine into the bloodstream. When OATP1A2 is inhibited, drug absorption is reduced by up to 36%, resulting in lower blood levels and significantly reduced antihistamine efficacy.
Practical Impact
If taken with fruit juice, patients may notice that the medication seems less effective or takes longer to work — potentially leading to the incorrect assumption that the drug isn't working, when in fact the issue is simply how it was taken. Taking Fenafex with at least 240 ml of plain water maximizes absorption and ensures full therapeutic effect.
How Long to Avoid Fruit Juice
Avoid fruit juices for at least 4 hours before and after taking the medication to ensure the intestinal transport protein functions normally. If you want to drink fruit juice, have it at least 4 hours before your dose.
Fenafex and Telfast contain the same active ingredient — Fexofenadine Hydrochloride — at identical strength. Both provide equivalent efficacy for allergy relief. The key difference is that Telfast is the originator brand by Sanofi, while Fenafex is a Thai FDA-registered generic manufactured by Siam Bheasach. Fenafex offers a more cost-effective option for patients who require ongoing long-term treatment.
Fenafex is the least sedating second-generation antihistamine because Fexofenadine has very low CNS penetration. However, a small number of individuals may still experience mild drowsiness. It is recommended to monitor yourself during the first 2–3 hours after your initial dose. If you experience no drowsiness, driving and normal activities are generally safe. If you do feel unusually drowsy, avoid driving and consult a pharmacist.
Orange, apple, and grapefruit juices contain compounds that inhibit OATP1A2, an intestinal transport protein essential for absorbing Fexofenadine into the bloodstream. When this protein is blocked, drug absorption drops by up to 36%, significantly reducing the antihistamine effect. Always take Fenafex with plain water only, and avoid fruit juices for at least 4 hours before and after taking the medication.
Fenafex begins working within 1–2 hours of taking the dose and reaches peak efficacy between 2–6 hours. The drug provides continuous relief for 24 hours, meaning a single daily dose is sufficient for all-day allergy control. This is a key advantage of second-generation antihistamines for everyday use.
Antacids containing aluminum hydroxide or magnesium hydroxide can reduce Fexofenadine absorption. If you need to take both, take Fenafex first and wait at least 2 hours before taking the antacid, or take the antacid first and wait at least 2 hours before taking Fenafex. This ensures adequate absorption of both medications.
Pregnant women should avoid Fenafex during the first trimester and should only use it when a doctor has determined that the benefit clearly outweighs the potential risk to the baby. For breastfeeding mothers, Fenafex is not recommended as the drug may be excreted in breast milk. Consult a doctor or pharmacist to explore safer alternatives for these patient groups.
Patients with renal impairment can use Fenafex, but must do so under close medical supervision. Since Fexofenadine is partly renally excreted, patients with low creatinine clearance may require dose reduction or extended dosing intervals to prevent drug accumulation. Always inform your doctor or pharmacist of any kidney condition before starting this medication.
Fenafex does not cause dependence or withdrawal symptoms, so it can be stopped immediately without tapering. If your allergic symptoms or urticaria have resolved, you may simply stop taking the medication. However, for patients with chronic conditions such as chronic urticaria, it is advisable to consult a doctor before stopping, as symptoms may recur if the underlying triggers are still present.
Fenafex is effective for allergic conditions driven by histamine release, including chronic idiopathic urticaria (hives, itching, wheals), seasonal allergic rhinitis (sneezing, runny nose, nasal itching, itchy and watery eyes), and other allergic skin reactions responsive to antihistamine therapy. However, Fenafex does not have a direct nasal decongestant effect and is not suitable for viral cold symptoms. Consult a pharmacist for guidance based on your specific symptoms.
It is not recommended to take Fenafex with alcohol. Although Fenafex has low sedating potential, alcohol itself has CNS-depressant properties. Combining them may enhance sedation, increase dizziness, and impair concentration — particularly dangerous if driving or operating machinery requiring high alertness.
Related Products
Products with the same active ingredient or treating the similar condition.
Alerest
