I've decided to renew an old prescription of diltiazem cream as it appears my sphincter is still too tight to properly have normal bowel movements. I checked the medication and it says "FOR EXTERNAL USE ONLY." I've been applying this cream to the inside of the anus with a finger cot. Is this not right? When I search instructions it just says "apply to the anus" but this language is vague.

Some doctors want patients to apply it around the outside of the anus and others ask that we put it up inside like you've been doing. My CRS wanted it applied to the exterior, because he said it is absorbed through the skin so that was very effective. Many other posters on this forum have been advised to apply it up inside though, so it seems that both ways are good.

I apply mine inside and that’s ok for me.