So, I haven't seen a specialist yet - I have an appointment next week. I've just seen a GP through student health services at my school, and she had no idea what was going on. I ended up at the ER, and the Dr. there gave 2% nitro and told me to apply it externally every 6 hours.
Reading here, I'm starting to think that it was a mistake. Everyone else seems to being using .2% nitro, and applying it internally. What gives? Anyone else use 2%, or is this a mistake?
EDIT: just called the ER and the dr. insisted 2% was right. So confused...

Hey Hothead - I guess if you checked it and you aren't having any side-effects, then it's probably ok. Just be careful when you apply it. Don't stand up too quickly after using it because it can cause dizziness. It can also cause headaches, but very often, once you get accustomed to it, those go away or at least get better.
I hope this works for you!! :D

Hothead - even i got 2% prescription. I had the same confusion. When I double checked with the CRS he said it is the right prescription. I am using it for past 2 weeks. I have headaches but kind of bearable compared to fissure pain. It lasts for about an hour after i apply the nitro. With respect to the fissure, I think its a short time to comment if nitro is working out or not.. I feel a little better after using it. But I usually get some good days of about 2-3 weeks even without any medication and retear for no reason. hope you feel better

update -
I talked the ER doc who gave me 2% to apply externally and said that everything I saw on PubMed was .2%. She didn't seem to believe me, but she humored me and ordered a .2% at a pharmacy that does compounding. Just picked it up there and the pharmacist told me to apply it internally - just what I had told the dr. I thought I was supposed to be doing!
Very confusing, but I'm going with .2%. The issue is that the rx only comes at 2% (I assume for heart patients?) - I think this is why dr's get confused. Have to get the pharmacy to dilute ("compound") it to the right concentration.

I had that experience too. I'm always amazed by how little doctors actually know about fissures!

When applying it make sure you use finger cots or q-tip. You want to try to minimize getting it on other areas . Once I started being more careful it helped with the headaches a lot.

If you goto a good compounding pharmacy you will be fine. Most big chains don't compound. Guess they just want to open a big bottle and dispense. Compounding takes a little more work.

hi, i used GTN cream from CRS before as well. He also said to apply it externally and i do not have headaches or dizziness at all. BUT i do know of people who applied it inside the anus and has very bad headaches.
Though i applied it externally, it still does help to a certain extend.