PREPARATION H

This medication is used to temporarily relieve swelling, burning, pain, and itching caused by hemorrhoids. It contains phenylephrine, which belongs to a class of drugs known as sympathomimetic amines. It works by temporarily narrowing the blood vessels in the area.

Apply the product to the skin of the affected area up to 4 times daily, usually in the morning and bedtime, or after each bowel movement, or as directed by your doctor. To apply this product inside the lower part of the anus, use the applicator tip/cap/nozzle.

The company that makes this product incorporated in 1926 as American Home Products (AHP) and "one of AHP's earliest prizes was the acquisition of a sunburn oil in 1935 that the company transformed into Preparation H, which became one of the world's best-selling hemorrhoid treatments." AHP changed its name to Wyeth in ...

The H stands for hemorrhoid, supposedly a reminder for old-school consumers not to spread the gel on their chapped lips. (By the way, Canadian and European tubes of Preparation H still contain LYCD, and is the stuff that fashion models spread on their faces to avoid wrinkles and under-eye bags.)

Preparation H (Phenylephrine Rectal Cream, Gel, and Ointment)

You may use this medicine up to 4 times daily, especially after a bowel movement. Apply the medicine to the skin around the outside of your rectum only.

Is PREPARATION H safe for long-term use? We do not recommend using PREPARATION H products for longer than stated in our label instructions and warnings. If you have questions about long-term use of PREPARATION H, we recommend that you talk to your healthcare provider.

If you use hydrocortisone for a long time, it can thin the skin around your anus. It's best not to use these treatments for more than 7 days and not to repeat these treatments too often.

George Speri Sperti (January 17, 1900, Covington, Kentucky – April 29, 1991, Cincinnati, Ohio) was an Italian-American inventor who invented Preparation H hemorrhoid medication. He also invented the Sperti Ultraviolet Lamp, Aspercreme for pain relief, and KVa Power Meter.

Preparation H Ointment relieves both internal and external hemorrhoid symptoms. It temporarily shrinks swollen hemorrhoidal tissue and provides prompt, soothing relief from painful burning, itching and discomfort.

A third hemorrhoid medicine is ointment. What's the difference between ointments and creams? The ratio of oil to water. Generally, ointments contain a higher concentration of oil, creams tend to have a higher concentration of water.