This medication is used to temporarily relieve swelling, burning, pain, and itching caused by hemorrhoids. This product contains phenylephrine and pramoxine. Phenylephrine is a sympathomimetic amine that works by temporarily narrowing the blood vessels in the area.

PREPARATION H

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.)

Use PREPARATION H Medicated Wipes to cleanse the affected area by wiping, patting or blotting up to 6 times a day or after each bowel movement. PREPARATION H Medicated Wipes can be used before applying topical hemorrhoidal treatments such as Preparation H Multi-Symptom Pain Relief Cream.

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.

Do not use more often or for a longer time than recommended. If symptoms do not improve within 7 days, if bleeding/worsening pain occurs, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, consult your doctor promptly.

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.

Phenylephrine/pramoxine/glycerin/petrolatum rectal is an over-the-counter (OTC) product used to treat hemorrhoids. Phenylephrine/pramoxine/glycerin/petrolatum rectal is available under the following different brand names: Preparation H Cream Maximum Strength Pain Relief.

This medication does not usually have bothersome side effects when used as directed. Mild pain/stinging may occur if the rectal tissue is raw or bleeding. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Hemorrhoid creams that contain hydrocortisone can actually worsen some skin problems of the face, including impetigo, rosacea, and acne. The Mayo Clinic warns that topical hydrocortisone can lead to thinning of the skin and easy bruising, especially when applied to the face.

Ointments have the advantage of allowing the incorporation of drugs with poor water solubility, reducing nasolacrimal drainage and minimization of tear dilution. White petrolatum and liquid petrolatum are commonly used as bases for ophthalmic preparations.

This medication does not usually have bothersome side effects when used as directed. Mild pain/stinging may occur if the rectal tissue is raw or bleeding. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.