American Home Products developed a sunburn oil in 1935. From then, it evolved into the Preparation H hemorrhoid products used today. In 2002, American Home Products changed its name to Wyeth Consumer Healthcare. Preparation H is the brand name equivalent of pramoxine / phenylephrine / glycerin / petrolatum. It is a product applied to hemorrhoids to minimize the discomfort associated with them. Preparation H is available in numerous forms, including an ointment, gel, cream, wipes and suppositories.
How Does It Work?
Phenylenphrine, one of the ingredients in Preparation H, is a vasoconstrictor which is sometimes used by anesthesiologists to raise a person's blood pressure during surgery. The effect of the vasoconstrictor is maximized due to the high concentration of blood vessels in the rectal region, which allows the medication to be absorbed readily into the blood stream. Preparation H contains an anesthetic, pramoxine, to block the pain signals from the nerve endings near the skin. Glycerin and petrolatum are skin protectants that serve to soothe itchy skin and keep the skin in the area from drying, which can aggravate the problems. While the recommended dosage of each product varies slightly, it is generally recommended that you apply the products after each bowel movement, at night and in the morning. Most products state that usage should be limited to four times per day for no more than seven days. If usage is necessary after the seventh day, consult your doctor.
Contraindications
People with high blood pressure shouldn't use Preparation H without consulting a doctor first. People with food allergies, thyroid problems, heart problems, prostate problems and heart conditions should also consult a doctor before using Preparation H.
Warnings
Preparation H is sometimes used to reduce under eye swelling. This isn't advisable. In fact, the label of Preparation H specifically warns against getting the product into the eyes. It further states that the product is suitable for use only in the rectal area or the lower anal canal.
