What do Preparation H products treat?
Preparation H products are used to treat symptoms of hemorrhoids, which can include itching, burning, discomfort, irritation, swelling, and painful bowel movements.
The products come in different forms (wipes, creams, ointments, gels, sprays, and suppositories) and are safe for adults and children as young as 12 years old.
Preparation H products use different ingredients to target specific symptoms.
| Ingredients | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Protectants (like glycerin, petrolatum, or mineral oil) | Create a barrier on your skin to lock in moisture and protect it from irritants and wetness |
| Anesthetics (like lidocaine or pramoxine) | Numb the area by blocking nerve signals that cause pain or itching |
| Vasoconstrictors (like phenylephrine) | Help with swelling and irritation by temporarily tightening the blood vessels |
| Astringents (like witch hazel) | May also help with swelling and irritation by tightening blood vessels |
| Topical Corticosteroids (like hydrocortisone) | Help with swelling, irritation, and itching |
What are the most common side effects of Preparation H products?
Most people don't have serious side effects. Stop using the medicine if you develop a rash or hives. Get medical help right away if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing or swelling of the face, lips, or throat.
What should I know before using Preparation H products?
Stop using Preparation H products and call your health care provider if you have butt bleeding, your condition worsens or does not improve within seven days of using Preparation H, or if you have redness, irritation, swelling, pain, or other symptoms that are new or get worse. If you are using a Preparation H product that has an applicator and using the applicator causes more pain, stop using Preparation H and call your health care provider.
If you are using a Preparation H product that contains the ingredient phenylephrine, talk to your health care provider if you have any of the following before using the product.
- Heart disease
- High blood pressure
- Thyroid disease
- Diabetes
- Problems with peeing due to an enlarged prostate
When using a Preparation H cream, ointment, gel, spray, or suppository, clean the affected area with a cleansing wipe before using the medicine, when practical.
There may be side effects, additional warnings, and interactions with other medicines that are not listed here. These may vary depending on the combination of ingredients in the specific Preparation H product you are using. Always check the label before taking any over-the-counter medicine. Do not use more than the recommended dose. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your health conditions and other medicines to help determine which products are safe for you.
Which Preparation H product is right for my symptoms?
Cleansing and Soothing Itch/Irritation
| Product | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Medicated Hemorrhoidal Wipes | Flushable. Infused with aloe, chamomile, and cucumber. |
| Totables Medicated Hemorrhoidal Wipes | Individually wrapped to easily take with you. Flushable and septic safe. |
| Medicated Hemorrhoidal Wipes for Women | Infused with cucumber, aloe, vitamin E, shea butter, and chamomile. Flushable and septic safe. |
Swelling, Burning, and General Discomfort
These products use phenylephrine (a vasoconstrictor) to shrink swollen tissue, helping with pain and discomfort.
| Product | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Hemorrhoidal Suppositories | Used for internal hemorrhoids. |
| Hemorrhoidal Cooling Gel | Clear, nongreasy, and has no unpleasant smell. Also contains witch hazel. |
| Hemorrhoidal Ointment | Can be used for internal and external relief. Also contains petrolatum & mineral oil. |
Pain, Itching, and Multi-Symptom Relief
These products contain an anesthetic (lidocaine or pramoxine) to numb the area, giving strong relief from pain and itching, plus other ingredients for swelling and protection.
| Product | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Multi-Symptom Relief Cream |
|
| Rapid Relief with Lidocaine Cream |
|
| Rapid Relief with Lidocaine Spray |
|
| Totables Rapid Relief with Lidocaine Wipes |
|
Intense Itching
This product contains hydrocortisone (a topical corticosteroid) to treat severe itching and inflammation.
| Product | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Soothing Relief Anti-Itch Cream | Fragrance-free |