phenylephrine hemorrhoidal gel - topical, Preparation H

BRAND NAME(S): Preparation H

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage

USES: 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. This effect decreases swelling and discomfort.Some products may also contain substances (e.g., cocoa butter, hard fat, mineral oil, shark liver oil) that soothe or form a protective barrier to prevent too much irritating contact with stool.

HOW TO USE: Follow all directions on the product package. If you are uncertain about any of the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Before use, clean the area with mild soap and water, rinse well, and pat dry.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. Do not apply the product inside the rectum.Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. 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.

SIDE EFFECTS: This medication does not usually have bothersome side effects when used as directed. Mild pain/stinging may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Stop using this medication and tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: fast/irregular heartbeat, pounding headache, nervousness, shakiness (tremor), trouble sleeping.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to any of its ingredients; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.If you have any of the following health problems, consult your doctor or pharmacist before using this product: diabetes, heart problems (e.g., chest pain, heart attack), high blood pressure, overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), difficult urination due to blockage (e.g., enlarged prostate).Do not use this product in children 12 years or younger without talking with the doctor.During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: If you are using this product under your doctor's direction, your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for them. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you use any of the following prescription and nonprescription/herbal products: MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine), drugs to treat high blood pressure (e.g., guanethidine, beta blockers such as metoprolol), antidepressants (e.g., venlafaxine, TCAs such as amitriptyline).Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products, diet aids) because they may contain ingredients that could increase your heart rate and blood pressure. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.This document does not contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all the products you use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

OVERDOSE: This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If swallowing or overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

NOTES: To maintain normal bowel function and reduce the risk of hemorrhoids, eat a proper diet high in fiber, drink 6 to 8 glasses of water each day, and exercise regularly.

MISSED DOSE: If you are using this product on a regular schedule and miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature at 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C). Different brands of this medication may have different storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store your brand, or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medications away from children and pets.Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Information last revised March 2013. Copyright(c) 2013 First Databank, Inc.

SLIDESHOW

How to Get Rid of Hemorrhoids: Types, Causes, and Treatments See Slideshow