phenylephrine-witch hazel 0.25 %-50 % topical gel

Generic name:
Phenylephrine hemorrhoidal gel - topical

Pronunciation
(FEN-il-EF-rin)

Brand name(s)
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. This effect decreases swelling and discomfort.

Some products may also contain substances (such as cocoa butter, hard fat, mineral oil, shark liver oil) that soothe or form a protective barrier to prevent too much irritating contact with stool.

Do not use this product in children 12 years or younger without talking with the doctor.

Follow all directions on the product package. If you have any questions, ask 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.

Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not get better within 7 days or if bleeding/worsening pain occurs. If you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.

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

If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that your doctor 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 right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

• fast/irregular heartbeat
• pounding headache
• nervousness
• shakiness (tremor)
• trouble sleeping

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away 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 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

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 (such as chest pain, heart attack)
• high blood pressure
• overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
• difficult urination due to blockage (such as due to enlarged prostate)

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug are:

• MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, metaxalone, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, tranylcypromine)

This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669.

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.

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. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store at room temperature. 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.

HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.