Preparation H

From Free net encyclopedia

Preparation H is a popular brand of medications used in the treatment of hemorrhoids. It was originally packaged in a tube like toothpaste, with a similar consistency. Wyeth, the makers of Preparation H, have also released the product in a suppository form, which is not as popular as the cream.

An active ingredient in some Preparation H prodcts is phenylephrine in a .25% concentration, a drug which constricts blood vessels. This drug is more commonly used as a decongesteant in cold medications since restricting blood flow in the sinuses will reduce the amount of mucous they create. Since hemorrhoids are caused by inflammed blood vessels, this can reduce their size. Preparation H with hydrocortisone has only hydrocortisone as its active ingredient, in a 1% concentration. A witch hazel medicated wipe is also available under the Preparation H brand.

The Canadian formulation of Preparation H includes a yeast extract called BioDyne which has been removed from the formulation sold in the United States. This yeast extract is believed by many to remove wrinkles from skin and heal dry, cracked, and irritated skin. Thus the Canadian formulation has acquired a market in the United States as a skin cream.

In the 1960s Preparation H used the slogan "Effective even in cases of long standing".

In fiction

• Preparation H was the name of a plan by Dr. Evil in the film Austin Powers in Goldmember.
• Preparation H was used in the song Rockin' the Suburbs by Ben Folds. In this case it has used as a relieving agent of all "hate blasted my way".
• Writer Alfie Kohn likes to refer to the college-prep practices used by the middle class to get into Harvard University as "Preparation H".