phenylephrine/cocoa butter rectal (Preparation H Suppository)
Classes: Gastrointestinal Agents, Other
Dosing and uses of Preparation H Suppository (phenylephrine/cocoa butter rectal)
Adult dosage forms and strengths
phenylephrine/cocoa butter
rectal ointment
- 0.25%/85.39%
Hemorrhoids
Insert 1 suppository rectally
May apply up to 4 times/day, especially at night, in the morning, or after bowel movement that may exacerbate hemorrhoid(s)
Administration
Detach 1 suppository from the strip; remove the foil wrapper before inserting into the rectum as follows:
1) hold suppository with rounded end up
2) carefully separate foil tabs by inserting tip of fingernail at end marked "peel down"
3) slowly and evenly peel apart (do not tear) foil by pulling tabs down both sides, to expose the suppository
4) remove exposed suppository from wrapper
5) insert 1 suppository into the rectum up to 4 times daily, especially at night, in the morning or after each bowel movement
Pediatric dosage forms and strengths
phenylephrine/cocoa butter
rectal ointment
- 0.25%/85.39%
Hemorrhoids
<12 years: Use is dependent on patient and if benefit outweighs risk
12 years or older: Insert 1 suppository rectally
May apply up to 4 times/day, especially at night, in the morning, or after bowel movement that may exacerbate hemorrhoid(s)
Administration
Detach 1 suppository from the strip; remove the foil wrapper before inserting into the rectum as follows:
1) hold suppository with rounded end up
2) carefully separate foil tabs by inserting tip of fingernail at end marked "peel down"
3) slowly and evenly peel apart (do not tear) foil by pulling tabs down both sides, to expose the suppository
4) remove exposed suppository from wrapper
5) insert 1 suppository into the rectum up to 4 times daily, especially at night, in the morning or after each bowel movement
Preparation H Suppository (phenylephrine/cocoa butter rectal) adverse (side) effects
Frequency not defined
Allergic reaction
Warnings
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity
Cautions
For rectal use only
Contains phenylephrine, caution with heart disease, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, diabetes, or prostatic hypertrophy
Discontinue and contact physician if hemorrhoids worsen or do not improved within 7 days
Discontinue if bleeding, allergic reaction, redness, irritation, swelling, pain, or other symptoms develop or increase
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: C
Lactation: Unknown whether distributed in breast milk
Pregnant or breastfeeding patients should seek advice of health professional before using OTC drugs
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of Preparation H Suppository (phenylephrine/cocoa butter rectal)
Mechanism of action
Phenylephrine: Alpha adrenergic agonist; elicits localized vasoconstriction and decreases inflammation
Cocoa butter: Provides moisturizing and lubricating effects
