Preparation H
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Preparation H is a brand of medications, manufactured by Pfizer, used in the treatment of hemorrhoids.
Preparation H dates from about 1935. It was originally packaged in a tube like toothpaste, with a similar consistency.[citation needed] The company most recently named Wyeth was incorporated in 1926 as American Home Products, or AHP, and "one of AHP's earliest prizes was the acquisition of a sunburn oil in 1935 that the company transformed into Preparation H, which became one of the world's best-selling hemorrhoid treatments." [1] AHP changed its name to Wyeth in 2002. Wyeth was acquired by Pfizer in 2009. [2]
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[edit] Formulations
Preparation H products come in a variety of formulations.[3] Some are water-based gel; some are petroleum jelly-based. The product is also available in suppository form and as medicated wipes. The formulations range from simple moisturizers with witch-hazel astringent to preparations containing pharmacological ingredients such as phenylephrine, pramoxine, and hydrocortisone. Some also contain inactive ingredients such as aloe vera, shark liver oil, and yeast extract.[citation needed] Formulations available vary with country.
Today, the active ingredient in some Preparation H products is phenylephrine in a 0.25% concentration, a drug that constricts blood vessels. [4] This drug is more commonly used as a decongestant in cold medications, since restricting blood flow in the sinuses will reduce the amount of mucus they create.[citation needed] Because hemorrhoids are caused by inflamed blood vessels, restricting their blood flow can reduce their size.[citation needed] 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 previously sold in the United States in 1995. This yeast extract is believed by Pfizer to remove wrinkles from skin and heal dry, cracked, and irritated skin. The Canadian formulation has acquired a market in the United States as a skin cream. The manufacturer of this active ingredient has subsequently marketed it to the cosmetic industry as an anti-wrinkle active.
In the 1960s, Preparation H used the slogan "Effective even in cases of long standing".[citation needed] The current tag line, "I Should Have Used Preparation H," is a registered trademark.[citation needed]
[edit] Supply Disruption
As of May 5, 2011, the Pfizer website notes, "There is currently a supply disruption on Preparation H suppositories. We are working diligently to get product back on store shelves." No reason for the supply disruption has been given. [5]
[edit] References
- ^ Funding Universe, Wyeth - Company History
- ^ NY Times, Pfizer Agrees to Pay $68 Billion for Rival Drug Maker Wyeth
- ^ Preparation H products
- ^ Preparation H Ointment ingredients
- ^ Preparation H suppositories
