TOPICAL VASOCONSTRICTORS
Patient Counselling
Patient Counselling
Phenylephrine hydrochloride is a vasoconstrictor used topically to relieve the itching and burning associated with hemorrhoids. Other topical vasoconstrictors include ephedrine and epinephrine. These products are for external use only. Cleanse and dry the affected area. Apply the ointment to the affected area up to a maximum of four times daily, preferably in the morning and evening and after bowel movements. Consult a health care provider if symptoms do not improve within seven days or if bleeding occurs.
Common side effects may include local irritation, sensitivity of the skin, anxiety, elevated blood pressure, dizziness, headache, insomnia, palpitations, tremor, and urinary retention. Avoid using these products in children under age 12 and if you have coronary artery disease, urinary retention, uncontrolled or severe hypertension, or have taken a MAO inhibitor within the last fourteen days. Consult a Pharmacist or Physician prior to using these products if you have cardiac arrhythmias, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, glaucoma, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, prostatic hypertrophy, renal impairment, or are pregnant, breastfeeding, or over age 80.
Store in a dry place at room temperature (15 to 25°C). Keep out of reach of children.
References
1. Carruthers-Czyzewski P. Hemorrhoids.In Patient Self-Care 1st ed. 2002.(pp.287-293). Ottawa, ON: Canadian Pharmacists Association.
2. Epocrates, Inc. Preparation H Cooling Gel monograph. 2012. Accessed June 14, 2012 from Epocrates Online.
3. Lexi-Comp. Phenylephrine (Topical). 2012. Accessed June 14, 2012 from Lexi-Comp Online.
4. Pfizer Consumer Healthcare. Preparation H® Cooling Gel. 2012. Accessed June 16, 2012 from http://www.preparationh.com/hemorrhoid_medications/cooling_gel/gel_package_label.asp
Phenylephrine hydrochloride is a vasoconstrictor used topically to relieve the itching and burning associated with hemorrhoids. Other topical vasoconstrictors include ephedrine and epinephrine. These products are for external use only. Cleanse and dry the affected area. Apply the ointment to the affected area up to a maximum of four times daily, preferably in the morning and evening and after bowel movements. Consult a health care provider if symptoms do not improve within seven days or if bleeding occurs.
Common side effects may include local irritation, sensitivity of the skin, anxiety, elevated blood pressure, dizziness, headache, insomnia, palpitations, tremor, and urinary retention. Avoid using these products in children under age 12 and if you have coronary artery disease, urinary retention, uncontrolled or severe hypertension, or have taken a MAO inhibitor within the last fourteen days. Consult a Pharmacist or Physician prior to using these products if you have cardiac arrhythmias, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, glaucoma, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, prostatic hypertrophy, renal impairment, or are pregnant, breastfeeding, or over age 80.
Store in a dry place at room temperature (15 to 25°C). Keep out of reach of children.
References
1. Carruthers-Czyzewski P. Hemorrhoids.In Patient Self-Care 1st ed. 2002.(pp.287-293). Ottawa, ON: Canadian Pharmacists Association.
2. Epocrates, Inc. Preparation H Cooling Gel monograph. 2012. Accessed June 14, 2012 from Epocrates Online.
3. Lexi-Comp. Phenylephrine (Topical). 2012. Accessed June 14, 2012 from Lexi-Comp Online.
4. Pfizer Consumer Healthcare. Preparation H® Cooling Gel. 2012. Accessed June 16, 2012 from http://www.preparationh.com/hemorrhoid_medications/cooling_gel/gel_package_label.asp