Preparation H Cooling Gel (rectal)

Preparation H Cooling Gel is a decongestant that reduces the size of blood vessels. Enlarged blood vessels can lead to hemorrhoids.

Preparation H Cooling Gel is applied to the rectum to help relieve itching, burning, irritation, and swelling caused by hemorrhoids.

Preparation H Cooling Gel may also be used for reasons that are not mentioned in this medication guide.

Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.

You may use Preparation H Cooling Gel up to 4 times daily, especially after a bowel movement.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Do not place Preparation H Cooling Gel inside your rectum. The gel forms of phenylephrine (rectal) are for use only on the area around and just outside of your rectum.

Only the rectal suppository should be placed into the rectum.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days, or if they get worse.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Follow all instructions on your medicine label and package. Inform each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you are taking.

You should not use Preparation H Cooling Gel if you are allergic to it. Preparation H Cooling Gel is often used in certain cold or allergy medicines.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use this medicine if you have:

• heart disease;
• high blood pressure;
• enlarged prostate or urination problems;
• diabetes; or
• a thyroid disorder.

Ask a doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Always ask a doctor before using Preparation H Cooling Gel on a child. Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 2 years old.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Preparation H Cooling Gel may cause serious side effects. Stop using Preparation H Cooling Gel and call your doctor right away if you have:

• rectal bleeding;
• severe irritation inside or around your rectum; or
• increased blood pressure--severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears, anxiety, nosebleed.

Less serious side effects are more likely, and you may not experience any side effects at all.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may happen. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Since Preparation H Cooling Gel rectal is used when needed, you probably won't miss a dose. Do not use Preparation H Cooling Gel more than 4 times a day.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using over-the-counter medicines that may contain ingredients similar to Preparation H Cooling Gel.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using Preparation H Cooling Gel with any other medications, especially:

• blood pressure medication; or
• an MAO inhibitor--isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect Preparation H Cooling Gel, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.