- The active ingredients in Preparation H reduce the swelling, itching and burning of hemorrhoids.tube de cr?¡§me image by richard villalon from Fotolia.com
Preparation H is a lubricating ointment meant to temporarily shrink hemorrhoids and relieve the discomfort and itching that so commonly accompany them. Preparation H contains several ingredients, but the active ingredients play a large part in reducing the swelling and discomfort of hemorrhoids. The active ingredients include light mineral oil, petrolatum, phenylephrine HCl and shark liver oil. - Preparation H consists of 14 percent light mineral oil. Light mineral oil provides a protective barrier and coats the affected region, reducing friction. It is also responsible for thinning petrolatum, another active ingredient in Preparation H, making the ointment easier to apply.
- Petrolatum, present in Preparation H at 71.9 percent, also provides a protective barrier on the skin. It is a skin protectant that soothes itchy skin and keeps skin from becoming dry, which can further aggravate hemorrhoids. By protecting the skin, it helps to make bowel movements less painful.
- Preparation H consists of .25 percent phenylephrine HCl. This active ingredient is a vasoconstrictor that reduces swelling of the blood vessels. It temporarily decreases the swelling, inflammation, itching and pain associated with hemorrhoids. Phenylephrine can help shrink external and internal hemorrhoids.
- Preparation H is made up of 3 percent shark liver oil. Another active ingredient that provides a protective barrier, it is derived from the livers of sharks that live in cold water. Shark liver oil is a lubricant to reduce friction, but also acts as a barrier against contamination of hemorrhoids and prevents irritating contact between hemorrhoids and stool.
Light Mineral Oil
Petrolatum
Phenylephrine HCl
Shark Liver Oil
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