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Q. Can Preparation H raise blood pressure? I have been using Preparation H for a few weeks for a hemorrhoid problem. During that time it seems that my blood pressure has been going up.My pressure has always been in the normal range of 120/80 or lower but now I'm seeing systolic numbers in the 130 to 140 range. I noticed that in the Prep H warning it mentions to ask your doctor before using it if you have high blood pressure.
A. One of the active ingredients in Preparation H is phenylephrine, a vasoconstrictor. This is the same drug that is used as a decongestant in some nasal sprays and oral cold medicines.
Vasoconstrictors work by contracting blood vessels and shrinking swollen tissues. One possible side effect is increased blood pressure. Anesthesiologists sometimes use phenylephrine to raise blood pressure during surgery if a patient’s blood pressure drops too low.
The rectum is well supplied with blood vessels. That is why suppositories are effective for delivering drugs into the blood stream. When phenylephrine is absorbed from these delicate tissues, it may raise blood pressure. One reader ended up in the ER with a blood pressure of 206/98 after using Preparation H for several days.
I have a very bad problem with constipation. Nothing seems to work except a few soup spoonfuls of mineral oil in applesauce twice a day. Is it safe to do this on a continuing basis? Thank you.
I just read your message "Preparation H May Raise Blood Pressure". What are my options for my hemorroids? I take 10mg Lisinopril and 25mg Hydrochlorothiozide daily for my BP. I also take 30mg Lovastatin & 81mg aspirin daily.
I am taking Lisinopril (5 mg) and hydrochlorothiozide (12.5 mg) daily for BP. I am having a hemorroid problem. Since Preparation H raises blood pressure then what will be my alternative thearapy for hemorroids?
I too have an awful problem with constipation. I am sometimes so compacted it takes hours to have a stool. I was diagnosed with a fissure 10 years ago. When I strain, it starts to bleed (bright red blood). When bowels are kept soft, no problem. I've had a colonoscopy. Question, should I have the fissure surgically corrected or manage by keeping stools soft? Also, what are some natural laxatives?
I was fortunate enough to find your posting on Preparation H and increased blood pressure. Use of Prep H for 7 days resulted in severely elevated BP. Do not use this product if you have any BP issues. Try witch hazel on cotton pads to reduce external inflammation.