Preparation H is a popular brand of medications used in the treatment of hemorrhoids. It was originally packaged in a tube like toothpaste, with a similar consistency. Wyeth, the makers of Preparation H, have also released the product in a suppository form, which is not as popular as the cream.

An active ingredient in some Preparation H prodcts is phenylephrine in a .25% concentration, a drug which constricts blood vessels. This drug is more commonly used as a decongesteant in cold medications since restricting blood flow in the sinuses will reduce the amount of mucous they create. Since hemorrhoids are caused by inflamed blood vessels, this can reduce their size. 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 sold in the United States. This yeast extract is believed by many to remove wrinkles from skin and heal dry, cracked, and irritated skin. Thus the Canadian formulation has acquired a market in the United States as a skin cream.

Preparation H is a commonly recommended part of tattoo aftercare. The same properties that help soothe anal irritation also make it useful for calming the skin of a freshly implanted tattoo. It is less damaging to the tattoo than Petroleum jelly, which can have a tendency to pull ink out of a fresh design. The vasoconstrictive properties also reduce the amount of bleeding, by narrowing the blood vessels that supply the surface of the skin. It is also said to help prevent the formation of scar tissue when the tattoo heals.

Plastic surgeons suggest Preparation-H can be used on the healing skin to prevent itching, because if you scratched the new skin before it heals into place, you could tear it loose.

In the 1960s Preparation H used the slogan "Effective even in cases of long standing".

Wyeth brands | Over-the-counter substances