Version July 2025
Hemorrhoids, anorectal pain/itch:
Note: Combine with dietary modifications, bowel hygiene, and warm sitz baths for best results (Ref). General dosing guidelines provided; refer to specific product labeling for dosing instructions.
Ointment: Topical, rectal: Apply to rectal area or by applicator into rectum, as needed, up to 4 times/day (eg, morning, night, after bowel movements).
Suppository: Rectal: Insert 1 suppository, as needed, up to 4 times/day (eg, morning, night, after bowel movements).
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling.
Refer to adult dosing.
(For additional information see "Phenylephrine (topical): Pediatric drug information")
Hemorrhoids, anorectal protection: Children ≥12 years and Adolescents:
Ointment: Topical or rectal: Apply to rectal area or by applicator into rectum up to 4 times daily (eg, morning, night, and after bowel movements)
Suppository: Rectal: Insert 1 suppository into rectum up to 4 times daily (eg, morning, night, and after bowel movements)
There are no adverse reactions listed in the manufacturer's labeling.
Other warnings/precautions:
• Self-medication (OTC use): For external use only. When used for self-medication (OTC), notify health care provider prior to use if you have diabetes, heart disease, high BP, thyroid disease, difficultly in urination due to enlargement of the prostate gland, or are currently taking medications for high BP or depression. Discontinue use and notify health care provider if condition worsens or does not improve within 7 days or if bleeding occurs; or if introduction of applicator into rectum causes additional pain.
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling. [DSC] = Discontinued product
Gel, External, as hydrochloride:
Avedana Hemorrhoidal Cooling: 0.25% (25.5 g) [contains edetate (edta) disodium, methylparaben, polysorbate 80, propylene glycol, propylparaben]
Hemorrhoidal Cooling: 0.25% (51 g) [contains methylparaben, polysorbate 80, propylene glycol, propylparaben]
Preparation H: 0.25% (26 g, 51 g) [contains edetate (edta) disodium, methylparaben, polysorbate 80, propylene glycol, propylparaben]
Ointment, Rectal, as hydrochloride:
Avedana Hemorrhoid Pain Relief: 0.25% (57 g) [contains benzoic acid, corn oil, methylparaben, propylparaben]
FT Hemorrhoidal: 0.25% (57 g) [contains benzoic acid, corn oil, methylparaben, propylparaben]
Hemorrhoidal: 0.25% (56 g, 57 g) [contains benzoic acid, cetyl alcohol, methylparaben, propylparaben]
Hemorrhoidal: 0.25% (56 g, 57 g) [contains benzoic acid, methylparaben, propylparaben]
Preparation H: 0.25% (28 g, 57 g) [contains benzoic acid, methylparaben, propylparaben]
Suppository, Rectal, as hydrochloride:
Avedana Hemorrhoidal: 0.25% (12 ea, 24 ea) [contains corn starch, methylparaben, propylparaben]
Hemorrhoidal: 0.25% (12 ea) [contains corn starch, methylparaben, propylparaben]
Hemorrhoidal: 0.25% (12 ea, 24 ea) [contains methylparaben, propylparaben]
Preparation H: 0.25% (12 ea, 24 ea, 48 ea) [contains methylparaben, propylparaben]
Preparation H: 0.25% (12 ea [DSC], 24 ea [DSC], 48 ea [DSC]) [contains corn starch, methylparaben, propylparaben]
Yes
Gel (Avedana Hemorrhoidal Cooling External)
0.25-50% (per gram): $0.10
Gel (Preparation H External)
0.25-50% (per gram): $0.29
Ointment (Avedana Hemorrhoid Pain Relief Rectal)
0.25-14-74.9% (per gram): $0.05
Ointment (Preparation H Rectal)
0.25-14-74.9% (per gram): $0.20
Suppository (Avedana Hemorrhoidal Rectal)
0.25-88.44% (per each): $0.31
Suppository (Preparation H Rectal)
0.25% (per each): $1.05
Disclaimer: A representative AWP (Average Wholesale Price) price or price range is provided as reference price only. A range is provided when more than one manufacturer's AWP price is available and uses the low and high price reported by the manufacturers to determine the range. The pricing data should be used for benchmarking purposes only, and as such should not be used alone to set or adjudicate any prices for reimbursement or purchasing functions or considered to be an exact price for a single product and/or manufacturer. Medi-Span expressly disclaims all warranties of any kind or nature, whether express or implied, and assumes no liability with respect to accuracy of price or price range data published in its solutions. In no event shall Medi-Span be liable for special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from use of price or price range data. Pricing data is updated monthly.
Ointment: Topical or rectal: For external and/or intrarectal use only. Prior to application, cleanse affected area by patting or blotting with appropriate cleansing wipe; gently dry by patting with a tissue or soft cloth prior to use. When using applicator for intrarectal use, remove protective cover from applicator and attach to tube. Lubricate applicator well, then gently insert into rectum. Thoroughly cleanse applicator after each use and replace protective cover.
Suppository: For rectal use only. Prior to use, cleanse affected area by patting or blotting with appropriate cleansing wipe; gently dry by patting with a tissue or soft cloth prior to insertion. Remove foil wrapper.
Ointment: Topical or rectal: For external and/or intrarectal use only. Prior to application, cleanse affected area by patting or blotting with appropriate cleansing wipe. Apply ointment to clean and dry rectal area at night, in the morning, and/or after each bowel movement (up to 4 times daily). When using applicator for intrarectal use, remove protective cover from applicator and attach to tube. Lubricate applicator well, then gently insert into rectum. Thoroughly cleanse applicator after each use and replace protective cover.
Suppository: For rectal use only. Cleanse affected area by patting or blotting with appropriate cleansing wipe; gently dry by patting with a tissue or soft cloth prior to insertion. Remove foil wrapper. Insert into rectum at night, in the morning, and/or after each bowel movement (up to 4 times daily).
Hemorrhoids, anorectal pain/itch: Temporary relief of burning, local itching, and discomfort associated with hemorrhoids.
None known.
Note: Interacting drugs may not be individually listed below if they are part of a group interaction (eg, individual drugs within “CYP3A4 Inducers [Strong]” are NOT listed). For a complete list of drug interactions by individual drug name and detailed management recommendations, use the drug interactions program by clicking on the “Launch drug interactions program” link above.
Atomoxetine: May increase hypertensive effects of Sympathomimetics. Atomoxetine may increase tachycardic effects of Sympathomimetics. Risk C: Monitor
Atropine (Systemic): May increase hypertensive effects of Alpha1-Agonists. Risk C: Monitor
Bornaprine: Sympathomimetics may increase anticholinergic effects of Bornaprine. Risk C: Monitor
Bromocriptine: May increase hypertensive effects of Alpha1-Agonists. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination when possible. If combined, monitor for hypertension and tachycardia, and do not coadminister these agents for more than 10 days. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Cannabinoid-Containing Products: May increase tachycardic effects of Sympathomimetics. Risk C: Monitor
Cocaine (Topical): May increase hypertensive effects of Sympathomimetics. Management: Consider alternatives to use of this combination when possible. Monitor closely for substantially increased blood pressure or heart rate and for any evidence of myocardial ischemia with concurrent use. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Dihydralazine: Sympathomimetics may decrease therapeutic effects of Dihydralazine. Risk C: Monitor
Doxofylline: Sympathomimetics may increase adverse/toxic effects of Doxofylline. Risk C: Monitor
Ergot Derivatives (Vasoconstrictive CYP3A4 Substrates): May increase vasoconstricting effects of Alpha1-Agonists. Risk X: Avoid
Esketamine (Injection): May increase adverse/toxic effects of Sympathomimetics. Specifically, the risk for elevated heart rate, hypertension, and arrhythmias may be increased. Risk C: Monitor
Guanethidine: May increase hypertensive effects of Sympathomimetics. Guanethidine may increase arrhythmogenic effects of Sympathomimetics. Risk C: Monitor
Iobenguane Radiopharmaceutical Products: Alpha1-Agonists may decrease therapeutic effects of Iobenguane Radiopharmaceutical Products. Management: Discontinue all drugs that may inhibit or interfere with catecholamine transport or uptake for at least 5 biological half-lives before iobenguane administration. Do not administer these drugs until at least 7 days after each iobenguane dose. Risk X: Avoid
Kratom: May increase adverse/toxic effects of Sympathomimetics. Risk X: Avoid
Levothyroxine: May increase therapeutic effects of Sympathomimetics. Sympathomimetics may increase therapeutic effects of Levothyroxine. Levothyroxine may increase adverse/toxic effects of Sympathomimetics. Specifically, the risk of coronary insufficiency may be increased in patients with coronary artery disease. Risk C: Monitor
Linezolid: May increase hypertensive effects of Sympathomimetics. Management: Consider initial dose reductions of sympathomimetic agents, and closely monitor for enhanced blood pressure elevations, in patients receiving linezolid. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Lisuride: May increase hypertensive effects of Alpha1-Agonists. Risk X: Avoid
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors: May increase hypertensive effects of Alpha1-Agonists. While linezolid is expected to interact via this mechanism, management recommendations differ from other monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Refer to linezolid specific monographs for details. Risk X: Avoid
Pergolide: May increase hypertensive effects of Alpha1-Agonists. Risk C: Monitor
Solriamfetol: Sympathomimetics may increase hypertensive effects of Solriamfetol. Sympathomimetics may increase tachycardic effects of Solriamfetol. Risk C: Monitor
Sympathomimetics: May increase adverse/toxic effects of Sympathomimetics. Risk C: Monitor
Tedizolid: May increase adverse/toxic effects of Sympathomimetics. Specifically, the risk for increased blood pressure and heart rate may be increased. Risk C: Monitor
Tricyclic Antidepressants: May increase therapeutic effects of Alpha1-Agonists. Tricyclic Antidepressants may decrease therapeutic effects of Alpha1-Agonists. Risk C: Monitor
When administered intravenously, phenylephrine crosses the placenta. Refer to the Phenylephrine (Systemic) monograph for details. There is limited information available supporting the use of topical agents for the treatment of hemorrhoids. Products containing phenylephrine should be used with caution in pregnant women, especially patients with hypertension or diabetes.
It is not known if phenylephrine is excreted into breast milk.
Potent, direct-acting alpha-adrenergic agonist with virtually no beta-adrenergic activity; produces local vasoconstriction.
