Preparation H
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Preparation His an American brand of medications that is made byPfizer,used in the treatment ofhemorrhoids.Hemorrhoids are caused at least in part by inflamed blood vessels, and most versions of Preparation H work by reducing inflammation in blood vessels.
The company that makes this product incorporated in 1926 as American Home Products (AHP) and "one of AHP's earliest prizes was the acquisition of a sunburn oil in 1935 that the company transformed into Preparation H, which became one of the world's best-selling hemorrhoid treatments."[1]AHP changed its name to Wyeth in 2002, and was then bought by Pfizer in 2009, which was reported to have paid $68 billion.[2]
Formulations
[edit]Several formulations have been produced.[3]Some are in a water-based gel while others arepetroleum jelly-based, and the suppositories use a base of cocoa butter. It also comes as a medicated wipe. The active ingredients range from simple caffeine moisturizers withwitch-hazelastringent to preparations containing drugs such asphenylephrine,pramoxine,andhydrocortisone.Formulations vary from one country to another. Some Preparation H products have phenylephrine, a drug that constricts blood vessels, in a 0.25% concentration, as well asshark liver oil.[4]Another version of Preparation H has hydrocortisone as its only active ingredient in a 1% concentration.[citation needed]
The Canadian formulation of Preparation H includes ayeast extractcalled Biodyne which was removed in 1995 from the formulation sold in the United States. This yeast extract was the primary ingredient of the original formulation by inventorGeorge Sperti,[5][6]and Pfizer believes that it removes wrinkles from skin and heals dry, cracked, and irritated skin. The Canadian formulation has acquired a market in the United States as a skin cream with an anti-wrinkle active ingredient.[citation needed]InGreece,the active ingredients of Preparation H are 1%w/wyeast extract and 3% w/w shark liver oil.[7]
References
[edit]- ^Funding Universe,Wyeth: Company History
- ^Sorkin, Andrew Ross and Wilson, Duff. (January 25, 2009)."Pfizer Agrees to Pay $68 Billion for Rival Drug Maker Wyeth"The New York Times
- ^"Preparation H Products".Wyeth Consumer Healthcare. 2006. Archived fromthe originalon 13 December 2006.Retrieved9 February2016.
- ^"Preparation H Ointment label".Wyeth Consumer Healthcare. 2006. Archived fromthe originalon 30 November 2006.Retrieved9 February2016.
- ^Rieselman, Deborah."Secrets of Sperti Ointment revealed: The Whole Story".University of Cincinnati Magazine.
- ^Narvaez, Alfonso A. (May 1, 1991)."George Speri Sperti Is Dead at 91; Invented Several Patent Medicines".The New York Times.
- ^Preparation H (Greek)