The New Club Drug: Preparation H?

[themomblogs]

The hottest club drug appears to be one normally used to fix a "burning" problem.

Preparation H, the topical medication used to treat hemorrhoids, reportedly is catching fire as the latest "drug" to hit the New York City club scene.

The topical solution contains a medication called phenylephrine HCL, which shrinks the swollen tissues of hemorrhoids. It works by constricting the nearby blood vessels that surround the area. But the ingredient will shrink other tissue as well.

The method has been hailed on the Internet and has long been used by body builders in need of a quick fix for a problem area prior to competition, as well as women looking to reduce puffiness around their eyes.

But one doctor said the off-label usage of the drug is ludicrous.

"It doesn't even work that well for hemorrhoids," said Dr. Marc Siegel, a FOX News medical contributor. "I find in my practice it has to be combined with hydrocortisone. The notion of phenylephrine is problematic at best. It's a placebo effect."
Siegel told FOXNews.com that the drug can cause uncomfortable side effects such as rashes, as well as more serious side effects such as elevated blood pressure.

New York bouncer, blogger and author Rob Fitzgerald told ABCNews.com that men are slathering up their torsos with the hemorrhoid cream to make themselves look "ripped."

[Happy Momma]

The things that some people will try is amazing!

[Jane @ Kidzarama]

I've never heard of it. I don't think we have it DownUnder.

My first thought was "is it fragranced at all?"

Maybe I'm thinking of deep heat   

[zimkandace]

OMG!  That is crazy.  Man glad I hide out in my home

Don't need to be running into any anti-inflamed bodies out there.

[Candid Carrie]

Come on Kandace, tell them how we were instant messaging today about using it to puff out the divets from our cellulite ... tell them. 

[zimkandace]

Carrie, I swear I need Depends when you are around!  Go on, get!

[Jane @ Kidzarama]

   Carrie, you crack me up!

It looks as though your secret is out, Kandace

[bottlesbarbiesandboys]

   I smell like an old lady, clubbing it here with my hot cream rubbed on me to get high...Good times there!