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Preparation H with Lidocaine

Preparation H sells a lidocaine cream and spray. Both are over the counter.

Updated Nov 2, 2026. Edited by: Ilyass Ben Hakim.

Where to buy

Most drugstores and supermarket pharmacy aisles stock it. It sits with the other hemorrhoid products. No prescription is needed in the US.

Professional insight

Pharmacists check the active ingredients first, since similar boxes hold different formulas.

Look for Rapid Relief and lidocaine on the front panel.
Phenylephrine inside matters for blood pressure medicine users.
Cream and spray suit different areas; pick deliberately.
Check the tube seal before the box leaves the store.

Check the label

Name reads Rapid Relief with Lidocaine.
Active ingredients list lidocaine 5 percent.
Form is cream or spray, as you wanted.
Net weight is shown, often 1 oz for the cream.
Expiry date is printed on the box and tube.
Tamper seal on the tube is intact.
Drug Facts warnings are in a language you read.

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Preparation H lidocaine at a glance

Anesthetic: Lidocaine 5%; Listed as the active local anesthetic.
Also contains: Phenylephrine HCl; A vasoconstrictor in the cream.
Forms: Cream and spray; Both carry the Rapid Relief name.

Types

Lidocaine products in the Preparation H line
Product	Format	Note
Rapid Relief with Lidocaine Cream	Tube	Includes skin protectants
Rapid Relief Spray with Lidocaine	Spray bottle	No-touch application

Other Preparation H items use different ingredients. Maximum Strength and cooling gel versions are not the lidocaine formula.

Red flags

Box with no Drug Facts panel.
Expiry date missing or scratched off.
Marketplace seller with no return address.
Price far below drugstores for a sealed tube.

Storage

Keep it at room temperature, away from heat.
Cap the tube tightly after each use.
Store out of reach of children.
Discard it after the printed expiry date.

Common questions

Do I need a prescription?: No. It is sold over the counter in the US.
Is it sold outside the US?: Formulas differ by country. Check the local label for lidocaine before buying.
Cream or spray?: The spray avoids touching the area. Ask a pharmacist which suits you.