promethazine (oral)

What is the most important information I should know about promethazine?

What is promethazine?

Promethazine is in a group of drugs called phenothiazines (FEEN-oh-THYE-a-zeens). It works by changing the actions of chemicals in your brain. Promethazine also acts as an antihistamine. It blocks the effects of the naturally occurring chemical histamine in your body.

Promethazine is used to treat allergy symptoms such as itching, runny nose, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, hives, and itchy skin rashes.

Promethazine also prevents motion sickness, and treats nausea and vomiting or pain after surgery. It is also used as a sedative or sleep aid.

Promethazine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking promethazine?

To make sure promethazine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sleep apnea, or other breathing disorder;
• a sulfite allergy;
• a history of seizures;
• a weak immune system (bone marrow depression);
• glaucoma;
• enlarged prostate or problems with urination;
• stomach ulcer or obstruction;
• heart disease or high blood pressure;
• liver disease;
• adrenal gland tumor (pheochromocytoma);
• low levels of calcium in your blood (hypocalcemia); or
• if you have ever had a serious side effect while using promethazine or any other phenothiazine.

How should I take promethazine?

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Promethazine is often taken at bedtime or before meals. For motion sickness, promethazine is usually started within 1 hour before traveling. When used for surgery, promethazine is usually taken the night before the surgery.

How often you take this medicine and the timing of your dose will depend on the condition being treated.

Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

If a child is using this medicine, tell your doctor if the child has any changes in weight. Promethazine doses are based on weight in children, and any changes may affect your child's dose.

This medicine can cause unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using promethazine.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Overdose symptoms may include overactive reflexes, loss of coordination, severe drowsiness or weakness, fainting, dilated pupils, weak or shallow breathing, or seizure (convulsions).

What should I avoid while taking promethazine?

What are the possible side effects of promethazine?

• severe drowsiness, weak or shallow breathing;
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• confusion, agitation, hallucinations, nightmares;
• seizure (convulsions);
• fast or slow heartbeats;
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• uncontrolled muscle movements in your face (chewing, lip smacking, frowning, tongue movement, blinking or eye movement);
• easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums);
• sudden weakness or ill feeling, fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores, red or swollen gums, trouble swallowing; or
• severe nervous system reaction --very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, feeling like you might pass out.

Side effects such as confusion and severe drowsiness may be more likely in older adults.

Common side effects may include:

• drowsiness, dizziness;
• ringing in your ears;
• double vision;
• feeling nervous;
• dry mouth; or
• tired feeling, sleep problems (insomnia).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect promethazine?

Other drugs may interact with promethazine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about promethazine.