Drug Name

Phenergan (Promethazine)

Drug Uses

Phenergan is used to prevent motion sickness, nausea or vomiting, itching associated with allergies or for sedation.

How Taken

Tablets may be taken with or without food. Suppositories are unwrapped and moistened with water before insertion into the rectum. If the suppository is too soft from being stored in a warm place, it can be hardened by chilling in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes or placing in cold water before the wrapper is removed. For prevention of motion sickness, a tablet or suppository should be used 30 to 60 minutes before the motion begins and then every 8 to 12 hours as needed. For sedation, it is given at bedtime. For other problems, for example, itching, it can be given every 4 to 8 hours. Phenergan should not be used in children less than two years of age because it can depress respiration and has caused fatalities in children under two. It should be used cautiously in children older than two.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Phenergan is a phenothiazine in the same class of drugs as chlorpromazine (Thorazine) and trifluoperazine (Stelazine); however, unlike the other drugs in this class, Phenergan is not used clinically as an anti-psychotic. It acts as an anti-histamine, a sedative, and an anti-emetic (anti-nausea). Phenergan is used principally as an anti-emetic, to prevent motion sickness or as an anti-histamine in combination with other medications in cough and cold preparations. Phenergan was approved by the FDA in 1951.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Warnings/Precautions

This medication should not be given to a patient who is in a coma. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: certain lung/breathing problems (e.g., COPD, sleep apnea). Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: very high or very low blood pressure, liver or heart disease, Reye's syndrome, alcohol or drug dependencies, nervous system problems, blood or immune system disorders (e.g., bone marrow depression), seizures, glaucoma (narrow angle), urinary problems (e.g., enlarged prostate), stomach/bowel problems, allergies (especially drug allergies). This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Use of alcohol can cause extreme drowsiness. Avoid alcohol use. This medication may increase sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid prolonged sun exposure and wear a sunscreen and protective clothing when you are exposed to the sun. This medication can reduce sweating making you more susceptible to heat stroke. Avoid strenuous work or exercise in hot weather. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug, especially the drowsiness effect. Caution is advised when using this drug in children because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug, especially the slowed breathing effect. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Certain drugs closely related to promethazine (a phenothiazine) are excreted into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Therefore breast-feeding while using this medication is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Possible Side Effects

Constipation, drowsiness, vision changes or dry mouth may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Unlikely to occur but report promptly: restlessness, muscle stiffness, weakness, difficulty speaking, loss of balance, mask- like facial expression, trembling or shaking, dizziness, lip smacking or other uncontrollable movements, difficulty urinating, skin rash/discoloration. Very unlikely to occur but report promptly: persistent sore throat or fever, unusual bleeding or bruising, stomach pain, yellowing of eyes or skin, dark urine, hot dry skin, vomiting. This drug may infrequently cause a very serious (rarely fatal) nervous system disorder (neuroleptic malignant syndrome). If you notice any of the following unlikely but very serious side effects, seek immediate medical attention: severe muscle stiffness, mental/mood changes, fever, seizures, irregular/fast heartbeat, increased sweating. Males - in the unlikely event you have a painful, prolonged erection, stop using this drug and seek immediate medical attention or permanent problems could occur. In the unlikely event you have a serious allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

More Information

Do not share this medication with others.