How Should This Medicine Be Used
Promethazine comes as a tablet and syrup to take by mouth and as a suppository to use rectally.When promethazine is used to treat allergies, it is usually taken one to four times daily, before meals and/or at bedtime. When promethazine is used to relieve cold symptoms, it is usually taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed. When promethazine is used to treat motion sickness, it is taken 30 to 60 minutes before travel and again after 8 to 12 hours if needed. On longer trips, promethazine is usually taken in the morning and before the evening meal on each day of travel. When promethazine is used to treat or prevent nausea and vomiting it is usually taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Promethazine may also be taken at bedtime the night before surgery to relieve anxiety and produce quiet sleep. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take promethazine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Promethazine suppositories are for rectal use only. Do not try to swallow the suppositories or insert in any other part of your body.
If you are taking promethazine liquid, do not use a household spoon to measure your dose. Use the measuring spoon or cup that came with the medication or use a spoon made especially for measuring medication.
What Are The Best Prescription Drugs For Nausea
Medications taken to prevent and treat nausea are called antiemetics . The most commonly prescribed antiemetics in the US are promethazine, metoclopramide and the newer, extremely effective ondansetron. The word nausea is from Latin nausea, from Greek nausia, nautia, motion sickness, feeling sick or queasy.
Things To Be Careful Of
Phenergan is a known sedative and may cause drowsiness in some people. Make sure you know how you react to Phenergan before you drive a car, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are drowsy. If this occurs do not drive or operate machinery.
If you have a single dose at bedtime, you may still be affected in the morning.
A very serious and sometimes deadly health problem called neuroleptic malignant syndrome may happen. Stop treatment and call your doctor right away if you have high fever, muscle cramps or stiffness, dizziness, very bad headache, fast heartbeat, confusion, agitation, hallucinations, or are sweating a lot.
Avoid alcohol.
Children and the elderly are especially sensitive to the effects of antihistamines.
Read Also: Magnesium Citrate For Heartburn
What Are The Side Effects Of Promethazine
With any medication, there are risks and benefits. Even if the medication is working, you may experience some unwanted side effects.
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Allergic reactions
unable to sleep
vomiting
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
View More
What Drugs Interact With Ondansetron And Promethazine
Ondansetron
Ondansetron and apomorphine should not be used together due to sudden lowering in blood pressure and loss of consciousness.
Phenytoin, carbamazepine, and rifampin can increase ondansetron elimination and decrease blood levels, possibly lowering the effects of ondansetron.
Dronedarone can increase blood levels of ondansetron by reducing its breakdown in the liver. This may increase side effects of ondansetron. This combination may also increase the risk of abnormal heartbeats.
Promethazine
Promethazine may increase, prolong, or intensify the sedative action of other central-nervous-system depressants, such as:
- alcohol,
- tricyclic antidepressants, and
- tranquilizers.
These agents should be avoided or administered in reduced dosage to patients receiving promethazine. When given concomitantly with promethazine, the dose of barbiturates should be reduced by at least one-half, and the dose of narcotics should be reduced by one-quarter to one-half. Dosage must be individualized. Excessive amounts of promethazine relative to a narcotic may lead to restlessness and motor hyperactivity in the patient with pain these symptoms usually disappear with adequate control of the pain.
Epinephrine
Because of the potential for promethazine to reverse epinephrineâs vasopressor effect, epinephrine should NOT be used to treat hypotension associated with promethazine overdose.
Anticholinergics
Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors
Also Check: Prenatal Vitamins Causing Stomach Cramps
What Other Information Should I Know
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Promethazine can interfere with the results of home pregnancy tests. Talk to your doctor if you think you might be pregnant while you are taking promethazine. Do not try to test for pregnancy at home.
Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking promethazine.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Dosage For Motion Sickness
Adult dosage
- Typical dosage: 25 mg, taken twice daily.
- Timing:
- The initial dose should be taken 30 minutes to 1 hour before travel. A second dose can be taken 812 hours later, if needed.
- On each of the following days of travel, its recommended to take 25 mg once you get up in the morning and again before your last meal of the day.
Child dosage
- Typical dosage: 12.525 mg, taken twice daily.
- Timing:
- The initial dose should be taken 30 minutes to 1 hour before travel. A second dose can be taken 812 hours later, if needed.
- On each of the following days of travel, its recommended to take 12.525 mg right after your child gets up in the morning and again before their last meal of the day.
Child dosage
It has not been confirmed that promethazine is safe and effective for use in children younger than 2 years.
Senior dosage
The liver, kidneys, and hearts of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, more of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This increases your risk of side effects.
Your doctor may start you on a lower dose or a different medication schedule. This can help keep levels of this drug from building up too much in your body.
Don’t Miss: Bananas Cause Bloating
Can You Take Phenergan While Pregnant
There have been no conclusive studies on the adverse effects of Phenergan on pregnant women. However, it should only be prescribed if the doctor feels that its benefit to the pregnant mother outweighs the risk. Some experts feel it is best to avoid taking Phenergan two weeks before delivery due to its symptoms of irritability and excitement in pregnant women.
What It Looks Like
Phenergan Tablets are available in two strengths:
- 10mg – round and pale blue tablets, with ‘PN 10’ embossed on one side.
- 25mg – round and pale blue tablets, with ‘PN 25’ embossed on one side.
Both tablet strengths are available in blister packs of 50 tablets and 25 tablets .
Phenergan Elixir is a clear, bright, golden, syrupy liquid. Phenergan elixir is available in a 100mL bottle.
Read Also: Famotidine For Bloating
Where Should I Keep My Medicine
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store in a refrigerator between 2 and 8 degrees C . Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
Interactions With Other Medicines And Other Forms Of Interactions
Promethazine will enhance the action of any anticholinergic agent, tricyclic antidepressant, sedative or hypnotic. Promethazine may cause drowsiness and will enhance the sedative effects of CNS depressants , and have additive antimuscarinic actions with other antimuscarinic drugs . Interactions between promethazine and monoamine oxidase inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants may prolong and intensify the anticholinergic and CNS depressive effects. Alcohol should be avoided during treatment. Combination with alcohol enhances the sedative effects of H1 antihistamines. Promethazine may interfere with immunological urine pregnancy tests to produce false-positive or false-negative results.Special caution is required when promethazine is used concurrently with drugs known to cause QT prolongation to avoid exacerbation of risk of QT prolongation.
You May Like: Peanut Butter And Acid Reflux
What Is Phenergan
Phenergan is a popular antihistamine that works by blocking the production of histamine in the body during an allergic reaction. It acts directly on certain parts of the brain and has a calming effect on the body. However, it is not considered safe for use in children below 6 years. Phenergan belongs to a common category of drugs called phenothiazines which act by altering the actions of certain chemicals in the brain.
How To Take It
The way to take this medicine is: Oral. This medicine is taken by mouth.
- Store below 30 degrees Celsius
- Shelf lifetime is 5 Years.
You should seek medical advice in relation to medicines and use only as directed by a healthcare professional.
Always read the label. If symptoms persist see your healthcare professional.
Also Check: Does Pantoprazole Cause Bloating
Side Effects Of Promethazine Gel
All medicines have side effects. Some mild side effects of promethazine gel include:
- Feeling drowsy
- Sensitive skin where the gel is placed
- Dry mouth
Side effects that need to be reported quickly to the doctor include:
- Hallucinations
- Feeling dizzy, especially if standing up or sitting up quickly
- Constipation
Some side effects need emergency medical care right away:
- Breathing problems
- A slow breathing rate
If your child has any of these side effects, call 911.
How Do I Safely Take Otc Antiemetic Medicines
Before you take an OTC antiemetic medicine, read the directions on the drug facts label. This will tell you how much medicine to take and how often to take it. If you have any questions, call your family doctor. Keep a record of which OTC medicines youre using and when you take them. If you need to go to the doctor, take this list with you.
Follow these tips to make sure you are taking the right amount of medicine:
- Take only the amount recommended on the medicines label. Dont assume that more medicine will work better or quicker. Taking more than the recommended amount can be dangerous.
- If youre taking a prescription medicine, ask your doctor if its okay to also take an OTC antiemetic medicine.
- Dont use more than 1 kind of OTC antiemetic medicine at a time unless your doctor says its okay. They may have similar active ingredients. These could add up to be too much medicine.
Recommended Reading: Align Daily Probiotic Supplement
What Are Ondansetron And Promethazine
Ondansetron is an anti-nausea medication used to prevent nausea and vomiting caused by cancerchemotherapy. It is also used to prevent vomiting and nausea after surgery. Chemotherapy drugs increase secretion of serotonin, which stimulates serotonin receptors in the brain, causing nausea and vomiting. Ondansetron works by selectively blocking serotonin receptors, reducing the effect of increased serotonin due to chemotherapy.
Promethazine is a phenothiazine in the same drug class as chlorpromazine and trifluoperazine . Unlike other phenothiazines, promethazine is not used as an anti-psychotic. It is used as an antihistamine, sedative, and antiemetic . The body releases histamine during several types of allergic reactions. When histamine binds to its receptors on cells, it stimulates changes within the cells that lead to sneezing, itching, and increased mucus production. Antihistamines such as promethazine compete with histamine for one of the receptors for histamine on cells. However, when the antihistamines bind to the receptors they do not stimulate the cells. Instead, they prevent histamine from binding and stimulating the cells. Promethazine also blocks the action of acetylcholine , and this may explain its benefit in reducing the nausea of motion sickness. It is used as a sedative because it causes drowsiness as a side effect.
Rarely, blood cell disorders can occur low white cell counts can lead to infections.
Additionally, phenothiazines can cause:
What Phenergan Is Used For
Phenergan is an antihistamine used to treat a number of conditions:
- allergies – allergic contact dermatitis, hives, hayfever, bites and stings
- respiratory symptoms due to allergies – runny nose
- nausea and vomiting – motion sickness
- assists in the management of the symptoms of chicken pox and measles by acting as a sedative
- for short-term use for sedation on the advice of a pharmacist or doctor – do not use for more than 7-10 days.
Antihistamines help reduce allergic symptoms by preventing the effects of a substance called histamine. Histamine is produced by the body in response to foreign substances that the body is allergic to.
Your pharmacist or doctor may have recommended Phenergan for another reason.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you have any questions about this medicine.
Phenergan must not be used in children under 2 years of age, due to the potential for fatal respiratory depression.
This medicine may affect your ability to drive a car or operate machinery.
Also Check: Tramadol Constipate You
Does Phenergan Make You Sleepy
Yes. Phenergan is often used as a mild sedative and can induce sleep especially before and after a surgery. Consume it in moderation. An overdose can bring about adverse symptoms such as excessive sleepiness or drowsiness, weakness, fainting, weak breathing, and loss of coordination. In severe cases, patients can also get seizures or convulsions.
Warnings For People With Certain Health Conditions
For people with angle-closure glaucoma: Angle-closure glaucoma leads to increased pressure in your eyes. If you have a history of angle-closure glaucoma, taking this drug may cause a sudden and severe increase in eye pressure. This is an emergency and may result in irreversible vision loss. Talk to your doctor before using this drug if you have this condition.
For people with enlarged prostate: If you have trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate gland, taking this drug may make it even more difficult for you to urinate.
For people with certain stomach problems: If you have a history of digestive tract blockage, taking this drug may make blockage worse. This is because this drug slows down movement through your digestive tract.
For people with certain bladder problems: If you have a blockage in your bladder, taking this drug may make it more difficult for you to urinate. This is because it narrows the tubes through which your urine flows.
For people with bone marrow disease: This drug decreases your levels of platelets and white blood cells. You should not take it if you have bone marrow disease or you take other drugs that affect the ability of your bone marrow to make blood cells.
For people with heart disease: If you have heart disease, taking this drug may make it worse. This drug can cause the rhythm of your heart to be abnormal.
You May Like: Probiotics Side Effects Nausea
Ondansetron Relieved Diarrhea In Ibs Patients
Irritable bowel syndrome affects more than one in 10 people, and a small subset have diarrhea associated with it. Living with the fear of unexpected, painful diarrhea can be debilitating.
There is a fine line between stopping the diarrhea in irritable bowel syndrome and causing constipation. Recent advances in our understanding of how the gut and intestines are stimulated have produced ideas of how to control it.
Researchers tested whether a medication called ondansetron , which blocks some nerve transmissions in the gut, would work to control the diarrhea associated with some forms of IBS.
They found that ondansetron helped to relieve the frequency, urgency and loose stools of people with IBS and diarrhea.
“Ask your doctor how to treat diarrhea associated with IBS.”
This team of researchers was led by Robin Spiller from Nottingham Digestive Diseases Biomedical Research Unit at Queens Medical Centre in Nottingham, UK.
Serotonin, also called 5-HT3, signals nerves in the gut to increase the movement of contents through the intestines. Ondansetron, which blocks the 5-HT3 receptor, has been effective in treating nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy. A side effect of treatment with this medication is constipation.
Spiller and team designed a study to test whether ondansetron would work to control the diarrhea associated with some types of IBS. Irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea is referred to as IBS-D.
This research was published in the December issue of Gut.
Dosage For Use As A Sleep Aid
Adult dosage
- Typical dosage: 2550 mg.
Child dosage
- Typical dosage: 12.525 mg.
Child dosage
It has not been confirmed that promethazine is safe and effective for use in children younger than 2 years.
Senior dosage
The liver, kidneys, and hearts of older adults may not work as well as they used to. This can cause your body to process drugs more slowly. As a result, more of a drug stays in your body for a longer time. This increases your risk of side effects.
Your doctor may start you on a lower dose or a different medication schedule. This can help keep levels of this drug from building up too much in your body.
Also Check: Can Pepcid Cause Chest Pain
Which Medicine Is Usually Prescribed
The choice of medicine depends on various factors, including:
- What is causing your feeling of sickness .
- Whether you have any other medical conditions.
- Whether you are pregnant.
- Possible side-effects of the medicines.
It is not possible to list all the conditions that can cause nausea and which treatments are usually prescribed. However, some examples include:
- Migraine: both metoclopramide and domperidone work well for nausea caused by a migraine. See the separate leaflet called Migraine Medication, Treatment and Prevention for more detail.
- Chemotherapy: it is not unusual to take a combination of different medicines to control nausea and vomiting if you have chemotherapy. Some chemotherapy medicines are more likely than others to cause nausea and vomiting. If you have chemotherapy that has a low risk of nausea, your doctor will usually prescribe metoclopramide or domperidone. If you have chemotherapy that has a high risk of nausea, three medicines that work in a different way to each other may be prescribed – for example, ondansetron, dexamethasone and aprepitant. See the separate leaflet called Chemotherapy for more detail.