Phenergan (Promethazine)

Description

Phenergan is a medication with the main ingredient promethazine. It changes the concentration of certain chemicals in the human brain.

 

It functions as an antihistamine, working to inhibit the chemical histamine in the human body. It is used in the treatment of allergy symptoms.

 

Phenergan reduces itchiness, sneezing, runny nose, watery and itchy eyes, hives and skin rashes caused by allergic reactions.

 

It is also used to prevent carsickness or motion sickness and is used in the treatment of nausea and vomiting following surgery. In hospitals, it is also utilized as a sedative.

 

Phenergan is not used in the treatment of the symptoms of respiratory conditions like asthma and pneumonia.

 

Important information

 

Do not give Phenergan to a child who is younger than the age of 2. It can lead to extreme breathing issues and possible death in young children.

 

This medication can cause you to be less alert. It might impair reflexes and reaction speed. If you are driving or operating machinery, exercise caution.

 

Do not drink alcohol with Phenergan. It can increase the likelihood of experiencing side effects, especially hepatic ones.

 

Do not take this medication if you have allergies to promethazine or other drugs that are similar to it including chlorpromazine and thioridazine.

 

In addition to this, you should tell your doctor about asthma, sleep apnea, COPD, sulfite allergies, seizures, weakened immunity, glaucoma, prostate problems, ulcers, hepatic and adrenal disorders, calcium deficiencies and other diseases you have.

 

The effect of Phenergan on unborn children is currently unknown. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant.

 

Do not nurse a newborn while you are on Phenergan. While the tendency to pass into the milk is unknown, it could harm your baby if it does.

 

Dosage

 

Take your Phenergan just like the doctor has told you. Follow all the doctor’s instructions on the prescription. Check with your doctor regularly. Depending on your weight and tolerance, your doctor might change your dosage every now and then.

 

Do not take the medication in bigger or smaller doses than you have been told to. Never keep taking it for longer than your doctor says.

 

The usual time for taking this drug is right before bed and before meals. It should be taken at least an hour before traveling, if it is being used to treat carsickness.

 

The medication is usually delivered the night before if it is being used for surgical procedures. The regularity of your dosage depends on the severity of the condition.

 

Measure the liquid out into a measuring cup, spoon or syringe. If you do not have one of these, ask your pharmacist for one.

 

If the Phenergan is being used by a child, the dosage depends on the weight of the child. Tell your doctor if there are any changes in the weight.

 

If your symptoms worsen during your treatment, or if you don’t show any signs of improving your condition, tell your doctor immediately.

 

For anaphylaxis

 

25mg IV, repeated every 2 hours if necessary
25mg orally once. Repeated every 4 hours if necessary
25mg rectally once. Repeated every 4 hours if needed.

 

For allergies

 

12.5mg orally or rectally before meals. 25mg at bedtime if needed.
25mg at bedtime
6.25mg – 12.5mg three times a day
25mg IV, repeated in 2 hours if needed

 

For rhinitis

 

25mg IV, repeated in 2 hours if needed
25mg orally at bedtime or 12.5mg before supper and again before bed
25mg rectally at bedtime or 12.5mg before supper and again before bed

 

For sedation

 

25mg IV, with up to 50mg additional dose
25mg orally once with up to 50mg additional dose
25mg rectally once with up to 50mg additional dose

 

Missed doses and overdose

 

If you miss a dose, make sure you take it when you know. If you are about to take the next dose, ignore the one you missed. Don’t take extra doses to make up for it.

 

If you overdose, call your local poison hotline immediately as well as EMS.

 

Side effects

 

Common side effects include:

 

 Drowsiness
 Dizziness
 Double vision
 Ringing
 Nervousness
 Dry mouth
 Lethargy

 

More severe side effects include:

 

 Severe drowsiness, weakness
 Lightheadedness
 Hallucinations and confusion
 Seizures
 Rapid or slow pulse
 Jaundice
 Twitchiness
 Nervous system reaction
 Ill feeling

 

Call your doctor immediately if you experience these side effects.

 

Contraindications

 

Do not take Phenergan with narcotics, opiates, sleeping pills and muscle relaxants or sedatives.

 

Stop immediately if you have an allergic reaction to the medication.