Promethazine

What is Promethazine?

Promethazine is a medicine for the prevention and treatment of vomiting and nausea related to certain conditions such as motion sickness, or before and after surgery. This medicine is also used to treat the symptoms of an allergic reaction such as itching, rash, and runny nose.

Promethazine may be used to help you feel relaxed or sleepy before or after surgery or to help some narcotic pain relievers such as meperidine work better.

There is a suppository form of this medication when the regular tablet cannot be taken by mouth.

Promethazine is an antihistaminic available under the brand names Phenadoz and Phenergan.

How does Promethazine work?

Promethazine is an antihistaminic. It works by blocking histamine that your body produces during an allergic reaction. Its other effects - anti-nausea, pain relief, or calming - may affect some natural substances such as acetylcholine and by acting directly on certain parts of the brain.

What are the benefits of using Promethazine?

The main benefit of using Promethazine is the prevention and relief that it provides to vomiting and nausea related to motion sickness, or before and after surgery. This medicine is also an effective treatment for the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

How do I use Promethazine?

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may change your dose of this medication to make sure that you get the most benefits from it. Do not take Promethazine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended by your doctor.

Promethazine is best taken at bedtime or before meals. Take this medicine within 1 hour before travelling to prevent motion sickness. When this medicine is used for surgery, it is usually taken the night before the surgery.

The frequency and timing of your dose will depend on the condition being treated.

When using the liquid form of this medicine, measure the liquid with the dosing syringe that is provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, your pharmacist can give you one.

When administered to a child, tell your doctor if the child has any changes in weight because the doses of this medicine are based on the body weight of the children. Any changes in weight may affect the child’s dose.

Inform your doctor if the symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while using this medication.

Promethazine dosage

Promethazine is available in the following forms and strengths:

• Tablet - 12.5 mg, 25 mg, and 50 mg.
• Suppository - 12.5 mg, 25 mg, and 50 mg
• Injectable solution - 25 mg/ml and 50 mg/ml
• Syrup - 6.25 mg/5ml

Promethazine should be given as follows:

For allergy:

• Taken orally or rectally: 25 mg at bedtime or 12.5 mg before meals and at bedtime
• Intravenously or intramuscularly: 15 mg. May be repeated in 2 hours as needed. Switch to oral dosing as soon as possible.

Side effects & precautions

Promethazine, as with other medications, can cause unwanted side effects, although not everybody who uses this medication will get them.

Seek emergency medical help if you experience the following symptoms of an allergic reaction: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medicine and call your doctor immediately if you have:

• A light-headed feeling, like you are passing out
• Severe drowsiness, weak or shallow breathing
• Seizure
• Confusion, agitation, nightmares, hallucinations
• Jaundice
• Fast or slow heartbeat
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Uncontrolled muscle movements in the face
• Severe nervous system reaction
• Sudden weakness or ill feeling, chills, fever, sore throat, mouth sores, trouble swallowing

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

The common side effects of Promethazine include:

• Ringing in your ears
• Dizziness, drowsiness
• Feeling nervous
• Double vision
• Dry mouth
• Sleep problems

Report to your doctor any other side effects that may be associated with your use of Promethazine.

Stop using Promethazine and immediately call your doctor if you experience twitching or uncontrollable movements of your eyes, lips, tongue, face, arms, or legs, as they could be early signs of dangerous side effects.

This medication should not be given to children younger than two years old. It can cause severe breathing problems or death in very young children.

Promethazine may cause side effects that can impair your reactions or thinking. Be careful in performing tasks that require concentration or alertness. The side effects of this medicine can be increased by drinking alcoholic drinks.

Do not take Promethazine if you are allergic to it or to similar medicines.

Your doctor can determine if this medication is right for you by sharing with him your medical history. He will be able to determine if any of your conditions do not warrant the use of this medication.

The effects of Promethazine on an unborn baby is not established. Consult first your doctor before you start taking this medicine during your pregnancy.

It is not known if this medicine passes into breast milk or if it may harm a nursing baby. Breastfeeding is not recommended while you are taking Promethazine.

Drug interactions may alter the way medications work or increase their side effects. Certain medications can interact with Promethazine and cause medical problems or increase side effects. Examples of these medicines include sedatives, cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxers, sleeping pills, and medicine for seizures.

Share with your doctor a list of all the medications you are currently taking to enable him to check for any unsafe combination with Promethazine.

How do I buy Promethazine online?

You can safely buy Promethazine online at UK Meds. You will need first to have an online consultation with a medical doctor before your order will be supplied. The online consultation will ensure that Promethazine is the right medication for your medical condition.