Why is Phenergan prescribed?

Phenergan is an antihistamine that relieves nasal stuffiness and inflammation and red, inflamed eyes caused by hay fever and other allergies. It is also used to treat itching, swelling, and redness from hives and other rashes; allergic reactions to blood transfusions; and, with other medications, anaphylactic shock (severe allergic reaction).

Phenergan is also used as a sedative and sleep aid for both children and adults, and is prescribed to prevent and control nausea and vomiting before and after surgery and to prevent and treat motion sickness. It is also used, with other medications, for pain after surgery.

Antihistamines work by decreasing the effects of histamine, a chemical the body releases in response to certain irritants. Histamine narrows air passages in the lungs and contributes to inflammation. Antihistamines reduce itching and swelling and dry up secretions from the nose, eyes, and throat.

How should this medicine be used?

Promethazine comes as a tablet and syrup (liquid) 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.

To insert a promethazine suppository, follow these steps:

• If the suppository feels soft, hold it under cold, running water for 1 minute. Remove the wrapper.
• Dip the tip of the suppository in water.
• Lie down on your left side and raise your right knee to your chest. (A left-handed person should lie on the right side and raise the left knee.)
• Using your finger, insert the suppository into the rectum, about 1/2 to 1 inch (1.25 to 2.5 centimeters) in children who are 2 years of age older and 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) in adults. Hold it in place for a few moments.
• Stand up after about 15 minutes. Wash your hands thoroughly and resume your normal activities.

How should you take Phenergan?

Take Phenergan exactly as prescribed.

• If you miss a dose...
  If you are taking Phenergan on a regular schedule, take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take 2 doses at once.

• Storage instructions...
  Tablets should be stored at room temperature, away from light. Suppositories should be stored in the refrigerator, in a tightly closed container.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Promethazine can cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• dry mouth
• drowsiness
• listlessness
• difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
• nightmares
• dizziness
• ringing in ears
• blurred or double vision
• loss of coordination
• nausea
• vomiting
• nervousness
• restlessness
• hyperactivity
• abnormally happy mood
• stuffy nose
• itching

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• wheezing
• slowed breathing
• breathing stops for a short time
• fever
• sweating
• stiff muscles
• decreased alertness
• fast or irregular pulse or heartbeat
• faintness
• abnormal or uncontrollable movements
• hallucinations (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist)
• confusion
• overwhelming or unmanageable fear or emotion
• seizures
• uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
• unusual bruising or bleeding
• sore throat, fever, chills, and other signs of infection
• uncontrolled eye movements
• tongue sticking out
• abnormal neck position
• inability to respond to people around you
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• rash
• hives
• swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, throat, arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• hoarseness
• difficulty breathing or swallowing

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/index.html] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Promethazine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you experience any unusual problems while you are taking this medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

• difficulty breathing
• slowed or stopped breathing
• dizziness
• lightheadedness
• fainting
• loss of consciousness
• fast heartbeat
• tight muscles that are difficult to move
• loss of coordination
• continuous twisting movements of the hands and feet
• dry mouth
• wide pupils (black circles in the middle of the eyes)
• flushing
• nausea
• constipation
• abnormal excitement or agitation
• nightmares