Brand name:
Phenergan
Pronounced: FEN-er-gan
Generic name: Promethazine hydrochloride - PHENERGAN (Phenergan, Promethazine)
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.
Most important fact about Phenergan
Phenergan may cause considerable drowsiness. You should not drive
or operate dangerous machinery or participate in any hazardous activity
that requires full mental alertness until you know how you react to
Phenergan. Children should be carefully supervised while they are bike-riding,
roller-skating, or playing until the drug's effect on them is established.
How should you take Phenergan prescriptions Free/without?
Take Phenergan exactly as prescribed.
If you miss a dose PHENERGAN (Phenergan, Promethazine)
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.
PHENERGAN (Phenergan, Promethazine) effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue taking Phenergan.
* Side effects may include:
Blurred vision, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, increased or decreased blood
pressure, nausea, rash, sedation, vomiting
Why should Phenergan not be prescribed?
Do not take Phenergan without Rx if you have ever had an allergic
reaction to it or to related medications, such as Thorazine, Mellaril,
Stelazine,
or Prolixin. Phenergan is not for use in comatose patients, and should
not be used to treat asthma or other breathing problems.
Special warnings about Phenergan
If you are taking other medications that cause sedation, your doctor
may reduce the dosage of these medications or eliminate them while
you are using Phenergan.
If you have a seizure disorder, Phenergan may cause your seizures
to occur more often.Phenergan can cause a serious--even fatal--decline
in the breathing function. Avoid Phenergan if you have chronic breathing
problems such
as emphysema, or if you suffer from sleep apnea (periods during sleep
when breathing stops).
Phenergan can also cause a potentially fatal condition called Neuroleptic
Malignant Syndrome. Symptoms include high fever, rigid muscles, sweating,
and a rapid or irregular heartbeat. If you develop these symptoms,
stop taking Phenergan and see your doctor immediately.Phenergan may
affect the results of pregnancy tests and can raise your blood sugar.
Use Phenergan cautiously if you have heart disease, high blood pressure
or circulatory problems, liver problems, the eye condition called narrow-angle
glaucoma, peptic ulcer or other abdominal obstructions, or urinary
bladder obstruction due to an enlarged prostate.
Some people have developed jaundice (yellow eyes and skin) while on
Phenergan.
Tell your doctor if you have any uncontrolled movements or seem to
be unusually sensitive to sunlight.
Remember that can cause drowsiness.
Phenergan should not be given to children under 2 years of age, and
should be used with caution in older children, due to the danger of
impaired breathing. Large doses have been known to cause hallucinations,
seizures, and sudden death, especially in children who are dehydrated.
Drugs such as Phenergan are not recommended for the treatment of vomiting
in children unless the problem is severe. Phenergan should also be
avoided if the child has the serious neurological disease known as
Reye's syndrome or any disease of the liver.
Recommended dosage for Phenergan
Phenergan is available in tablet, syrup, and suppository form. The
suppositories are for rectal use only. Phenergan tablets and suppositories
are not recommended for children under 2 years of age.
ALLERGY
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. An overdose
of Phenergan can be fatal. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical
treatment immediately.
* Symptoms of Phenergan overdose may include:
Difficulty breathing, dry mouth, fixed and dilated pupils, flushing, heightened
reflexes, loss of consciousness, muscle tension, poor coordination, seizures,
slowdown in brain activity, slowed heartbeat, stomach and intestinal problems,
very low blood pressure, writhing movements
Children may become overstimulated and have nightmares. Older adults
may also become overstimulated.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking
PHENERGAN (Phenergan, Promethazine)
Phenergan may increase the effects of alcohol. Do not drink alcohol,
or at least substantially reduce the amount you drink, while taking
Phenergan.
If Phenergan is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either
could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important
to check with your doctor before combining Phenergan with the following:
Certain antidepressant drugs, including Elavil and Tofranil
Drugs that control spasms, such as Cogentin
Drugs that reduce bone-marrow function (certain cancer drugs)
MAO inhibitors such as the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate
Narcotic pain relievers such as Demerol and Dilaudid
Sedatives such as Halcion, Dalmane, and Seconal
Tranquilizers such as Xanax and Valium
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of Phenergan during pregnancy have not been adequately
studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your
doctor immediately. Although it is not known whether Phenergan appears
in breast milk, there is a chance that it could cause a nursing infant
serious harm. The use of Phenergan is not recommended during breastfeeding.
