Promethazine is used for:

Relieving allergy symptoms, including hives and nasal congestion. It is used to prevent and control pain and nausea during and after surgery. It is also used to help produce light sleep, and for the prevention of motion sickness. Promethazine is not to be used to treat asthma. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Promethazine is a phenothiazine antihistamine. It works by blocking the sights where histamine acts.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

Recommended dosage

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

Adults

The average oral dose is 25 milligrams taken before bed; however, your doctor may have you take 12.5 milligrams before meals and before bed.

Children

The usual dose is a single 25-milligram dose at bedtime, or 6.25 to 12.5 milligrams 3 times daily.

MOTION SICKNESS

Adults

The average adult dose is 25 milligrams taken twice daily. The first dose should be taken one-half to 1 hour before you plan to travel, and the second dose 8 to 12 hours later, if necessary. On travel days after that, the recommended dose is 25 milligrams when you get up and again before the evening meal.

The average dose of Phenergan for nausea and vomiting in children or adults is 25 milligrams. When oral medication cannot be tolerated, use the rectal suppository. Your doctor may have you take 12.5 to 25 milligrams every 4 to 6 hours, if necessary.

For nausea and vomiting in children, the dose is usually calculated at 0.5 milligram per pound of body weight and will also be based on the age of the child and the severity of the condition being treated. Phenergan and other anti-vomiting drugs should not be given to children if the cause of the problem is unknown.

INSOMNIA

Adults

The usual dose is 25 to 50 milligrams for nighttime sedation.

Children

The usual dose is 12.5 to 25 milligrams by tablets or rectal suppository at bedtime.

Older Adults

The dosage is usually reduced for people over 60.

What other drugs will affect promethazine oral?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following medicines:

• atropine (Donnatal, and others), belladonna, clidinium (Quarzan), dicyclomine (Bentyl), glycopyrrolate (Robinul), hyoscyamine (Anaspaz, Cystospaz, Levsin, and others), methscopolamine (Pamine), and scopolamine (Transderm-Scop).
• an MAO inhibitor such as or selegiline (Eldepryl, phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate), isocarboxazid (Marplan), Emsam); or
• phenobarbital (Luminal), amobarbital (Amytal) and secobarbital (Seconal);
• narcotic pain medicines such as Fioricet, codeine (Fiorinal, fentanyl (Duragesic), Percodan), oxycodone (Percocet, Vicodin), hydrocodone (Lortab, Darvocet), propoxyphene (Darvon, MSIR), morphine (MS Contin, meperidine (Demerol), Tylenol #3);
• antidepressants such as sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac), nortriptyline (Pamelor), doxepin (Sinequan), amitriptyline (Elavil), or paroxetine (Paxil);
• sedatives or anxiety medicines such as temazepam (Restoril), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), or triazolam (Halcion);

There may be other drugs not listed that can affect promethazine oral. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, herbal products, minerals, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

Label warnings

• This medication may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Avoid alcoholic drink.