Promazine

No Comments

Promazine has been around for quite some time. Introduced in the 1950s promazine belongs to a group of drugs known as phenothiazines antipsychotic. Promazine an older medication is still prescribed, alongside newer agents such as olanzapine and quetiapine. This medication acts upon the brain to regulate abnormal behaviour. This is done by blocking receptors in the brain. Particularly dopamine receptors. These receptors normally act to modify behaviour and over-stimulation may result in psychotic illness. Sparine hydrochloride block the receptors from over-stimulation. In this way it helps control psychotic illness, producing a sedative and calming effect. However, Sparine was found to be of no value in the treatment of chronic schizophrenic patients.

This antipsychotic is now mainly used in Short-term management of moderate to severely agitated or restless behaviour and is also used to treat agitation and restlessness in elderly people, and during terminal illness. Promazine may cause unpleasant side effects common to most other phenothiazine.

Sparine (promazine) is anti-emetic and is used to control the nausea and vomiting of a variety of diseases and that caused by various drugs.

Quick Guide

• Severely agitated or restless behaviour with danger of overdose – MEDIUM.
• Dependency is said to be – LOW.
• Prescription only drug – YES.
• Available as generic – YES.
• Alcohol Avoidance – YES.
• Alcohol may increase the sedative properties of promazine.
• Some people’s skin may become more sensitive to sunlight than it usually is.
• This medicine contains lactose.

Side Effects

You may if prescribed Promazine suffer one or more of these side effects in the initial stages. However, you may find you do not suffer any at all, It does not follow that being on this medication will cause unwanted adverse effects.

Common: Blurred Vision, Constipation, Drowsiness, Dry Mouth, Lethargy, weight gain
Rare: Dizziness, Jaundice. Parkinsonism, Photosensitivity, Rash, seizures, weakness

You may experience ‘flu like’ symptoms such as high temperature, abnormal paleness, stiffness, sweating, a leaking bladder and a racing heartbeat, If you do contact your doctor immediately or go to your local accident and emergency department without delay.

The side effects listed here are the most common and rare problems reported by patients using Promazine. It may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug’s manufacturer. If common side effects persist you need to inform your doctor. Notify your doctor immediately if you suffer any of the rare or some other side effect not listed here. For total peace of mind, seek information from your doctor or chemist/pharmacist.

Prolonged Use

Use of promazine for more than a few months could result in abnormal movements of the face and limbs. A reduction in dosage may be recommended. Blood tests may be called for from time to time.

Driving, Hazardous Work & Alcohol

Such activities should be avoided wait to see how promazine affects you, as promazine may cause reduced alertness and dizziness. Alcohol should also be avoided as it can in crease the sedative effects of this drug.

Pregnancy and Breast-Feeding

This drug has not been established as safe in pregnancy especially during the first three months. It is also thought it passes into the breast milk. You should discuss both these important issues with your doctor.

Surgery and Dental Procedure

If you are having an operation or any dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.

Tell Your Doctor Or Pharmacist

You should tell your doctor if you have a current health problem. For example: heart disease, kidney problems, if you are pregnant or you intend to become pregnant, or if you think you may be at risk from drug treatment for any other reason. Some types of medication can cause serious adverse effects when taken side by side so it is important to tell your doctor of any other medication you are already taking. This should also include any over-the-counter medication. For example: Painkillers, cold remedies, herbal and complimentary/alternative medication.

Over 60’s & Children

A reduced dose may be necessary for the over sixties as there is a likelihood of side effects. Promazine would not be prescribed for infants or children.

Overdose

An occasional unintentional extra dose is unlikely to cause problems. Large overdose may cause drowsiness, dizziness, unsteadiness, fitting and coma. Notify your Doctor.

Failing this go to your nearest accident and emergency department of your local hospital. Take the container with you. This will help the hospital staff identify what has been taken and work towards given the right kind of help without delay.

Other Medication Reactions

Promazine may reduce the effectiveness of anticonvulsants by lowering the fit threshold. Promazine may also reduce the effectiveness of antiparkinson drugs. There is a possibility of abnormal heart rhythms occurring with the antihistamine terfenadine. If the drug metoclopraminde is taken with promazine there is an increased risk of perkinisom occurring. All drugs that have a sedative effect on the nervous system will more likely than not increase the sedative properties of promazine.

Missed A Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue the regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Reducing or Stopping Medication

It is important that you do not stop taking the drug without consulting your doctor. It may lead to a worsening of your condition. Your doctor will need to reduce your dose slowly over a period of time.

Effect Of Medication (from one dose)

The effects of promazine can be felt within 30 to 60 minutes. The lasting effects of this medication can be up to 6 hours.

Safety and Storage

• Never take more than the original dosage prescribed by your doctor.
• If your due to have treatment like an operation or dental work tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
• When you buy any medicines over-the-counter check with the pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
• Never take Promazine if it has past the expiry date shown on the box or container.
• Do not store medication above a temperature of 25°C or above a working area where high condensation may exist.
• Keep Promazine in its original container, in a cool dry place, away from the reach and eye sight of children.
• Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Do not discard old or unwanted drugs into your trash, sink or toilet.
• Return all unused or old medicines/drugs to your pharmacist. who will dispose of them safely. without causing unwanted effects on

  our environment.

If this medication has been prescribed for you never allow anyone else to use it, even if you know or others feel their symptom are similar to your own.

Do not leave your doctors surgery until you have a clear understanding of what the drug your doctor has prescribed for you does, and why you have been prescribed it. It is common for people who do not understand the reason behind there treatment to take their medication correctly.

Reference:

• Rosemont Pharmaceuticals Limited Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) last updated on electronic Medicines Compendium eMC: 30/11/2010. Promazine Hydrochloride 25mg/5ml Oral Syrup.
• Teva UK. Limited Promazine_Pil_1 Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) last revised January 2010. Promazine Hydrochloride 25mg and 50mg tablet.
• British National Formulary – 61st Edition (March 2011) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.