Promethazine

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Promethazine is a first-generation receptor antagonist of the phenothiazine chemical class used medically as an antihistamine and antiemetic Promethazine was developed in the 1950s. In its early years it was used as an antipsychotic, although it is generally not administered for this purpose these days. The drug is now widely used to relieve allergies such as skin rashes, itching and symptoms of hayfever, including urticaria (hives), chikenpox, and eczema.

Promethazine blocks histamine receptors in an area in the brain that controls vomiting. This makes it ideal for relieving nausea and vomiting caused by inner ear disturbances such as Ménière’s disease and motion sickness. it can also be given for preoperative sedation and to counteract postnarcotic nausea. Because of promethazine’s sedative effects it is sometimes used as a sleeping medicine over a short time period.

Promethazine is used in combined preperations together with opioid cough suppressants for the relief of coughs and nasal congestion, and if given at night its sedative effects helps to bring on sleep. The most common side effects most individuals suffer from are drowsiness, dry mouth and blurred vision.

Quick Guide

• Antihistamine and Anti-emetic with danger of overdose – MEDIUM.
• Dependency is said to be – LOW.
• Prescription only drug – NO.
• Available as generic – NO. (generic drugs, short: generics) is a drug which is produced and distributed without patent protection.
• Alcohol Avoidance – YES.
• Alcohol may increase the sedative properties of promethazine.

Side Effects

You may if prescribed promethazine 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 side effects.

Common: Blurred Vision, Drowsiness, Diarrhoea, Dry Mouth, Lethargy, Difficulty Urinating (passing water).
Rare: Palpitations and Light Sensitive Rash. Shortness of Breath,

The side effects listed here are the most common and rare problems reported by patients using promethazine It does 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 if you suffer any of the rare or some other side effects not listed here. For total peace of mind, seek information from your doctor or chemist.

Usually causing minor side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth and blurred vision. Promethazines more serious side effects generally occur during long term use or with abnormally high doses.

Prolonged Use

It is rare for this drug to be required over a long time period, it may sometimes cause abnormal movements of the face and limbs (parkinsonism). This problem would normally disappear when the drug is stopped.

Driving, Hazardous Work & Alcohol

Although drowsiness is rare, in non-sedating antihistamines such as cetirizine, desloratadine (an active metabolite of loratadine), fexofenadine (an active metabolite of terfenadine), levocetirizine (an isomer of cetirizine), loratadine. All older antihistamines cause sedation, whereas chlorphenamine and cyclizine may be less so. Promethazine may be more sedating than older medicines. You need to be aware that it can occur and may affect performance of skilled tasks you should avoid these activities until you know how promethazine affects you. Excessive amounts of alcohol should be avoided, this is because alcohol may increase the sedative properties of promethazine.

Pregnancy and Breast-Feeding

Safety in pregnancy and breast-feeding has not been established. You should discuss both of these issues with your doctor or healthcare professional.

Promethazine is classified as a pregnancy Category C medicine by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Category C… Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite potential risks.

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

It is possible there is a greater risk of the elderly suffering adverse effects from the taking of promethazine. This medication should not be given to babies or children who are younger than 2 years old and should be given with caution to children who are 2 years of age or older with a reduced dosage necessary. You need to speak with your doctor about the risks of giving promethazine to your child. Preperations containing promethazine and codeine should not be given to children younger than 16 years of age.

Overdose

An unintentional extra dose would not give rise to concern. However a large overdose could cause drowisness, agitation, fits and coma. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of promethazine Go to your nearest accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you.

Other Medication Reactions

Other drugs, such as other antihistamines, sleeping tablets and antipsychotics will more than likely increase the sedative properties of promethazine. You should allow a 14 day cooling off period before taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) if promethazine has been taken. This is because promethazine can cause a severe reaction if taken along-side MAOIs.

Missed A Dose

Missing your medication would not be a problem. Take the missed dose when you remember and ajust the timing of your next dose accordingly.

Reducing or Stopping Medication

Do not take promethazine for more than 7 days unless you have been advised to do so by your doctor. This medication can be safely stopped as soon as the symptoms disappear.

Effect Of Medication (from one dose)

Normally you would feel the effects within one hour. However, if a dose is taken after the onset of nausea the effects would be delayed. The duration of action would be between 8 to 16 hours.

Storage and Safety

• 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 Promethazine 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 exits.
• Keep Promethazine 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.
• 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.

If Promethazine 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.