Description and Brand Names

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

US Brand Name

  1. Phenadoz
  2. Phenergan
  3. Promethegan

Descriptions


Promethazine is used to relieve or prevent the symptoms of hay fever, allergic conjunctivitis (inflammation of the eye), and other types of allergy or allergic reactions. It works by preventing the effects of a substance called histamine, which is produced by the body. Histamine can cause itching, sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes. It can sometimes close up the bronchial tubes (air passages of the lungs) and make breathing difficult .

Promethazine is also used to prevent and control motion sickness, nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. In addition, it may be used to help people go to sleep and control their pain or anxiety before or after surgery or other procedures .

Promethazine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor .

This medicine is only available with your doctor's prescription .

This product is available in the following dosage forms:

  • Suppository

Before Using

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of promethazine in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established in children below 2 years of age. Caution should be used when this medicine is given to children 2 years of age and older .

Geriatric

Insufficient information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of promethazine in geriatric patients. However, elderly patients may be more sensitive to the side effects of this medicine (such as confusion and severe drowsiness) than in younger adults, and are more likely to have age-related heart or blood vessel disease, liver problems, and kidney disease, which may require adjustment of dosage in patients receiving promethazine .

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

  • Bepridil
  • Bromopride
  • Calcium Oxybate
  • Cisapride
  • Dronedarone
  • Levoketoconazole
  • Magnesium Oxybate
  • Mesoridazine
  • Pimozide
  • Piperaquine
  • Potassium Citrate
  • Potassium Oxybate
  • Saquinavir
  • Sodium Oxybate
  • Sparfloxacin
  • Terfenadine
  • Thioridazine
  • Tranylcypromine
  • Ziprasidone

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

  • Adagrasib
  • Alfentanil
  • Alfuzosin
  • Alprazolam
  • Amantadine
  • Amiodarone
  • Amisulpride
  • Amitriptyline
  • Amoxapine
  • Anagrelide
  • Apomorphine
  • Aripiprazole
  • Aripiprazole Lauroxil
  • Arsenic Trioxide
  • Asenapine
  • Astemizole
  • Atazanavir
  • Azithromycin
  • Benzhydrocodone
  • Bromazepam
  • Buprenorphine
  • Bupropion
  • Buserelin
  • Butorphanol
  • Cannabidiol
  • Cannabis
  • Carbinoxamine
  • Ceritinib
  • Cetirizine
  • Chloroquine
  • Chlorpromazine
  • Ciprofloxacin
  • Citalopram
  • Clarithromycin
  • Clobazam
  • Clofazimine
  • Clomipramine
  • Clonazepam
  • Clothiapine
  • Clozapine
  • Codeine
  • Crizotinib
  • Dabrafenib
  • Daridorexant
  • Dasatinib
  • Degarelix
  • Delamanid
  • Desipramine
  • Deslorelin
  • Deutetrabenazine
  • Dexmedetomidine
  • Dihydrocodeine
  • Disopyramide
  • Dofetilide
  • Dolasetron
  • Domperidone
  • Donepezil
  • Doxylamine
  • Droperidol
  • Duloxetine
  • Efavirenz
  • Encorafenib
  • Entrectinib
  • Epinephrine
  • Erythromycin
  • Escitalopram
  • Esketamine
  • Etrasimod
  • Fentanyl
  • Fexinidazole
  • Fingolimod
  • Flecainide
  • Flibanserin
  • Fluconazole
  • Fluoxetine
  • Formoterol
  • Foscarnet
  • Fostemsavir
  • Gabapentin
  • Gabapentin Enacarbil
  • Gatifloxacin
  • Gemifloxacin
  • Gepirone
  • Glasdegib
  • Glucagon
  • Glycopyrrolate
  • Glycopyrronium Tosylate
  • Gonadorelin
  • Goserelin
  • Granisetron
  • Halofantrine
  • Haloperidol
  • Histrelin
  • Hydrocodone
  • Hydromorphone
  • Hydroxychloroquine
  • Hydroxyzine
  • Ibutilide
  • Iloperidone
  • Imipramine
  • Inotuzumab Ozogamicin
  • Isradipine
  • Ivabradine
  • Ivosidenib
  • Ketamine
  • Ketoconazole
  • Lacosamide
  • Lapatinib
  • Lefamulin
  • Lemborexant
  • Lenvatinib
  • LetibotulinumtoxinA-wlbg
  • Leuprolide
  • Levocetirizine
  • Levofloxacin
  • Levorphanol
  • Lithium
  • Lofexidine
  • Lopinavir
  • Loxapine
  • Lumefantrine
  • Macimorelin
  • Meclizine
  • Mefloquine
  • Meperidine
  • Methacholine
  • Methadone
  • Metoclopramide
  • Metrizamide
  • Metronidazole
  • Midazolam
  • Mifepristone
  • Mirtazapine
  • Mobocertinib
  • Morphine
  • Morphine Sulfate Liposome
  • Moxifloxacin
  • Nafarelin
  • Nalbuphine
  • Nilotinib
  • Norfloxacin
  • Nortriptyline
  • Octreotide
  • Ofloxacin
  • Olanzapine
  • Oliceridine
  • Ondansetron
  • Osilodrostat
  • Osimertinib
  • Oxaliplatin
  • Oxycodone
  • Oxymorphone
  • Ozanimod
  • Pacritinib
  • Paliperidone
  • Panobinostat
  • Paroxetine
  • Pasireotide
  • Pazopanib
  • Pentamidine
  • Pentazocine
  • Periciazine
  • Phenobarbital
  • Pimavanserin
  • Pitolisant
  • Ponesimod
  • Porfimer
  • Posaconazole
  • Pregabalin
  • Primidone
  • Procainamide
  • Procarbazine
  • Prochlorperazine
  • Propafenone
  • Protriptyline
  • Quetiapine
  • Quinine
  • Quizartinib
  • Ranolazine
  • Relugolix
  • Remifentanil
  • Remimazolam
  • Revefenacin
  • Ribociclib
  • Ropeginterferon Alfa-2b-njft
  • Scopolamine
  • Secretin Human
  • Selpercatinib
  • Sertraline
  • Sevoflurane
  • Siponimod
  • Sodium Phosphate
  • Sodium Phosphate, Dibasic
  • Sodium Phosphate, Monobasic
  • Solifenacin
  • Sorafenib
  • Sotalol
  • Sufentanil
  • Sulpiride
  • Sunitinib
  • Tacrolimus
  • Tapentadol
  • Telavancin
  • Telithromycin
  • Tetrabenazine
  • Tiotropium
  • Topiramate
  • Toremifene
  • Tramadol
  • Trazodone
  • Triclabendazole
  • Trifluoperazine
  • Trimipramine
  • Triptorelin
  • Vandetanib
  • Vardenafil
  • Vemurafenib
  • Venlafaxine
  • Vilanterol
  • Vinflunine
  • Voclosporin
  • Voriconazole
  • Zolpidem
  • Zuclopenthixol
  • Zuranolone

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

  • Aminolevulinic Acid
  • Belladonna
  • Belladonna Alkaloids
  • Betel Nut
  • Evening Primrose
  • Midodrine
  • Phenylalanine

Other Interactions

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

  • Brain disease or injury or
  • Breathing or lung problems (e.g., asthma) or
  • Comatose state (unconscious) or
  • Reye's syndrome or
  • Sleep apnea, history of—Promethazine should NOT be used in patients with any of these conditions .
  • Bone marrow disease or
  • Enlarged prostate or
  • Glaucoma or
  • Heart or blood vessel disease or
  • Intestinal tract obstruction or
  • Jaundice or
  • Liver disease or
  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome, or history of, or
  • Stomach ulcer or
  • Urinary tract blockage or difficult urination—Use with caution. This medicine may make these conditions worse .
  • Seizure disorders—This medicine may increase the chance of seizures especially in patients who are also using narcotic or anesthetic medicines .

Proper Use

Never take rectal suppositories by mouth.

Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.

To insert suppository: First remove the foil wrapper and moisten the suppository with cold water. Lie down on your side and use your finger to push the suppository well up into the rectum. If the suppository is too soft to insert, chill the suppository in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or run cold water over it before removing the foil wrapper.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For rectal dosage form (suppositories):
    • For allergy symptoms:
      • Adults and teenagers—12.5 milligrams (mg) before meals and at bedtime; or 25 mg at bedtime as needed.
      • Children 2 years of age and older—Your doctor will determine dose based on the weight and/or size of the child. The dose is usually 6.25 to 12.5 mg three times a day; or 25 mg at bedtime as needed.
      • Children younger than 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor .
    • For prevention of motion sickness:
      • Adults and teenagers—25 mg twice daily; this initial dose should be taken one-half to one hour before traveling. The dose may be repeated eight to twelve hours later if needed. On other days of travel, 25 mg may be taken on arising and again before the evening meal.
      • Children 2 years of age and older—Your doctor will determine dose based on the weight and/or size of the child. The dose is usually 12.5 to 25 mg one-half to one hour before traveling. The dose may be repeated eight to twelve hours later if needed.
      • Children younger than 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor .
    • For nausea and vomiting:
      • Adults and teenagers—25 mg for the first dose, then 12.5 to 25 mg every four to six hours if needed.
      • Children 2 years of age and older—Your doctor will determine dose based on the weight and/or size of the child. The dose is usually 0.5 mg per pound of body weight (1.1 mg per kg) or 12.5 to 25 mg every four to six hours as needed.
      • Children younger than 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor .
    • For sedation:
      • Adults and teenagers—25 to 50 mg.
      • Children 2 years of age and older—Your doctor will determine dose based on the weight and/or size of the child. The dose is usually 12.5 to 25 mg.
      • Children younger than 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor .
    • For control of pain or anxiety before or after surgery:
      • Adults and teenagers—50 mg the night before surgery; 25 to 50 mg after surgery.
      • Children 2 years of age and older—Your doctor will determine dose based on the weight and/or size of the child. The dose is usually 0.5 mg per pound of body weight (1.1 mg per kg) or 12.5 to 25 mg the night before surgery or after the surgery.
      • Children younger than 2 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor .

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects .

This medicine may affect blood sugar levels. If you notice a change in the results of your blood or urine sugar tests or if you have any questions, check with your doctor .

This medicine may cause some people to become dizzy, lightheaded, drowsy, or less alert than they are normally. Even if taken at bedtime, it may cause some people to feel drowsy or less alert on arising. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert .

This medicine will add to the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants (medicines that make you drowsy or less alert). Some examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines or medicine for hay fever, other allergies, or colds; sedatives, tranquilizers, antidepressants, or sleeping medicine; prescription pain medicine or narcotics; barbiturates; medicine for seizures; muscle relaxants; or anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics. Check with your medical doctor or dentist before taking any of the above while you are taking this medicine.

Check with your doctor right away if you have symptoms of pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin; difficult or troubled breathing; irregular, fast, slow, or shallow breathing; or shortness of breath. These could be signs of a condition called respiratory depression .

Check with your doctor right away and stop taking your medicine (if directed by your doctor) if you have muscle stiffness, fever, difficult or fast breathing, seizures, fast heartbeat, increased sweating, loss of bladder control, unusually pale skin, or tiredness or weakness. These may be symptoms of a serious condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) .

Before you have any medical tests, tell the medical doctor in charge that you are taking this medicine. The results of some tests may be affected by this medicine .

This medicine may cause dryness of the mouth. For temporary relief, use sugarless candy or gum, melt bits of ice in your mouth, or use a saliva substitute. However, if your mouth continues to feel dry for more than 2 weeks, check with your medical doctor or dentist. Continuing dryness of the mouth may increase the chance of dental disease, including tooth decay, gum disease, and fungus infections .

This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds .

This medicine controls nausea and vomiting. For this reason, it may cover up some of the signs of overdose caused by other medicines or the symptoms of encephalopathy or Reye's syndrome. This will make it difficult for your doctor to diagnose these conditions. Make sure your doctor knows that you are using this medicine .

Side Effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Rare
  1. Convulsions (seizures)
  2. difficult or unusually fast breathing
  3. fast heartbeat or irregular pulse
  4. high fever
  5. high or low (irregular) blood pressure
  6. increased sweating
  7. loss of bladder control
  8. severe muscle stiffness
  9. unusually pale skin
  10. unusual tiredness or weakness

Incidence not known

  1. Abdominal or stomach pain
  2. black, tarry stools
  3. bleeding gums
  4. blood in urine or stools
  5. bloody nose
  6. blurred vision
  7. chest pain or discomfort
  8. chills
  9. clay-colored stools
  10. confusion as to time, place, or person
  11. cough or hoarseness
  12. dark urine
  13. decreased awareness or responsiveness
  14. difficulty or troubled breathing
  15. double vision
  16. fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
  17. fever with or without chills
  18. fixed position of eye
  19. headache
  20. heavier menstrual periods
  21. high fever
  22. holding false beliefs that cannot be changed by fact
  23. hyperexcitability
  24. increased or decreased blood pressure
  25. increased sweating
  26. irregular, fast or slow, or shallow breathing
  27. itching
  28. large, hive-like swelling on face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
  29. lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
  30. loss of appetite
  31. loss of bladder control
  32. lower back or side pain
  33. mimicry of speech or movements
  34. mutism
  35. nasal stuffiness
  36. nausea
  37. negativism
  38. nightmares
  39. noisy breathing
  40. not breathing
  41. painful or difficult urination
  42. pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin
  43. peculiar postures or movements, mannerisms or grimacing
  44. pinpoint red spots on skin
  45. seeing double
  46. seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
  47. seizures
  48. severe muscle stiffness
  49. severe sleepiness
  50. shortness of breath
  51. skin rash
  52. slow or irregular heartbeat
  53. sore throat
  54. sores, ulcers, or white spots on lips or in mouth
  55. sticking out of tongue
  56. swollen glands
  57. tightness in chest
  58. tremors
  59. uncontrolled twisting movements of neck
  60. unpleasant breath odor
  61. unusual bleeding or bruising
  62. unusual excitement, nervousness, or restlessness
  63. unusual tiredness or weakness
  64. vomiting of blood
  65. wheezing
  66. yellow eyes or skin

Symptoms of overdose

  1. Discouragement
  2. dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position suddenly
  3. dry mouth
  4. excessive muscle tone
  5. feeling of warmth
  6. feeling sad or empty
  7. irritability
  8. lack of appetite
  9. loss of interest or pleasure
  10. muscle tension or tightness
  11. overactive reflexes
  12. pupils of eyes large and not moving or responding to light
  13. redness of the face, neck, arms and occasionally, upper chest
  14. shakiness and unsteady walk
  15. sudden death
  16. trouble concentrating
  17. trouble sleeping
  18. unconsciousness
  19. unsteadiness, trembling, or other problems with muscle control or coordination
  20. unusual paleness

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

  1. blistering, crusting, irritation, itching, or reddening of skin
  2. continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in ears
  3. cracked, dry, scaly skin
  4. dizziness
  5. drowsiness
  6. excitation
  7. false or unusual sense of well-being
  8. hearing loss
  9. hives or welts
  10. increased sensitivity of skin to sunlight
  11. lack of coordination
  12. loss of strength or energy
  13. muscle pain or weakness
  14. redness or other discoloration of skin
  15. relaxed and calm
  16. sunburn
  17. swelling
  18. unable to sleep
  19. vomiting

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Portions of this document last updated: April 01, 2024

Original article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/promethazine-rectal-route/before-using/drg-20070623