This medication description is not meant for treatment prescription without the intervention of a specialist.

Common Uses

Promethazine is an antihistamine. It blocks the effects of the naturally occurring chemical histamine in your body. It is used to treat allergy symptoms such as itching, runny nose, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, hives, and itchy skin rashes.

Promethazine also prevents motion sickness, and treats nausea and vomiting or pain after surgery. It is also used as a sedative or sleep aid.

How to Take

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Take each dose with a full glass of water. You can take Promethazine with or without food.

Warning and Precautions

Promethazine should not be given to children under two years of age; there is potential for fatal respiratory depression in this age group.

Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors.

Do not use Promethazine if you have asthma or other lung disease.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Overdose symptoms may include severe drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, large pupils, flushing, nausea, vomiting, shallow breathing, and fainting.

Storage

Store Promethazine at the room temperature away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Promethazine out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Possible Side Effects

Call your doctor immediately if you experience twitching or uncontrollable movements of your eyes, lips, tongue, face, arms, or legs. Promethazine can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of Promethazine.

More Information

The information given above is a summary. Your pharmacist can provide more information about Promethazine. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.