Drug Name

Phenergan (Promethazine)

Drug Uses

Phenergan 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. Phenergan is not to be used to treat asthma. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How to use

Use Phenergan as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
Take Phenergan by mouth with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, take with food to reduce stomach irritation.
If you are using Phenergan for motion sickness, take a dose at least 30 to 60 minutes before you begin traveling.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Phenergan is a phenothiazine antihistamine. It works by blocking the sites where histamine acts.

Missed Dose

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

Storage

Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do NOT use Phenergan if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Phenergan
• you have severe central nervous system depression or are in a coma
• you are also taking astemizole, cisapride, terfenadine, or tramadol

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Some medical conditions may interact with Phenergan. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have nervous system problems, bone marrow depression, heart problems, a blood disease, glaucoma, increased eye pressure, low blood pressure, liver problems, prostate problems, Parkinson disease, seizures, or Reye syndrome
• if you regularly consume large amounts of alcohol

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Phenergan. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Charcoal or lithium because they may decrease Phenergan's effectiveness
• Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (eg, enalapril), astemizole, cisapride, general anesthetics (eg, thiopental), methyldopa, terfenadine, or tramadol because side effects, such as low blood pressure and seizures, may occur
• ACE inhibitors (eg, enalapril), haloperidol, lithium, meperidine, metrizamide, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) (eg, phenelzine), naltrexone, polypeptide antibiotics (eg, actinomycin), or trazodone because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Phenergan
• Bromocriptine, epinephrine, levodopa, or pergolide because their effectiveness may be decreased by Phenergan

Possible Side Effects

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

• Dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; increased or decreased blood pressure; nausea; occasional blurred vision; rash; sleepiness; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

• Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); sensitivity to light; uncontrolled muscle movements; yellowing of skin or eyes.

More Information

If you have any questions about Phenergan, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

Phenergan is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.