Promethazine is a drug to relieve allergic reactions, motion sickness, nausea and vomiting , and insomnia. This medication may also be used as a sedative before certain medical procedures.
Promethazine belongs to the phenothiazine class of drugs which have anti-allergic effects (antihistamines). As an antihistamine, this drug works by blocking the action of histamine , so it can relieve symptoms due to allergic reactions.
In addition, promethazine can also inhibit the action of acetylcholine. This way of working can relieve nausea , pain, and provide a calming effect.
Promethazine trademarks: Berlifed, Bufagan Expectorant, Erpha Allergil, Gigadryl, Guamin, Hufallerzine Expectorant, Metagan Expectorant, Mezinex, Nufapreg, Phenerica, Prome, Promedex, Promethazine, Prozine Expectorant, Rhinathiol Romethazine, Winasal, Zenirex
What is Promethazine
| class | Prescription drug |
| Category | Phenothiazine |
| Benefit | Prevents motion sickness, relieves nausea and vomiting, treats allergies, and is used in the treatment of insomnia |
| Consumed by | Adults and children over 2 years of age |
| Promethazine for pregnant and lactating women |
Category C: Animal studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus, but there have been no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus.
Promethazine can be absorbed into breast milk, should not be used during breastfeeding. |
| Drug form | Tablets, suppositories, syrups, creams, injections |
Warning Before Using Promethazine
Promethazine should only be used according to a doctor's prescription. There are several things that you should pay attention to before using promethazine, namely:
- Do not use this medication if you are allergic to promethazine. Tell your doctor about any history of allergies you have.
- Tell your doctor if you are currently or have recently been treated with an MAOI class of drugs . Promethazine should not be used in patients who are taking or have recently taken this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you have asthma , COPD, sleep apnea , sulfa allergy, BPH , peptic ulcer, glaucoma , heart disease, intestinal obstruction , liver disease, pheochromocytoma , low levels of calcium in the blood, or hypertension .
- Do not drive a vehicle or do activities that require alertness while taking promethazine, because this drug may cause dizziness or drowsiness .
- Limit or avoid too long activities in direct sunlight while undergoing treatment with promethazine, because this drug can make the skin more sensitive to sunlight.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements or herbal products,
- Immediately see a doctor if you experience a drug allergic reaction, overdose, or serious side effects after using promethazine.
Dosage and Rules for Use of Promethazine
The following is the dosage of promethazine based on the form of the drug, the patient's age, and the condition to be treated:
Condition: Allergies
Forms: Syrup and tablets
- Adult: 25 mg, taken at night. Dosage can be increased to 25 mg, 2 times a day.
- Children aged 2–5 years: 5–15 mg per day, taken 1–2 times daily.
- Children aged 5–10 years: 10–25 mg per day, taken 1–2 times daily.
Form: Suppository
- Adult: 25 mg, once daily, taken at bedtime, or 12.5 mg, twice daily.
Condition: Insomnia
Forms: Syrup and tablets
- Adult: 20–50 mg, once daily, taken at night.
- Children aged 2–5 years: 15–20 mg, once daily, taken at night.
- Children aged 5–10 years: 20–25 mg, once a day, taken at night.
Condition: Nausea and vomiting
Forms: Syrup and tablets
- Adult: 12.5–25 mg, 4 times daily, or as needed by the patient.
- Children 5–10 years: 12.5–37.5 mg daily.
Form: Suppository
- Adult: 12.5–25, 4 times daily, or according to patient response and needs.
Condition: Motion sickness
Forms: Syrup and tablets
- Adult: 20 mg or 25 mg, taken the night before travel. Dosage may be repeated after 6–8 hours if needed.
- Children 2–5 years: 5 mg, given the night before travel. Dosage may be repeated after 6–8 hours if needed.
- Children 5–10 years: 10 mg, given the night before travel. Dosage may be repeated after 6–8 hours if needed.
Form: Suppository
- Adult: 25 mg, taken 30–60 minutes before travel. Doses may be repeated 8–12 hours later as needed. Maintenance dose 25 mg twice daily.
Condition: Sedation prior to medical procedures
Form: Suppository
- Adult: 25–50 mg, taken the night before the procedure.
The dosage of promethazine cream will be determined by the doctor based on the patient's condition. Meanwhile, promethazine in the form of an injection will be given by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor according to the patient's condition, age, body response, and needs.
How to Use Promethazine Properly
Always follow the doctor 's recommendations and read the information printed on the drug packaging before using promethazine.
Promethazine syrup and tablets can be consumed before or after meals. Swallow promethazine tablets with the help of a glass of water.
Consume promethazine syrup using the measuring spoon available in the medicine package. Do not use a tablespoon or other utensil to measure doses.
Try to have a bowel movement before using the suppository form of promethazine. Wash your hands thoroughly before and after inserting the suppository medicine into the rectum.
Lie on your left side if you are using your right hand to insert the suppository into the rectum. Bend and lift your right knee up to your chest. Insert the drug into the anal canal with the sharp end entering first. Push the medication into the rectum as far as it will go with your finger.
Remain in this position for 15–30 minutes to allow the suppository to melt and be absorbed into the body. If you feel the suppository coming out of the rectum, press it back and hold it by contracting the gluteal muscles.
Store the drug in a dry place, at room temperature, and avoid exposure to direct sunlight. Keep medicine out of reach of children.
Interactions of Promethazine with Other Drugs
Promethazine can cause interaction effects when used with other drugs, including:
- Increases the risk of extrapyramidal effects when used with MAOI class drugs
- Increase the effect of anticholinergic drugs or trichloroacetic acid (TCA)
- Increases the sedating effect of barbiturate drugs, sedatives, opioids, or sedatives
- Obscuring the symptoms of hearing organ damage (ototoxicity) caused by salicylate drugs
Promethazine Side Effects and Dangers
Some of the side effects that may arise after taking promethazine are:
- Dizzy
- Ringing ears
- Drowsiness
- Blurred vision
- Flustered
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Sleep disturbance or insomnia
Check with your doctor if these side effects don't improve or get worse. You should see your doctor immediately if you experience a drug allergic reaction or a more serious side effect of promethazine, such as:
- seizures
- Faint
- Jaundice
- Slow or irregular heart rate
- Excessive sleepiness
- Severe dizziness
- Confusion, hallucinations , or nervousness
- Easy bruising
In addition, promethazine can also cause neuroleptic malignant syndrome, which can be characterized by high fever , muscle stiffness, extreme fatigue, fast heart rate , and excessive sweating. Immediately consult a doctor if you experience these side effects.