Promethazine is a drug to relieve allergic reactions, motion sickness, nausea and vomiting, and insomnia. It can also be used as a sedative before certain medical procedures.
Promethazine belongs to the phenothiazine class of drugs that have an antiallergic (antihistaminic) effect. 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 trademark: 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
| group | Prescription drugs |
| 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 old |
| Promethazine for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Promethazine may be absorbed into breast milk, should not be used during breastfeeding. |
| Drug form | Tablets, suppositories, syrups, creams, injections |
Precautions Before Using Promethazine
Promethazine should only be used as prescribed by a doctor. There are several things you should pay attention to before using promethazine, namely:
- Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to promethazine. Tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
- Tell your doctor if you are or have recently been treated with MAOIs. Promethazine should not be used in patients who are currently 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 calcium levels in the blood, or hypertension.
- Do not drive a vehicle or do activities that require alertness while you are taking promethazine, as this medicine may cause dizziness or drowsiness.
- Limit or avoid being in direct sunlight for too long while taking promethazine, because this drug can make your 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,
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, overdose, or serious side effects after using promethazine.
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Promethazine
The following is the dosage of promethazine based on the form of the drug, the age of the patient, and the condition to be treated:
Condition: Allergy
Shape: Syrup and tablets
- Mature: 25 mg, taken at night. The dose can be increased to 25 mg, 2 times a day.
- Children age 2–5 years: 5–15 mg per day, taken 1–2 times a day.
- Children aged 5–10 years: 10–25 mg per day, taken 1-2 times a day.
Shape: Suppositories
- Mature: 25 mg, once daily, taken at bedtime, or 12.5 mg, twice daily.
Condition: Insomnia
Shape: Syrup and tablets
- Mature: 20–50 mg, once daily, taken at night.
- Children age 2–5 years: 15-20 mg, once daily, taken at night.
- Children aged 5–10 years: 20–25 mg, once daily, taken at night.
Condition: Nausea and vomiting
Shape: Syrup and tablets
- Mature: 12.5–25 mg, 4 times daily, or as needed.
- Children age 5–10 years: 12.5–37.5 mg per day.
Shape: Suppositories
- Mature: 12.5–25, 4 times daily, or according to patient's response and needs.
Condition: Motion sickness
Shape: Syrup and tablets
- Mature: 20 mg or 25 mg, taken the night before a trip. The dose may be repeated after 6–8 hours if necessary.
- Children age 2–5 years: 5 mg, given the night before the trip. The dose may be repeated after 6–8 hours if necessary.
- Children age 5–10 years: 10 mg, given the night before the trip. The dose may be repeated after 6–8 hours if necessary.
Shape: Suppositories
- Mature: 25 mg, taken 30–60 minutes before travel. The dose may be repeated 8–12 hours later as needed. The maintenance dose is 25 mg twice daily.
Condition: Calm before medical procedure
Shape: Suppositories
- Mature: 25–50 mg, taken the night before the procedure.
The dose of promethazine cream will be determined by the doctor based on the patient's condition. Meanwhile, promethazine injectable form will be given by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor according to the condition, age, body response, and patient needs.
How to Use Promethazine Correctly
Always follow your doctor's advice and read the information on the medicine package before using promethazine.
Promethazine syrup and tablets can be taken before or after meals. Swallow promethazine tablets with the help of a glass of water.
Take promethazine syrup using a measuring spoon provided in the medicine package. Do not use a tablespoon or other device to measure the dose.
Try to defecate first before using promethazine suppository form. Wash hands thoroughly before and after inserting suppositories into the rectum.
Lie on your left side if you are using your right hand to insert the suppository into your rectum. Bend and lift your right knee up to your chest. Insert the drug into the anal canal with the pointed tip in first. Push the medication into the rectum as far as possible using your fingers.
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 your rectum, press it back and hold it by tightening your glutes.
Store the medicine in a dry place, at room temperature, and away from direct sunlight. Keep medicine out of reach of children.
Promethazine Interactions with Other Drugs
Promethazine can cause interactions when used with other drugs, including:
- Increases risk of extrapyramidal effects when used with MAOI . drugs
- Increases the effect of anticholinergic drugs or trichloroacetic acid (TCA)
- Increases the sedative effect of barbiturates, anesthetics, opioids, or tranquilizers
- Blurs symptoms of hearing loss (ototoxicity) caused by salicylates
Promethazine Side Effects and Dangers
Some side effects that may arise after taking promethazine are:
- Dizzy
- Ears ringing
- Drowsiness
- Blurred vision
- Flustered
- dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Sleep disturbances or insomnia
Check with your doctor if these side effects do not improve or get worse. You should see a doctor immediately if you have an allergic reaction to the drug or the more serious side effects of promethazine, such as:
- Seizures
- Faint
- Jaundice
- Slow or irregular heartbeat
- Excessive sleepiness
- Heavy dizziness
- Confusion, hallucinations, or nervousness
- Easy bruising
In addition, promethazine can also cause malignant neuroleptic syndrome, which can be characterized by high fever, muscle stiffness, extreme fatigue, fast heart rate, and excessive sweating. Immediately see a doctor if you experience these side effects.
