Phenergan Injection (Promethazine) | Used for Allergies, Nausea, Vomiting & Motion Sickness

Precaution

1. Administration by a Healthcare Professional

Phenergan Injection should be administered by a qualified healthcare professional. It is not intended for self-injection.

2. Severe Tissue Injury Risk

Promethazine injection can cause severe tissue injury, including tissue necrosis and gangrene, if it is improperly administered. Pain or burning at the injection site requires immediate medical attention.

3. Preferred Injection Route

For the UK Phenergan formulation, deep intramuscular injection is the recommended route. Intravenous administration in emergency situations requires appropriate dilution and careful administration.

4. Never Use the Intra-Arterial Route

Promethazine injection must not be administered intra-arterially because severe arterial spasm and tissue damage, including gangrene, can occur.

5. Subcutaneous Administration

Subcutaneous administration is contraindicated for the US injectable formulation because tissue irritation and necrosis can occur.

6. Intravenous Administration

When intravenous administration is clinically required, the injection must be appropriately diluted and administered using the technique specified in the applicable product information.

7. Children Under 2 Years

Promethazine injection should not be used in children under 2 years because of the risk of potentially fatal respiratory depression.

8. Respiratory Problems

Tell your doctor if you have asthma, breathing difficulties or another condition that may increase the risk of respiratory depression.

Usage

Phenergan Injection should be administered only by a qualified healthcare professional. The route and dose depend on the condition being treated, age, clinical situation and the specific product formulation.

For the UK 25mg/mL Phenergan Injection, the product information states that adults generally receive 25–50mg, with a maximum parenteral dose of 100mg. For children aged 5–10 years, the listed dose is 6.25–12.5mg by deep intramuscular injection. It should not be used in children under 2 years.

The preferred route in the UK product information is deep intramuscular injection. In emergency situations, slow intravenous administration may be used after appropriate dilution according to the product instructions.

Because different countries and formulations can have different strengths and administration instructions, the specific product label should always be followed.

Uses

1. Allergic Conditions

Phenergan Injection may be used for symptomatic treatment of certain allergic conditions, including allergic rhinitis and urticaria.

2. Severe Allergic Reactions

Promethazine injection may be used as an adjunct in certain allergic reactions and anaphylaxis after appropriate emergency treatment has been initiated. It does not replace epinephrine as the primary treatment for anaphylaxis.

3. Motion Sickness

Promethazine injection may be used for active treatment of motion sickness when injectable treatment is clinically appropriate.

4. Nausea and Vomiting

It may be used to prevent or control nausea and vomiting associated with certain types of anesthesia and surgery.

5. Preoperative Sedation

Phenergan Injection may be used as part of preoperative sedation under appropriate medical supervision.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects

Possible side effects of Phenergan Injection include:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Blurred vision
• Headache
• Fatigue
• Reduced alertness
• Constipation

Serious Side Effects

Seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• Severe pain or burning at the injection site
• Swelling or severe redness around the injection site
• Skin discoloration or tissue damage
• Difficulty breathing
• Severe respiratory depression
• Severe allergic reaction
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat

FAQs

1. What is Phenergan Injection?

Phenergan Injection is an injectable medicine containing Promethazine Hydrochloride, a sedating antihistamine with antiemetic properties.

2. What is the active ingredient in Phenergan Injection?

The active ingredient is Promethazine Hydrochloride. The UK Phenergan injection formulation contains 25mg/mL.

3. What is Phenergan Injection used for?

It may be used for certain allergic conditions, motion sickness, nausea and vomiting, and selected sedation-related medical and surgical uses.

4. How does Phenergan Injection work?

Promethazine blocks histamine H1 receptors and also affects central pathways involved in nausea, vomiting and motion sickness.

5. Who should administer Phenergan Injection?

It should be administered by a qualified healthcare professional because the injection requires careful route selection and administration.

6. Can Phenergan Injection be given intravenously?

Some product information allows intravenous administration under specific conditions and after appropriate dilution. The applicable product label and healthcare professional's instructions must be followed.

7. Can Phenergan Injection be given subcutaneously?

The US prescribing information contraindicates subcutaneous administration because of the risk of tissue irritation and necrosis.

Interactions

1. Alcohol

Alcohol can increase the sedative effects of Promethazine and should generally be avoided.

2. Opioid Pain Medicines

Opioids can increase sedation and respiratory depression when combined with Promethazine.

3. Sleeping Medicines

Sedative and hypnotic medicines may increase drowsiness and central nervous system depression.

4. Anesthetic Medicines

Promethazine may enhance the effects of medicines used for anesthesia and sedation.

5. Other Antihistamines

Other sedating antihistamines may increase drowsiness and related adverse effects.

6. Anticholinergic Medicines

Combining Promethazine with other anticholinergic medicines may increase dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation and urinary retention.

7. Antidepressants

Certain antidepressants may increase sedative or anticholinergic effects when combined with Promethazine.

8. MAO Inhibitors

MAO inhibitors may increase or prolong the effects of Promethazine and require careful consideration before use.