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

Precaution

1. Use Only as Directed

Take Phenergan Syrup according to the instructions provided by your healthcare professional or the product leaflet. The appropriate dose depends on the reason for treatment, age, and the specific product strength.

2. Do Not Use in Children Under 2 Years

Promethazine should not be used in children younger than 2 years because it can cause severe, potentially fatal respiratory depression.

3. Use Extra Caution in Children

Children aged 2 years and older may still be particularly sensitive to promethazine. The lowest effective dose should be used when it is prescribed, and other medicines that depress breathing should be avoided unless specifically directed by a healthcare professional.

4. Be Careful About Drowsiness

Promethazine can cause significant sleepiness, dizziness and reduced alertness. Avoid driving, operating machinery or performing hazardous activities until you know how the medicine affects you.

5. Avoid Alcohol

Alcohol can increase the sedative effects of promethazine and may increase the risk of excessive sleepiness and breathing problems. Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine.

6. Respiratory Conditions

Tell your healthcare professional if you have asthma, COPD, sleep apnea or another condition affecting breathing. Promethazine can depress breathing, particularly when combined with other sedating medicines.

7. Glaucoma

Inform your doctor if you have narrow-angle or angle-closure glaucoma, as promethazine may worsen certain anticholinergic effects.

8. Urination Problems

Tell your healthcare professional if you have difficulty passing urine, bladder obstruction or an enlarged prostate. Promethazine may worsen urinary retention.

Usage 

Phenergan Syrup should be taken orally exactly as directed by a healthcare professional or according to the product leaflet. The amount required depends on the condition being treated, the patient's age and the concentration of the syrup. Promethazine liquid products are available in different strengths, so the strength printed on the bottle should always be checked before measuring a dose.

For allergy symptoms, promethazine may be taken at prescribed intervals. For motion sickness, it is generally taken before travel, while treatment of nausea and vomiting follows the dosing schedule recommended by the healthcare professional.

Measure the syrup carefully, swallow it as directed, and do not take more than the prescribed amount. Because it may cause drowsiness, avoid driving or operating machinery if you feel sleepy or dizzy. Do not drink alcohol while taking it.

Uses

1. Allergy Symptoms

Promethazine can help relieve allergy-related symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes and itching.

2. Allergic Skin Reactions

It may be used to relieve symptoms associated with certain allergic skin reactions, including itching and irritation.

3. Nausea and Vomiting

Promethazine can be prescribed to prevent or control nausea and vomiting in appropriate situations.

4. Motion Sickness

Promethazine can be used to prevent and manage motion sickness associated with travel.

5. Certain Sedation-Related Uses

Depending on the prescribing information and clinical situation, promethazine may be used for preoperative, postoperative or obstetric sedation.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects

Promethazine may cause:

• Drowsiness or sleepiness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feeling unsteady
• Nightmares
• Dry mouth

Serious Side Effects

Seek prompt medical attention if you experience:

• Difficulty breathing or unusually slow breathing
• Severe confusion or excessive sedation
• Fainting or severe dizziness
• Fast, pounding or irregular heartbeat
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Unusual bruising or bleeding
• Severe muscle stiffness, shaking or abnormal movements

FAQs

1. What is Phenergan Syrup used for?

Phenergan Syrup contains Promethazine and may be used for allergy symptoms, nausea, vomiting and motion sickness. Some formulations and prescribing information include additional uses.

2. What is the active ingredient in Phenergan Syrup?

The active ingredient is Promethazine.

3. Does Phenergan Syrup cause sleepiness?

Yes. Promethazine is a sedating antihistamine and commonly causes drowsiness or sleepiness.

4. Can Phenergan Syrup be used for motion sickness?

Yes. Promethazine can be used to prevent and manage motion sickness.

5. Can Phenergan Syrup be given to children?

Age restrictions depend on the specific product and indication. However, promethazine must not be given to children under 2 years because of the risk of potentially fatal respiratory depression.

6. Can I drink alcohol while taking Phenergan Syrup?

No. Alcohol can increase the sedative effects of promethazine and may increase the risk of serious breathing problems.

7. Can I drive after taking Phenergan Syrup?

Promethazine may cause drowsiness, dizziness and impaired concentration. Do not drive or operate machinery if these effects occur.

Interactions

1. Alcohol

Alcohol can significantly increase the sedative effects of promethazine and may increase the risk of excessive drowsiness and breathing difficulties. Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine.

2. Opioid Pain Medicines

Medicines such as codeine, morphine and oxycodone can increase sedation and respiratory depression when combined with promethazine. Medical supervision is important when these medicines are used together.

3. Sleeping Tablets and Sedatives

Sedatives, sleeping medicines, tranquilizers and other central nervous system depressants can intensify promethazine-related drowsiness and impairment.

4. General Anesthetics

Promethazine may add to the sedative effects of general anesthetics. Tell your doctor before surgery or a procedure requiring anesthesia.

5. Antidepressants

Some antidepressants, including MAO inhibitors, may interact with promethazine and increase the risk of adverse effects. Inform your doctor about all antidepressants you take.

6. Anticholinergic Medicines

Other medicines with anticholinergic properties may increase effects such as dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation and difficulty urinating. Use the combination only with appropriate medical advice.

7. Other Antihistamines

Taking another sedating antihistamine together with promethazine may increase sleepiness and other side effects. Do not combine antihistamines unless advised by a healthcare professional.