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Promethazine |
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What is Promethazine and why is it prescribed? Promethazine is an antihistamine that relieves nasal stuffiness and inflammation and red, inflamed eyes caused by hay fever and other allergies. Promethazine is also used to treat itching, swelling, and redness from hives and other rashes; allergic reactions to blood transfusions; and, with other medications, anaphylactic shock. Promethazine is also used as a sedative and sleep aid for both children and adults, and is prescribed to prevent and control nausea and vomiting before and after surgery and to prevent and treat motion sickness. It is also used, with other medications, for pain after surgery. Antihistamines work by decreasing the effects of histamine, a chemical the body releases in response to certain irritants. Histamine narrows air passages in the lungs and contributes to inflammation. Antihistamines reduce itching and swelling and dry up secretions from the nose, eyes, and throat. Promethazine may cause considerable drowsiness. You should not drive or operate dangerous machinery or participate in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness until you know how you react to Promethazine. Children should be carefully supervised while they are bike-riding, roller-skating, or playing until the drug's effect on them is established. How should you take Promethazine? Follow your doctors directions for taking Promethazine. If you miss a dose and you are taking Promethazine on a regular schedule, take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at once. Promethazine tablets should be stored at room temperature, away from light. Suppositories should be stored in the refrigerator, in a tightly closed container. Are there any Promethazine side effects? Promethazine side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Promethazine side effects may include abnormal eye movements, agitation, asthma, blood disorders, blurred vision, changes in blood pressure, confusion, disorientation, dizziness, double vision, dry mouth, excitement, faintness, fatigue, fever, hallucinations, hives, hysteria, impaired or interrupted breathing, insomnia, irregular heartbeat, lack of coordination, lack of energy, loss of movement, nasal stuffiness, nausea, nervousness, nightmares, protruding tongue, rapid heartbeat, rash, rigid muscles, ringing in the ears, sedation, seizures, sensitivity to light, sleepiness, slow heartbeat, stiff neck, sweating, swollen face and throat, tremors, unnaturally good mood, vomiting, and yellow skin and eyes. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Promethazine? If Promethazine is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. Promethazine may increase the effects of alcohol. Do not drink alcohol, or at least substantially reduce the amount you drink, while taking this medication. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Promethazine with Certain antidepressant drugs (including Elavil and Tofranil), Drugs that control spasms (such as Cogentin), Drugs that reduce bone-marrow function, MAO inhibitors (such as the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate), Narcotic pain relievers (such as Demerol and Dilaudid), Sedatives (such as Halcion, Dalmane, and Seconal), or Tranquilizers (such as Xanax and Valium). Are there any special warnings about Promethazine? If you are taking other medications that cause sedation, your doctor may reduce the dosage of these medications or eliminate them while you are using Promethazine. If you have a seizure disorder, Promethazine may cause your seizures to occur more often. Promethazine can cause a serious, even fatal, decline in the breathing function. Avoid this medication if you have chronic breathing problems such as emphysema, or if you suffer from sleep apnea. Promethazine can also cause a potentially fatal condition called Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome. Symptoms include high fever, rigid muscles, sweating, and a rapid or irregular heartbeat. If you develop these symptoms, stop taking Promethazine and see your doctor immediately. Use Promethazine cautiously if you have heart disease, high blood pressure or circulatory problems, liver problems, the eye condition called narrow-angle glaucoma, peptic ulcer or other abdominal obstructions, or urinary bladder obstruction due to an enlarged prostate. Promethazine may affect the results of pregnancy tests and can raise your blood sugar. Some people have developed jaundice while on this medication. Tell your doctor if you have any uncontrolled movements or seem to be unusually sensitive to sunlight. Remember that Promethazine can cause drowsiness. Promethazine should not be given to children under two years of age, and should be used with caution in older children, due to the danger of impaired breathing. Large doses have been known to cause hallucinations, seizures, and sudden death, especially in children who are dehydrated. Drugs such as Promethazine are not recommended for the treatment of vomiting in children unless the problem is severe. Promethazine should also be avoided if the child has the serious neurological disease known as Reye's syndrome or any disease of the liver. |
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Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
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