Details

Promethazine is in a group of drugs called phenothiazines. It works by changing the actions of chemicals in your brain. Promethazine also acts as an antihistamine. It blocks the effects of the naturally occurring chemical histamine in your body. Promethazine is used to treat allergy symptoms such as itching, runny nose, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, hives, and itchy skin rashes. It also prevents motion sickness, and treats nausea and vomiting or pain after surgery. It is also used as a sedative or sleep aid. Promethazine is not for use in treating symptoms of asthma, pneumonia, or other lower respiratory tract infections. To make sure promethazine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sleep apnoea, or other breathing disorder a sulphite allergy a history of seizures a weak immune system (bone marrow depression) glaucoma enlarged prostate or problems with urination stomach ulcer or obstruction heart disease or high blood pressure liver disease adrenal gland tumour (pheochromocytoma) low levels of calcium in your blood (hypocalcaemia) or if you have ever had a serious side effect while using promethazine or any other phenothiazine.

Typical Uses

Promethazine is used to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting related to certain conditions (such as before/after surgery, motion sickness). It is also used to treat allergy symptoms such as rash, itching, and runny nose. It may be used to help you feel sleepy/relaxed before and after surgery or to help certain narcotic pain relievers (such as meperidine) work better. It may also be used for a short time to treat a runny nose due to the common cold. Promethazine is an antihistamine and works by blocking a certain natural substance (histamine) that your body makes during an allergic reaction. Its other effects (such as anti-nausea, calming, pain relief) may work by affecting other natural substances (such as acetylcholine) and by acting directly on certain parts of the brain.

Side Effects

Common promethazine side effects may include severe drowsiness, weak or shallow breathing a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out confusion, agitation, hallucinations, nightmares seizure (convulsions) fast or slow heartbeats jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) uncontrolled muscle movements in your face (chewing, lip smacking, frowning, tongue movement, blinking or eye movement) easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums) sudden weakness or ill feeling, fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores, red or swollen gums, trouble swallowing or severe nervous system reaction-very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, feeling like you might pass out. Side effects such as confusion and severe drowsiness may be more likely in older adults.

Drug Interactions

• Promethazine+propoxyphene- Using promethazine together with propoxyphene can add to the side effects of either medication. This may be more likely to occur in older adults or those with a debilitating condition. Talk with your doctor before using these medications together.
• Promethazine+amiodarone- Using amiodarone together with promethazine can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a relatively rare side effect. You may be more susceptible if you have a heart condition called congenital long QT syndrome, other cardiac diseases, conduction abnormalities, or electrolyte disturbances.
• Promethazine+bepridil- Using bepridil together with promethazine can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a relatively rare side effect. You may be more susceptible if you have a heart condition called congenital long QT syndrome, other cardiac diseases, conduction abnormalities, or electrolyte disturbances.
• Promethazine+dolasetron- Using dolasetron together with promethazine can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a relatively rare side effect. You may be more susceptible if you have a heart condition called congenital long QT syndrome, other cardiac diseases, conduction abnormalities, or electrolyte disturbances.

Mechanism of action

Promethazine belongs to the group of medicines called antihistamines. It also has additional anti-emetic, central sedative and anti-cholinergic properties. It acts by blocking a natural substance called histamine that your body produces during an allergic reaction.

Pregnancy Category : C