Phenergan Drug Info
Phenergan Drug Uses: Phenergan is used to prevent motion sickness, nausea or vomiting, itching associated with allergies or for sedation.
How to Use Phenergan: Tablets may be taken with or without food. Suppositories are unwrapped and moistened with water before insertion into the rectum. If the suppository is too soft from being stored in a warm place, it can be hardened by chilling in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes or placing in cold water before the wrapper is removed. For prevention of motion sickness, a tablet or suppository should be used 30 to 60 minutes before the motion begins and then every 8 to 12 hours as needed. For sedation, it is given at bedtime. For other problems, for example, itching, it can be given every 4 to 8 hours. Phenergan should not be used in children less than two years of age because it can depress respiration and has caused fatalities in children under two. It should be used cautiously in children older than two.
Phenergan Precautions: There are no adequate studies of promethazine in pregnant women. However, studies in animals suggest no important effects on the fetus. Promethazine therefore can be used in pregnancy if the physician feels that it is needed. Anti-histamines in general are not recommended for use in pregnancy, especially during the third trimester, because they increase the risk for a seizure in the fetus. Anti-histamines are not recommended for use during breast-feeding because they can stimulate newborns or cause seizures in premature infants. Anti-histamines also inhibit lactation (production of breast milk).
Phenergan Drug Interactions: Phenergan should not be taken with any of the MAO (mono-amine oxidase) inhibitor-class of antidepressants, for example, isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate), and procarbazine (Matulane), since the effects of both drugs add to each other and lead to complications. Excessive anti-cholinergic effects (described below) can occur when promethazine is used with any of the following: some antihistamines, e.g., carbinoxamine (Rondec), clemastine (Tavist), diphenhydramine (Benadryl); some phenothiazines, e.g., thioridazine (Mellaril), triflupromazine (Stelazine); some tricyclic antidepressants, e.g., amitriptyline (Elavil), amoxapine (Asendin), clomipramine (Anafranil), protriptyline (Vivactil); clozapine (Clozaril), cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), and disopyramide (Norpace). Anticholinergic side effects are listed under SIDE EFFECTS below. Excessive sedation may occur when promethazine is combined with other medications that depress the central nervous system (brain). Such drugs include ethanol, barbiturates, anti-anxiety medications, sedatives, other phenothiazines, and narcotic pain medications. There may be an increase in the risk of certain neurologic reactions that affect movement of muscles, called extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), when promethazine is used together with other medicines which also cause these reactions. Such drugs include antipsychotics, metoclopramide (Reglan), and amoxapine (Asendin). Phenergan should not be used with propylthiouracil (PTU) due to the increased risk of dangerous drops in the white blood cell count which can increase the risk of infections. The reason for this interaction is not known.
Phenergan Possible Side Effects: Phenergan often causes sedation and tiredness. In children less than two it can depress respiration and lead to death and, therefore, should not be used in children less than two years old. Dizziness may also occur. Ironically, promethazine sometimes stimulates patients, particularly children. Such stimulation may be manifest by restlessness, inability to sleep, heart palpitations or even seizures. Neurologic reactions called extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) may occur. EPS are categorized as dystonic reactions (alterations in muscle tone), sharp, involuntary muscle movements (often limited to one muscle or muscle group), akathisia (subjective restlessness), and parkinsonism. Parkinsonian symptoms are more common in older persons whereas children more often develop the involuntary muscle movements reactions. Dystonic reactions are most commonly seen during the first week of treatment. Akathisia and parkinsonian symptoms usually develop days to weeks after starting therapy.
Phenergan Overdose: Seek emergency medical attention immediately if an overdose is suspected. Symptoms of Phenergan overdose include: blurred vision, dry mouth, dilated pupils, nausea, urinary retention.
Phenergan Storage: Store Phenergan at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Avoid excessive heat. Avoid freezing. Keep out of the reach of children. Dispense of this medicine in a tight, light-resistant container. Do not store Phenergan in the bathroom.
Phenergan Missed Dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Disclaimer: The information found on this website is for informational purposes only. It does not cover all possible uses, procedures, safety measures, side effects, or drug interactions of the products. We are not responsible for the accuracy and reliability of this drug information, or any consequences arising from the use of this information. This is only general information and should not be relied on for any purpose.
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