phenergan for travel sickness child

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Phenergan (Promethazine) against motion sickness and nausea

The unpleasant symptoms of travel sickness (aeroplane, ship, car or bus) can be prevented by a drug called Phenergan. Its active ingredient is called Promethazine. It is an antihistamine that helps to prevent the effects of histamine in the body, helping you to avoid many unpleasant symptoms associated with travelling. It must be taken as a preventative measure to get the best possible effect to make the trip to the destination as easy going as possible.

What’s on this page?

How does phenergan work.

The active ingredient in this medicine is Promethazine. The focus of the treatment is the class of sedative antihistamines (calming antihistamine), after taking the pill it therefore prevents histamine from affecting. It can reduce the irritating symptoms associated with movement disorders such as nausea and dizziness. In order to fully understand how this drug works, we must first look at what the antihistamines are and how they work in the body.

How do antihistamines work in motion?

Histamines are natural substances in the body, usually found from the immune system. When the body experiences imbalance it releases histamine that binds to different receptors. This can then cause disturbing symptoms. For someone who is allergic to histamines, they can cause itching around the eyes and a runny nose, while others may have symptoms of motion sickness such as, nausea, vomiting and dizziness. Imbalance occurs when the eye sees a different movement than what the inner ear feels.

Antihistamines inhibit histamines from binding to certain receptors, so there is no “space” for histamines. When histamines cannot bind to these receptors, the symptoms of motion sickness are prevented.

The effect is best when the antihistamines are taken before the symptoms develop. In this way, histamines cannot bind in certain areas. However, it may also be helpful if the drug is taken after the onset of symptoms because the antihistamines are so powerful that they can push the histamine away from the receptors.

Sedative or soothing effect

Phenergan belongs to the category of sedative antihistamines, so it is not suitable to be used if you plan to drive a car. It can only be used if you are a passenger in a car or a ship, plane, train or bus. However, it should be noted that everyone feels the effects of Phenergan differently, so some might still be close to their normal state while others might feel very sleepy.

Phenergan 25 mg: How should I use it?

This medicine is available in various forms, both in tablets and as an oral solution. The oral solution is typically used by children – however, only according to the doctor’s instructions. The tablets for adults contain 25 mg of the active substance and are taken with a glass water.

For the best effect, it is best to take the tablet before the start of the movement, i.e. about 30 to 60 minutes before the expected start. The effects of the medicine last around 5 to 14 hours in the blood stream and therefore it lasts during the whole trip for most people.

Remember that you may become very drowsy and your muscles may become tired after taking the medicine. However, the effect may differ between people and after you have used it a couple of times. After use, you can quickly understand how much the medicine affects you.

Alcohol can weaken the effects of the drug and therefore it is not recommended to drink alcohol and use the medicine simultaneously.

Are there any side effects?

All medicines can cause side effects to some extent. This is, among other things, the reason why most medicines can only be purchased with a prescription from a doctor. This also applies to Phenergan, although most do not experience any side effects. The most common side effects are a dry mouth and feeling fatigue, as mentioned earlier. Some have side effects such as dizziness, lack of urination, blurred vision and confusion. Rare side effects include anemia and allergic reactions. If you notice any serious side effects, contact your doctor immediately.

Is Phenergan suitable for me?

Most people who suffer from motion sickness while travelling either on the sea or in the air can take advantage of this medicine. However, care should be taken with regard to the simultaneous use of other medicines or other conditions you might be experiencing. This applies to situations in which you have sleep apnea, impaired hepatic or renal function or glaucoma. In addition, it may also affect with many antidepressants and sedatives.

Is there other natural options for Phenergan?

In addition to preventative medicines, there are other measures you can take to reduce discomfort during the movement:

• make sure you get enough rest before your trip
• drink a lot of water
• if possible, get fresh air – stop the car and have breaks while driving, spend time up on the deck while on a ship or try to go out from the airport
• be sure to look out from the window and avoid reading

Can I buy Phenergan online?

Phenergan is a prescription medication. You can visit your doctor and get a prescription that you can then use in a pharmacy when buying the medicine. Another possibility is to purchase the drug through an approved online clinic where your doctor will digitally assess whether the medicine is suitable for you or not. If the drug is right for you, you get a digital prescription and the medication can be sent to your home. This process saves you a lot of time, as you do not have to book a time from the doctor or go to the clinic physically.

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Promethazine for Kids: Uses, Dosages, Warnings

Warning on using promethazine for kids.

• Phenergan for Vomiting
• Side Effects/Warnings
• Alternatives
• When to Call a Doctor

Phenergan (promethazine) is an antiemetic (a medication that helps stop vomiting ). Healthcare providers may prescribe promethazine for kids when they are unable to keep fluids down and are at risk for dehydration.

Promethazine is approved for use in children over the age of 2 but carries a boxed warning that it may cause death in children and can slow or stop breathing. The medication can also cause serious side effects and hallucinations.

This article discusses promethazine for kids and adults. It explains the side effects of promethazine and dosing information. It also offers alternatives to promethazine to help stop vomiting and prevent dehydration.

Promethazine use in children comes with a few boxed warnings from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA):

• Promethazine may cause breathing to slow or stop and may cause death in children.
• It should not be given to babies or children who are younger than 2 years old and should be given with caution to children who are 2 years of age or older.
• Combination products containing promethazine and codeine should not be given to children younger than 16 years old.

Promethazine may cause respiratory depression (hypoventilation), which can cause slow heart rate, shortness of breath, coma, and death unless promptly treated. The FDA issued this warning after several children stopped breathing or went into cardiac arrest after taking the drug.

Promethazine injections are also associated with severe tissue injury, that may give rise to gangrene or necrosis (tissue death), requiring amputation.

Promethazine to Treat Vomiting

Promethazine is an antiemetic drug used for vomiting. It's also used as an antihistamine (allergy pill) and a sedative (sleeping pill). It's available as tablets, suppositories, injectables, or syrups.

Phenergan should never be used in children less than 2 years of age. You and your pediatrician should consider alternatives in children over age 2, as well, due to the risk of dangerous side effects.

Promethazine can be given as an oral tablet, liquid medication, suppository, or injection. Dosing is based on body weight. It comes in 12.5 milligrams (mg), 25 mg, or 50 mg tablets.

In children older than 2 years of age, the recommended dose is 0.5 mg of promethazine per pound of body weight. A typical dose is 25 mg taken every four to six hours as needed.

Is Promethazine Available OTC?

Promethazine is not available over the counter. It can potentially cause life-threatening side effects and requires a prescription from a healthcare provider.

Side Effects

Side effects of promethazine in kids include:

• Hallucinations
• Dystonic reactions in children (muscle spasms or contractions causing involuntary movements)

These side effects occurred at a wide variety of doses.

Even if your child does not have serious respiratory depression, drowsiness related to the medication can interfere with treatment of vomiting. If your child is sleeping, he isn't drinking fluids and can become even more dehydrated.

Does Promethazine Affect Heart Rate?

Both slow heart rate (bradycardia) and rapid heart rate (tachycardia) are possible side effects of Phenergen. Children are more at risk.

Alternatives to Promethazine 

Fortunately, when it comes to a vomiting child, you have a lot of alternatives that appear to be much safer than promethazine. These include both things you can do yourself at home and different medications.

Home Remedies

Home measures can be very helpful and are recommended by the World Health Organization.

With mild dehydration , your child may act thirsty and have a dry mouth. The first thing to try is oral rehydration solutions that restore fluids and replace lost electrolytes. You can buy products such as Enfalyte, Pedialyte, or Gatorade, or you can make your own rehydration solution from ingredients in your kitchen.

Not only are homemade solutions just as effective as store-bought options, but they're much cheaper and allow you to avoid the food dyes present in many from the store.

One of the biggest mistakes in encouraging your child to drink fluids is to give them too much too fast. It's hard not to give them all they want, especially if they're complaining about thirst, but going slow will help the fluids "stay down."

With moderate or severe dehydration , you may notice fewer wet diapers, sunken eyes, a lack of tears when the child cries, and listlessness. These are serious signs and you should get medical attention right away.

For vomiting, it's recommended that you begin by providing 1 teaspoon up to 1 tablespoon (3 teaspoons) of an oral electrolyte solution every five to 10 minutes.

The total amount of fluid your child will need depends on their degree of dehydration and can be estimated with a simple formula.

As your child's nausea improves, and especially if they have diarrhea, you may wish to slowly introduce foods back into their diet. You can give foods like bread, potatoes, or rice along with lean meat, yogurt, fruits, and vegetables. Avoid foods high in fat as they are harder to digest.

If your child also has diarrhea, the  BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) may help firm the stool, but it doesn't have enough nutrients to be used for an extended time. (The American Academy of Pediatrics no longer recommends this diet and favors oral hydration.)

Medications

If an antiemetic medication is necessary, there are now many alternatives.

One of the most commonly used alternative medications for children is Zofran (ondansetron). Zofran is approved for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting but is often used "off-label" for treating the "stomach flu," medically known as acute gastroenteritis in children.

When used for children with stomach flu , Zofran has been found to reduce the chance that a child will need intravenous fluids (which requires hospitalization). Zofran can be used even in younger children for whom Phenergan is not recommended.

Zofran comes with a warning as well—the injectable form can change the electrical activity of the heart, which can increase the risk of a potentially fatal heart rhythm. However, that only happens with the much higher doses required for chemotherapy, not the doses used for stomach flu.

This medication can also be quite expensive, as well.

When to Call a Healthcare Provider

Promethazine can lead to serious side effects. Contact a healthcare provider right away for any of the following:

• Breathing difficulties, including slowed or paused breathing and wheezing
• Decreased alertness, confusion, or fainting
• Difficulty swallowing
• Fast or irregular pulse or heartbeat
• Muscle spasms

Seek emergency medical treatment for any of the following:

• Green-tinged or blood-tinged vomit
• Blood in the vomit or stool
• Abdominal pain that starts near the navel and spreads to the lower right abdomen

These could be signs of appendicitis, which is a medical emergency.

Promethazine is helpful for preventing severe dehydration from vomiting. However, it can also cause serious side effects and should be used with caution in children. It can lead to respiratory failure and death, should not be given to children under the age of 2, and should not be taken with opioids in children under age 16.

If your child is vomiting and at risk of dehydration, another antiemetic Zofran is considered a safer alternative to promethazine. Talk to your child's healthcare provider about any concerns you have with this or any other medications.

U.S. National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.  Promethazine .

U.S. National Library of Medicine, DailyMed. Label: Phenergan-promethazine hydrochloride injection .

U. S. Food and Drug Administration, Access Data. Wyeth Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Phenergan (promethazine HCI) Tablets and Suppositories .

Vega RM, Avva U. Pediatric dehydration . StatPearls.

Churgay CA, Aftab Z. Gastroenteritis in children: Part II. Prevention and management . Am Fam Physician . 2012;85(11):1066–1070. 

Fedorowicz Z, Jagannath VA, Carter B. Antiemetics for reducing vomiting related to acute gastroenteritis in children and adolescents . Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews . doi:10.1002/14651858.cd005506.pub5

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA Drug Safety Communication: New information regarding QT prolongation with ondansetron (Zofran) .

Stanford Children's Health, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital. Could that stomachache in your child be appendicitis?

Lorenzo C. Patient education: Nausea and vomiting in infants and children (Beyond the Basics) .

By Vincent Iannelli, MD  Vincent Iannelli, MD, is a board-certified pediatrician and fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Iannelli has cared for children for more than 20 years. 

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Promethazine

Avomine, phenergan, sominex.

Peer reviewed by Sid Dajani Last updated by Michael Stewart, MRPharmS Last updated 18 Mar 2023

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

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Promethazine is an antihistamine.

You may need to take one or more doses during a day, depending upon the reason you are taking it. Make sure you carefully follow the directions on the label.

Promethazine may affect your ability to drive and to use tools or machines.

The most common side-effects are feeling sleepy, headache, dry mouth and blurred vision.

In this article :

About promethazine, before taking promethazine, how to take promethazine, getting the most from your treatment, can promethazine cause problems, how to store promethazine, important information about all medicines.

Promethazine belongs to a group of medicines known as sedating antihistamines . It has several uses.

It is used to prevent (or treat) feelings of sickness (nausea). It is commonly recommended for sickness associated with travel and for vertigo .

It is also used to relieve allergies such as hay fever and allergic skin rashes .

Promethazine also makes you feel sleepy (has a sedative effect). It may be taken (for a few days only) to help promote sleep in adults with sleeping problems . It has been popular in the past as a means of 'settling' children, but promethazine should not be used in this way.

Promethazine is available on prescription, or you can buy it without a prescription at pharmacies. It is not suitable for children under 2 years of age.

To make sure this is the right treatment for you, before you start taking promethazine it is important that you discuss the treatment with a doctor or pharmacist if:

You are pregnant, trying for a baby or breastfeeding.

You have a problem with the way your liver works, or if you have a problem with your kidneys.

You have a slow or irregular heartbeat.

You have a condition which causes increased pressure in your eyes, such as glaucoma.

You have prostate problems or if you have been experiencing any difficulty passing urine.

You know you have a blockage in your small intestines.

You have epilepsy.

You have any long-term breathing problems, such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

You have a low level of potassium in your blood (hypokalaemia).

You are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

You have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Continue reading below

Before you start this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside your pack. There are a number of different brands and strengths of promethazine tablet. The manufacturer's leaflet will give you more information about the brand you have been given. It will also contain a full list of the side-effects which you may experience from taking promethazine.

Take promethazine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you to. You may be asked to take one or more doses during a day, depending upon the reason why you are taking it.

If you are taking promethazine to prevent travel sickness, it is usually recommended that you take the first dose at bedtime on the evening before you are due to travel. You can then take a further dose on the morning of your travel if needed.

You can take promethazine before or after meals. Some people find it helps to swallow the tablets with a drink of water.

If you are giving promethazine liquid medicine to a child, make sure you follow the dosing instructions on the bottle carefully so that you measure out the correct dose for the age of your child.

Most people only need to take an antihistamine for a short while when they have symptoms. You should stop taking promethazine once your symptoms have eased. Do not take promethazine for more than a few days for sleeping problems.

Promethazine may cause drowsiness and blurred vision. If this happens to you, do not drive and do not use tools or machines. Alcohol will make the drowsiness worse, so it is best not to drink alcohol while you are on promethazine.

If you are pregnant, only take promethazine on the advice of your doctor. Do not take promethazine in the last two weeks before your baby is born as it could cause side-effects for your baby.

If you are having an operation or any treatment (particularly if it is to test for an allergy), tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking promethazine.

Promethazine may cause your skin to become more sensitive to sunlight than normal. Use a sunscreen that protects against UVA light and has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15, especially in strong sunlight or until you know how your skin reacts. Do not use sunbeds.

If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with an antihistamine. This is because a number of other medicines can interfere with the way promethazine works and can increase the risk of side-effects.

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains the most common ones associated with promethazine. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else might have taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.

This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Do not keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.

If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

Report side effects to a medicine or vaccine

If you experience side effects, you can report them online through the Yellow Card website .

Further reading and references

• Manufacturer's PIL, Phenergan® 10 mg Tablets ; Sanofi, The electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated October 2021.
• Manufacturer's PIL, Sominex® 20 mg Tablets ; Teva UK Ltd, The electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated May 2022.
• Medicines Complete BNF 88th Edition ; British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.

Article history

The information on this page is written and peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

Next review due: 17 Mar 2026

18 mar 2023 | latest version.

Last updated by

Peer reviewed by

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Promethazine hydrochloride

Interactions.

View interactions for promethazine

Medicinal forms and pricing

There can be variation in the licensing of different medicines containing the same drug.

Forms available from special-order manufacturers include: oral suspension, oral solution.

View all medicinal forms and pricing information

Or jump straight to:

• Oral tablet
• Oral solution
• Solution for injection

Indications and dose

For promethazine hydrochloride, symptomatic relief of allergy such as hay fever and urticaria, insomnia associated with urticaria and pruritus for promethazine hydrochloride, sedation (short-term use) for promethazine hydrochloride, sedation in intensive care for promethazine hydrochloride, by mouth, or by slow intravenous injection, or by deep intramuscular injection, nausea, vomiting, vertigo, labyrinthine disorders, motion sickness for promethazine hydrochloride, unlicensed use, unlicensed use for promethazine hydrochloride.

Not licensed for use for sedation in children under 2 years.

Important safety information

Important safety information for promethazine hydrochloride, mhra/chm advice: over-the-counter cough and cold medicines for children (april 2009).

Children under 6 years should not be given over-the-counter cough and cold medicines containing promethazine.

Contra-indications

Contra-indications for promethazine hydrochloride.

Neonate (due to significant antimuscarinic activity) (in neonates); should not be given to children under 2 years, except on specialist advice, due to the potential for fatal respiratory depression

Cautions For promethazine hydrochloride

General cautions:.

Epilepsy; pyloroduodenal obstruction; severe coronary artery disease; susceptibility to angle-closure glaucoma; susceptibility to QT interval prolongation; urinary retention

Specific cautions:

With intravenous use.

Avoid extravasation with intravenous injection

Side-effects

Side-effects for promethazine hydrochloride, general side-effects:, frequency not known.

Arrhythmias; blood disorder; confusion; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; headache; hypotension; jaundice; movement disorders; palpitations; photosensitivity reaction; QT interval prolongation; urinary retention; vision blurred

Specific side-effects:

With oral use.

Agranulocytosis; angle closure glaucoma; anticholinergic syndrome; anxiety; insomnia; leucopenia; nasal congestion; nausea; rash; seizure; thrombocytopenia; tinnitus; tremor; vomiting

With parenteral use

Appetite decreased; epigastric discomfort; fatigue; haemolytic anaemia; hypersensitivity; muscle spasms; nightmare; restlessness; skin reactions

Pregnancy For promethazine hydrochloride

Most manufacturers of antihistamines advise avoiding their use during pregnancy; however, there is no evidence of teratogenicity.

Use in the latter part of the third trimester may cause adverse effects in neonates such as irritability, paradoxical excitability, and tremor.

Breast feeding

Breast feeding for promethazine hydrochloride.

Most antihistamines are present in breast milk in varying amounts; although not known to be harmful, most manufacturers advise avoiding their use in mothers who are breast-feeding.

Hepatic impairment

Hepatic impairment for promethazine hydrochloride.

Manufacturer advises caution.

Renal impairment

Renal impairment for promethazine hydrochloride.

Use with caution. M

Patient and carer advice

Patient and carer advice for promethazine hydrochloride, driving and skilled tasks.

Drowsiness may affect the performance of skilled tasks (e.g. cycling or driving); sedating effects enhanced by alcohol.

Profession specific information

Profession specific information for promethazine hydrochloride, dental practitioners' formulary.

Promethazine Hydrochloride Tablets 10 mg or 25 mg may be prescribed.

Promethazine Hydrochloride Oral Solution (elixir) 5 mg/5 mL may be prescribed.

Less suitable for prescribing

Less suitable for prescribing for promethazine hydrochloride.

Promethazine is less suitable for prescribing for sedation.

Exceptions to legal category

Exceptions to legal category for promethazine hydrochloride.

Prescription only medicine restriction does not apply to promethazine hydrochloride injection where administration is for saving life in emergency.

Medicinal forms

Related treatment summaries.

• Hypnotics and anxiolytics
• Nausea and labyrinth disorders

Other drugs in class

Other drugs in class sedating antihistamines.

• Alimemazine tartrate
• Chlorphenamine maleate
• Cinnarizine
• Hydroxyzine hydrochloride
• Paracetamol with buclizine hydrochloride and codeine phosphate
• Promethazine teoclate

The content on the NICE BNFC site (BNFC) is the copyright of BMJ Publishing Group Ltd, the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, and RCPCH Publications Ltd. By using BNFC, you agree to the licence set out in the BNF Publications End User Licence Agreement .

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• » PHENERGAN 10 MG TABLETS - patient leaflet, side effects, dosage

PHENERGAN 10 MG TABLETS - patient leaflet, side effects, dosage

• R06AD02 promethazine

Dostupné balení:

Table of contents

Sources: Original (products.mhra.gov.uk)

Patient leaflet - PHENERGAN 10 MG TABLETS

Phenergan 10 mg

promethazine hydrochloride

Is this leaflet hard to see or read? Phone 0800 035 2525 f­or help

Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine because it contains important information for you.

Always take this medicine exactly as described in this leaflet or as your doctor or pharmacist has told you.

• Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again
• Ask your pharmacist if you need more information or advice
• If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4 .
• You must talk to a doctor if you do not feel better or if you feel worse after 7 days.

1. What Phenergan Tablets are and what they are used for

2. What you need to know before you take Phenergan Tablets

3. How to take Phenergan Tablets

4. Possible side effects

5. How to store Phenergan Tablets

6. Contents of the pack and other information

What Phenergan Tablets are used for

Phenergan Tablets are used to treat the following conditions:

• For short term use: to treat adults with difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
• To treat allergic conditions such as hay fever or rashes (like nettle rash or hives)
• To treat or stop you feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting) such as travel sickness
• For short term use: as a sedative for

children aged 5 years and above

2. what you need to know before you take phenergan tablets

Qis do not take this medicine if:.

X The person taking the medicine is under

5 years of age

X You are allergic (hypersensitive) to promethazine hydrochloride or any of the other ingredients of Phenergan Tablets (listed in Section 6 below)

X The signs of an allergic reaction include: a rash, swallowing or breathing problems, swelling of your lips, face, throat or tongue.

X You are taking a medicine for depression called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). Also do not take Phenergan Tablets if you have stopped taking one of these MAOI medicines within the last 14 days. If you are not sure ask your doctor or pharmacist (see “Taking other medicines” section below)

X The person is unconscious (in a coma) or suffers from severe dizziness, drowsiness or headache

Do not take this medicine if any of the above applies to you. If you are not sure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Phenergan Tablets.

1. What Phenergan Tablets are and what they are used for

Warnings and precautions

Phenergan Tablets contain a medicine called promethazine hydrochloride. This belongs to a group of medicines called phenothiazines. It works by blocking a natural substance (histamine) that your body makes during an allergic reaction. It also works directly on the brain to help you feel more relaxed.

Check with your doctor or pharmacist

Before taking your medicine if.

You have difficulty breathing, wheezing,

tightness in the chest (asthma) or an

infection in your lungs (bronchitis)

You have epilepsy You have any serious heart problems

11503107–08

A  You have liver or kidney problems

A  You have a stomach blockage or difficulty passing water (urine)

A  You have hearing problems

A  You have increased pressure in the eye (narrow angle glaucoma)

A  You have had something called Reye’s Syndrome or possible Reye’s Syndrome signs include being sick and confused following a viral illness

If you are not sure if any of the above apply to you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Phenergan Tablets.

SS.hermed^andPhe­nerganTab.

Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines. This includes medicines you can buy without prescription, including herbal medicines. This is because Phenergan Tablets can affect the way some medicines work. Also some medicines can affect the way Phenergan Tablets work.

Do not take this medicine, and tell your doctor, if you are taking or have taken the following in the last 2 weeks:

• Some medicines for depression called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). If you are not sure ask your doctor or pharmacist

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following:

• Anticholinergic medicines – includes some medicines used for irritable bowel syndrome, asthma or weak bladder. These can increase the risk of dizziness, dry mouth and blurred eyesight
• Medicines for depression (such as amitriptyline)
• Medicines to help you to sleep or feel more relaxed (such as diazepam or zolpidem)
• Medicines such as aspirin (for arthritis and pain in your joints). Phenergan Tablets may hide the side effects of these medicines

Phenergan Tablets with food and drink Do not drink alcohol while you are taking Phenergan Tablets. This is because it can affect the way the medicine works.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine if you are pregnant, might become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant. Phenergan Tablets should not be taken 2 weeks before birth.

You should not take Phenergan Tablets if you are breast-feeding. This is because small amounts may pass into mothers’ milk. This can be harmful to your baby.

If you are breast-feeding or planning to breast-feed, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine.

I Driving and using machines

You may feel drowsy or sleepy after taking this medicine or in the morning after taking this medicine. If this happens, do not drive or use any tools or machines.

Phenergan Tablets contains lactose:

• If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicinal product.

3.How to take Phenergan Tablets

Always use this medicine exactly as described in this leaflet or as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

The amount you need to take depends on the reason you are taking Phenergan Tablets. The following information will help you to decide how much you need to take.

Taking this medicine

• Take this medicine by mouth
• Do not take for longer than 7 days. If your symptoms worsen or do not improve after 7 days talk to your doctor or pharmacist
• If you feel the effect of your medicine is too weak or too strong, do not change the dose yourself, but ask your doctor

How much to take

The recommended dose is:

For allergies (such as hay fever, rashes and hives)

Children 2–5 years:

• Phenergan Elixir should be given in this age group

Children 5–10 years:

• A single dose of either one or two tablets (10mg or 20mg) given at night or one tablet (10mg) given twice a day
• DO NOT give more than two tablets (20mg) each day

Children over 10 years and adults (including the elderly):

• Start with one tablet (10mg) twice a day
• This may be increased to a maximum of two tablets (20mg) three times a day

For treatment and prevention of feeling sick or being sick (such as travel sickness)

• A single tablet to be taken the night before the journey
• This may be repeated after 6–8 hours if necessary
• Two tablets (20mg) to be taken the night before the journey

As a short term paediatric sedative and for short term treatment of insomnia in adults

• Two tablets (20mg) given as a single dose at night time

Children over 10 years and adults

(including the elderly):

• Two to five tablets (20mg to 50mg) as a single dose at night time

Use this medicine only as recommended. Do not exceed the recommended dose.

Exposure to sunlight

Phenergan Tablets can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Keep out of direct sunlight while taking this medicine.

If you take more Phenergan Tablets than you should

If you or your child takes more Phenergan Tablets than you should, tell a doctor or go to a hospital casualty department straight away. Take the medicine pack with you.

This is so the doctor knows what you or your child has taken.

The following effects may happen:

In children: Excitation, moving unsteadily or stumbling, uncontrolled writhing movements especially of the hands or feet, hallucinations, fits (seizures), loss of consciousness, uneven heart beat and breathing difficulties.

In adults: Feeling sleepy or drowsy, fits, loss of consciousness, uneven heart beat and breathing difficulties.

If you forget to take Phenergan Tablets Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose

• If you are taking Phenergan Tablets for an allergic condition – take your medicine as soon as you remember, then carry on as before
• If you are taking Phenergan Tablets for sedation or sleeping problems – miss that dose and take the next evening’s dose as usual

If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Taking Phenergan Tablets may affect the results of certain tests. These include some pregnancy tests and skin tests. Phenergan Tablets should not be taken at least 3 days before the start of a skin test.

4. possible side effects

Like all medicines, Phenergan Tablets can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

• Stop taking Phenergan Tablets and see a doctor or go to a hospital straight away if you notice any of the following side effects: An allergic reaction. The signs may include: a rash, swallowing or breathing problems, swelling of your lips, face, throat or tongue
• Liver problems that may cause the eyes or skin to go yellow (jaundice)
• Muscle stiffness or shaking
• Being unable to control some muscles in your head or face
• You notice unusual movements of the tongue, facial muscle spasms, rolling eyes and trembling
• Very fast, uneven or forceful heartbeat (palpitations)
• Irregular heartbeat
• Tiredness which lasts for a long time. This may be due to a blood problem called anaemia
• Over-active behaviour in children

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects get serious or lasts longer than a few days. Also tell them if you notice any side effects not listed in this leaflet.

• Dry mouth, blurred vision or you cannot pass water (urine)
• Feeling drowsy or sleepy, tiredness, disorientation, having nightmares, headaches, feeling restless
• Loss of appetite (anorexia), indigestion
• Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, faint (hypotension) Feeling confused, especially in elderly people Being more sensitive to the sun than usual.

If this happens keep out of direct sunlight and do not use sun lamps

• Unpleasant sensation or an overwhelming urge to move the legs (also called Restless Legs Syndrome).

Reporting of Side Effects

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at:. gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

5. how to store phenergan tablets

• Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children
• Do not take Phenergan Tablets after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and blister pack after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month
• Store below 30°C
• Store in the original carton in order to protect from light

Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.

6. contents of the pack and other information

What phenergan tablets contains..

• Each tablet contains 10mg of the active substance, promethazine hydrochloride
• The other ingredients are lactose, maize starch, povidone, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol, Opaspray (contains titanium dioxide-E171, hypromellose-E464 and indigo carmine aluminium lake blue-E132) and hypromellose

What Phenergan Tablets look like and contents of the pack

A pale blue film coated tablet marked PN 10 on one side. The tablets are available in blister packs of 56.

Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer

Marketing Authorisation Holder

410 Thames Valley Park Drive Reading

Tel: 0800 035 2525

Manufacturer

FAMAR HEALTH CARE SERVICES MADRID, S.A.U.

Avda. Leganes, 62

Alcorcon 28923

This leaflet does not contain all the information about your medicine. If you have any questions or are not sure about anything, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This leaflet was last revised in 09/2020

© Sanofi, 2020

MATTHEW SUTTON, MD, AND ANNE L. MOUNSEY, MD, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina

ROGER G. RUSSELL, MLS

Am Fam Physician. 2012;86(2):192-195

Author disclosure: No relevant financial affiliations to disclose.

Clinical Question

What is the best medication for the treatment of motion sickness?

Evidence-Based Answer

Scopolamine should be used to reduce nausea associated with motion sickness, but it does not reduce vomiting. (Strength of Recommendation [SOR]: A, based on multiple randomized controlled trials [RCTs].) First-generation antihistamines (dimenhydrinate and chlorpheniramine) can also be used to reduce nausea associated with motion sickness. (SOR: B, based on multiple RCTs.) Scopolamine is more effective than meclizine (Antivert) and as effective as dimenhydrinate. Ondansetron (Zofran) and the second-generation antihistamines cetirizine (Zyrtec) and fexofenadine (Allegra) do not reduce symptoms of motion sickness and should not be used. (SOR: B, based on small RCTs.) Ginger can be used to reduce symptoms of motion sickness. (SOR: B, based on RCTs with conflicting results.)

Evidence Summary

Scopolamine.

A Cochrane review of 14 RCTs with a total of 1,025 participants who had sea- or lab-induced motion sickness compared scopolamine with placebo and various other agents. 1 Scopolamine reduced nausea more than placebo (relative risk reduction = 0.47; 95% confidence interval, 0.31 to 0.71) but did not reduce vomiting. Patients receiving scopolamine were more likely to have dry mouth (a 22 to 50 percent increase). Three of the RCTs compared scopolamine with antihistamines. Two studies found scopolamine to be superior to meclizine, and one found it to be equivalent to dimenhydrinate. 1

FIRST-GENERATION ANTIHISTAMINES

Numerous histamine H 1 receptor antagonists are available over the counter and by prescription, including dimenhydrinate, chlorpheniramine, diphenhydramine (Benadryl), and meclizine. One small RCT (n = 16) found that dimenhydrinate reduced nausea scores more than placebo, and another found that high-dose (12-mg) chlorpheniramine reduced the risk of severe malaise more than placebo 2 , 3 ( Table 1 1 – 10 ) . A higher incidence of dry mouth was found with dimenhydrinate, and more sedation was reported with chlorpheniramine.

SECOND-GENERATION ANTIHISTAMINES

One RCT with 18 healthy participants evaluated the second-generation, nonsedating antihistamines cetirizine and fexofenadine in lab-induced motion sickness, and found no statistically significant difference in motion sickness scores compared with placebo. 4

ONDANSETRON

Two well-designed RCTs that included a total of 86 participants with sea- or lab-induced motion sickness found that ondansetron did not reduce motion sickness symptoms compared with placebo. 5 , 6

Two higher-quality, placebo-controlled RCTs found that ginger reduced vomiting (but not nausea) in the larger trial, and delayed the onset and reduced the intensity of nausea in the smaller trial. 7 , 8 Two older RCTs comparing ginger with placebo for lab-induced motion sickness produced conflicting results; one found that ginger delayed the onset of nausea, whereas the other found no difference in severe malaise. 9 , 10

Recommendations from Others

Based on a summary of the evidence and expert opinion, UpToDate recommends the use of sedating antihistamines, scopolamine, or ginger for the treatment of motion sickness. 11

Spinks A, Wasiak J. Scopolamine (hyoscine) for preventing and treating motion sickness. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2011;6:CD002851.

Pyykkö I, Schalén L, Jäntti V. Transdermally administered scopolamine vs. dimenhydrinate. I. Effect on nausea and vertigo in experimentally induced motion sickness. Acta Otolaryngol. 1985;99(5–6):588-596.

Buckey JC, Alvarenga D, Cole B, Rigas JR. Chlorpheniramine for motion sickness. J Vestib Res. 2004;14(1):53-61.

Cheung BS, Heskin R, Hofer KD. Failure of cetirizine and fexofenadine to prevent motion sickness. Ann Pharmacother. 2003;37(2):173-177.

Muth ER, Elkins AN. High dose ondansetron for reducing motion sickness in highly susceptible subjects. Aviat Space Environ Med. 2007;78(7):686-692.

Hershkovitz D, Asna N, Shupak A, Kaminski G, Bar R, Tal D. Ondansetron for the prevention of seasickness in susceptible sailors: an evaluation at sea. Aviat Space Environ Med. 2009;80(7):643-646.

Grøntved A, Brask T, Kambskard J, Hentzer E. Ginger root against seasickness. A controlled trial on the open sea. Acta Otolaryngol. 1988;105(1–2):45-49.

Lien HC, Sun WM, Chen YH, Kim H, Hasler W, Owyang C. Effects of ginger on motion sickness and gastric slow-wave dysrhythmias induced by circular vection. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol. 2003;284(3):G481-G489.

Mowrey DB, Clayson DE. Motion sickness, ginger, and psychophysics. Lancet. 1982;1(8273):655-657.

Stewart JJ, Wood MJ, Wood CD, Mims ME. Effects of ginger on motion sickness susceptibility and gastric function. Pharmacology. 1991;42(2):111-120.

Priesol AJ. Motion sickness. UpToDate, Inc. http://www.uptodate.com/contents/motion-sickness [subscription required]. Accessed May 14, 2012.

Clinical Inquiries provides answers to questions submitted by practicing family physicians to the Family Physicians Inquiries Network (FPIN). Members of the network select questions based on their relevance to family medicine. Answers are drawn from an approved set of evidence-based resources and undergo peer review. The strength of recommendations and the level of evidence for individual studies are rated using criteria developed by the Evidence-Based Medicine Working Group ( https://www.cebm.net ).

The complete database of evidence-based questions and answers is copyrighted by FPIN. If interested in submitting questions or writing answers for this series, go to https://www.fpin.org or email  [email protected] .

Copyright © Family Physicians Inquiries Network. Used with permission.

This series is coordinated by John E. Delzell Jr., MD, MSPH, associate medical editor.

A collection of FPIN’s Clinical Inquiries published in AFP is available at https://www.aafp.org/afp/fpin .

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Promethazine (Phenergan) - Other brand names: Avomine, Sominex

On this page.

• About promethazine
• Who can and cannot take promethazine
• How and when to take promethazine
• Side effects
• How to cope with side effects of promethazine
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Cautions with other medicines
• Common questions about promethazine

1. About promethazine

Promethazine is an antihistamine medicine that relieves the symptoms of allergies.

It's known as a drowsy (sedating) antihistamine, so it's more likely to make you feel sleepy than other antihistamines.

Promethazine is used for:

• short-term sleep problems ( insomnia ) – including when a cough, cold or itching is keeping you awake at night
• allergies, including hay fever and hives (urticaria)
• feeling and being sick (vomiting) – due to motion sickness or vertigo
• cold symptoms, such as coughing and a runny nose

You can buy promethazine from pharmacies, where it's often sold as Avomine, Phenergan or Sominex. Promethazine is also available on prescription.

It comes as tablets, capsules and a liquid that you swallow.

You can also buy promethazine mixed with other medicines, such as paracetamol , dextromethorphan or pseudoephedrine, to treat coughs and colds or pain.

2. Key facts

• Do not drink alcohol while taking promethazine. Alcohol increases the risks of side effects.
• To help you sleep, take promethazine 20 minutes before you go to bed. It normally takes about 30 minutes to work.
• To prevent motion sickness, take promethazine the night before a long journey or 1 to 2 hours before a short journey.
• Common side effects of promethazine include drowsiness, headaches, nightmares and feeling dizzy, restless or confused.
• When promethazine is mixed with other medicines, it's also known by the brand names Fedril and Night Nurse.

3. Who can and cannot take promethazine

Promethazine can be taken by most adults.

Children under 6 should not be given cough and cold medicines containing promethazine if they have been bought at a pharmacy. These medicines should only be given if prescribed by a doctor.

Some types of promethazine medicines are not suitable for children over 6. Some are labelled 12+ and some are labelled 16+. Your doctor or pharmacist will advise which are the safest for children.

Promethazine is not suitable for some adults. To make sure it's safe for you, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you:

• have ever had an allergic reaction to promethazine or any other medicine
• have an eye problem called primary angle closure glaucoma
• have problems peeing or emptying your bladder
• have epilepsy or any other health problem that causes seizures or fits
• are due to have an allergy test. Promethazine can affect your results, so you may need to stop taking it a few days before your test. Ask the clinic where you are due to have your allergy test
• are unable to have any alcohol – some liquid promethazine products contain a very small amount of alcohol, so check the ingredients and the packaging carefully
• are trying to get pregnant. Promethazine can affect home pregnancy tests. If you think you're pregnant, speak to your doctor so they can arrange a blood test instead

4. How and when to take promethazine

If you or your child have been prescribed promethazine, follow your doctor's instructions about how and when to take it.

Only take promethazine when you need it – for example, if you're unable to sleep because you're worrying about something or your cold symptoms are keeping you awake.

If you have bought promethazine or any medicine containing promethazine from a pharmacy, follow the instructions that come with it, or ask a pharmacist for advice.

Dosage and strength

Promethazine comes in 10mg, 20mg and 25mg tablets. Your dose depends on why you're taking it:

• short-term insomnia – you'll usually take 20mg to 50mg at night
• hay fever – you'll usually take from 10mg twice a day to 20mg, 3 times a day
• hives – you'll usually take from 10mg twice a day to 20mg 3 times a day
• preventing motion sickness – you'll usually take 25mg 1 to 2 hours before a short journey or 25mg the night before a long journey
• treating motion sickness – take 25mg as soon as possible and 25mg the same evening, followed by 25mg the following evening (if you need it)
• vertigo – the dose can vary from 25mg a day to 25mg 4 times a day

If you're taking liquid which contains 5mg of promethazine in 5ml, follow the instructions that come with the medicine for how much to take.

Doses are lower for children. Your doctor will use your child's age to work out the right dose.

Promethazine mixed with other medicines

Promethazine can come mixed with other medicines, such as paracetamol. This is usually used to treat cough and cold symptoms. Your dose will depend on the type of medicine you're taking.

Check the instructions on the packaging carefully, or ask your pharmacist or doctor if you're unsure.

How to take it

You can take promethazine tablets, capsules and liquid with or without food.

How to take tablets and capsules

Always take your promethazine tablets or capsules with a drink of water. Swallow them whole. Do not chew them.

How to take liquid

Liquid medicines containing promethazine come with a plastic syringe or spoon to help you measure out the right dose.

If you do not have a syringe or spoon, ask your pharmacist for one. Do not use a kitchen teaspoon as you will not get the right amount.

What if I forget to take it?

For motion sickness, take it as soon as you remember.

For anything else, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.

Never take 2 doses at the same time. Never take an extra dose to make up for a forgotten one.

If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.

What if I take too much?

Too much promethazine can be dangerous.

If you take more than your usual dose, you may:

• feel very sleepy
• have a very fast, irregular or pounding heartbeat (palpitations)
• have breathing problems

In serious cases, you can become unconscious or have seizures or fits and may need emergency treatment in hospital.

If your child takes too much promethazine, they may also:

• move unsteadily or stumble
• have uncontrolled movements, especially in their hands or feet
• see or hear things that are not there (hallucinations)
• have an irregular heartbeat

Urgent advice: Contact 111 for advice if:

• you take more than your usual dose of promethazine

Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111

If you need to go to A&E do not drive yourself. Get someone else to drive you or call for an ambulance.

Take the promethazine packet or leaflet inside it, plus any remaining medicine, with you.

5. Side effects

Common side effects.

Like all medicines, promethazine can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Talk to your pharmacist or doctor if these side effects bother you or do not go away:

• feeling tired during the daytime
• feeling dizzy or unsteady on your feet, or having difficulty concentrating

Promethazine can sometimes make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Keep out of direct or strong sunlight and follow sun safety advice .

If you're over 65, you're more likely to get side effects such as:

• feeling confused
• blurred vision
• difficulty peeing

Talk to a doctor or call 111 straight away if you have these side effects.

Children are more likely to get side effects such as feeling restless or excited.

Serious side effects

Call your doctor straight away if:

• the whites of your eyes or your skin turn yellow, although this may be less obvious on black or brown skin – these can be signs of liver problems
• you notice more bruising or bleeding than normal
• you have muscle stiffness or shaking, or unusual face or tongue movements

Serious allergic reaction

In rare cases, it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction ( anaphylaxis ) to promethazine.

Immediate action required: Call 999 now if:

• your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
• you're breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you're choking or gasping for air)
• your throat feels tight or you're struggling to swallow
• your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
• you suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
• someone faints and cannot be woken up
• a child is limp, floppy or not responding like they normally do (their head may fall to the side, backwards or forwards, or they may find it difficult to lift their head or focus on your face)

You or the person who's unwell may also have a rash that's swollen, raised, itchy, blistered or peeling.

These can be signs of a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital.

Do not drive yourself to A&E.

The person you speak to at 999 will give you advice about what to do.

These are not all the side effects of promethazine. For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicine packet.

You can report any suspected side effect using the Yellow Card safety scheme.

Visit Yellow Card for further information .

6. How to cope with side effects of promethazine

What to do about:

• feeling sleepy during the daytime – this usually wears off 12 hours after a dose. Do not drive, cycle or use tools or machinery if you're feeling this way.
• nightmares – speak to your pharmacist or doctor if these do not go away or are troubling you.
• feeling dizzy or unsteady on your feet, or having difficulty concentrating – stop what you're doing and sit or lie down until you feel better. If the feeling does not go away or is troubling you, do not take any more medicine and speak to a pharmacist or doctor.
• headaches – make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Talk to your doctor if the headaches last longer than a week or are severe.

7. Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Promethazine and pregnancy.

Promethazine can be used in pregnancy. There is no good evidence that it is harmful to your baby, but it can have side effects such as drowsiness.

For the treatment of hay fever your doctor or pharmacist may recommend a non-drowsy antihistamine ( loratadine ).

Promethazine and breastfeeding

If your doctor or health visitor says your baby is healthy, promethazine can be used during breastfeeding. If you are prescribed promethazine, it's better to take occasional doses or only for a short time.

It's not known how much promethazine passes into breast milk but it is likely to be a small amount. It has been used for many years without causing babies to have side effects. However, promethazine is a drowsy antihistamine, so may also make your baby sleepy too. It may also reduce the amount of milk you produce.

If you're breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, talk to your doctor or pharmacist, as other medicines might be better while you're breastfeeding.

If your baby is not feeding as well as usual, seems unusually sleepy, or seems irritable, or if you have any other concerns about your baby, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, health visitor or midwife.

Non-urgent advice: Tell your doctor if you're:

• trying to get pregnant
• breastfeeding

Find out more about how promethazine can affect you and your baby during pregnancy on the Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy (BUMPs) website.

8. Cautions with other medicines

Some medicines and promethazine can affect each other and increase the chance of having side effects.

Tell your pharmacist or doctor if you're taking:

• a type of antidepressant called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, such as phenelzine
• a type of painkiller called an opioid, such as codeine , morphine or oxycodone
• any medicine that makes you drowsy, gives you a dry mouth, or makes it difficult for you to pee – taking promethazine might make these side effects worse

If you're taking a cough or cold remedy or a painkiller containing promethazine, check carefully what the other ingredients are.

For example, promethazine often comes mixed with paracetamol . If you take 2 medicines that both contain paracetamol, there's a risk of overdose.

Ask your pharmacist for advice before you take this medicine together with any other painkillers or medicines.

Mixing promethazine with herbal remedies and supplements

There might be a problem taking some herbal remedies and supplements alongside promethazine, especially ones that cause side effects such as sleepiness, a dry mouth or making it difficult to pee.

Ask your pharmacist for advice.

Important: Medicine safety

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you're taking any other medicines, including herbal medicines, vitamins or supplements.

9. Common questions about promethazine

Promethazine is a medicine called an antihistamine . It's classed as a drowsy (sedating) antihistamine.

When you come into contact with something you're allergic to, such as pollen or animal hair, your body produces a chemical called histamine. This can cause symptoms such as a runny nose or skin rashes.

Promethazine blocks the effects of histamine in your brain and this reduces symptoms.

It enters the brain in large quantities and this can make you feel drowsy.

Promethazine also blocks the effects of a chemical called dopamine, and this stops you feeling sick.

Promethazine blocks the effects of a natural chemical called acetylcholine.

This can help dry up a cough or runny nose, but can also cause side effects such as a dry mouth and dry nose.

Some cough and cold remedies claim to suppress your cough or stop you bringing up phlegm.

Although some people find them helpful, they're not usually recommended.

This is because there's little evidence that they're any more effective than simple home remedies and they're not suitable for everyone.

Promethazine will start to make you feel sleepy around 20 minutes after you take it and may work for up to 12 hours.

If you're taking it for a cough or cold, allergies or feeling sick (nausea), your symptoms should start to improve within 20 minutes. The medicine should work for around 4 to 6 hours.

Only take promethazine for a short time, unless your doctor says it's OK for you to take it for longer.

Speak to your pharmacist or doctor before taking promethazine for longer than the medicine leaflet recommends.

Ask them for advice if you're unsure how long you should take it for.

It's unlikely that you'll get addicted to promethazine. But it's best that you only take it for a very short time, unless your doctor tells you to take it for longer.

If you have bought a medicine containing promethazine, do not take it for longer than recommended on the packet without speaking to your pharmacist or doctor first.

If you have taken promethazine for a long time and suddenly stop taking it, it's possible you might feel dizzy, sweaty or sick, have a racing heart and have trouble sleeping.

Coming off promethazine slowly can help prevent this.

Speak to your doctor if you have taken promethazine for a long time and want to stop taking it.

Promethazine is known as a drowsy (sedating) antihistamine as it makes you sleepy.

Non-drowsy antihistamines are less likely to have this effect. These include cetirizine , fexofenadine and loratadine .

Most people prefer to take a non-drowsy antihistamine as it's less likely to interfere with their everyday routine.

You might choose to take a drowsy antihistamine, however, if you're having problems falling asleep, or if symptoms like itching or coughing are keeping you awake.

There is not enough information available to say whether one antihistamine is better than another for treating allergies.

You may need to try a few different medicines to find what works best for you. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're unsure.

You can take 2 different antihistamines at a time, if your doctor says it's OK. If you have a severe itchy skin rash, your doctor may recommend 2 different antihistamines together for a few days.

You could take a non-drowsy antihistamine (such as cetirizine , fexofenadine or loratadine ) during the day, and a drowsy antihistamine at night if itching is making it difficult to sleep.

Do not take another drowsy antihistamine together with promethazine. It'll make you very tired and sleepy.

Other drowsy antihistamines include chlorphenamine (Piriton) and diphenhydramine (Nytol Original).

Do not take 2 antihistamines together unless you have been advised to by your doctor.

Yes. If you take it for insomnia or take it at bedtime, promethazine will help you sleep.

If you take it during the day for other conditions, such as allergies, it might make you feel sleepy during the day as well.

Yes, you can take promethazine together with some painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen .

If you take promethazine with painkillers that contain codeine (such as co-codamol or other prescription painkillers), you may feel very tired and sleepy.

It's important to check the packaging or label of your medicine carefully. This is because some promethazine products already contain a painkiller.

Do not take extra painkillers if this is the case, as there's a risk of overdose.

Speak to your pharmacist if you're not sure whether a medicine already contains a painkiller.

Do not drive a car or ride a bike if promethazine makes you sleepy during the daytime, gives you blurred vision or makes you feel dizzy, clumsy or unable to concentrate or make decisions.

This may be more likely when you first start taking promethazine, but could happen at any time (for example, when starting another medicine).

It's an offence to drive a car if your ability to drive safely is affected. It's your responsibility to decide if it's safe to drive. If you're in any doubt, do not drive.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you're unsure whether it's safe for you to drive while taking promethazine. GOV.UK has more information on the law on drugs and driving .

There's no evidence to suggest that taking promethazine reduces fertility in either men or women.

But speak to a pharmacist or doctor before taking it if you're trying to get pregnant.

Promethazine does not affect any type of contraception, including the combined pill and emergency contraception .

Do not drink alcohol while you're taking promethazine.

Alcohol and promethazine together can make you sleep very deeply.

You will not be able to breathe properly and may have difficulty waking up.

You can eat normally while taking promethazine.

However, do not drink alcohol. And if you take promethazine to help you sleep, try not to have drinks that contain caffeine, like coffee, tea, cola or energy drinks. Caffeine has the opposite effect to promethazine and can stop the medicine working.

Yes, it's dangerous to take promethazine with recreational drugs. This is because it can slow or stop your heart and lungs.

Mixing promethazine and codeine in large amounts slows down the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), which can slow breathing and heart rate.

It's even more dangerous when taken with alcohol or other drugs and has caused people to die.

Find out more about the side effects of some recreational drugs on the Frank website .

Promethazine will only help you sleep while you're taking it, so there are a number of things you can do instead to help yourself have a good night's sleep :

• set regular times for going to bed and waking up
• relax before bedtime – try taking a warm bath or listening to calming music
• use thick curtains or blinds, an eye mask and earplugs to stop you being woken up by light and noise
• avoid caffeine, cigarettes or vapes, alcohol, heavy meals and exercise for a few hours before bedtime
• do not watch TV or use phones, tablets or computers before going to bed
• do not nap during the day
• make a list of your worries and any ideas for how to solve them before you go to bed – this can help you forget about them until the morning

If you have hay fever , it helps if you do not spend too much time outside if the pollen count is high.

Tips for when you're outside

• Do not cut grass or walk on grass.
• Wear wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen getting into your eyes.
• Put Vaseline around your nostrils to help trap pollen.
• Shower and change your clothes after you have been outside to wash off pollen.

Tips for when you're inside

• Keep windows and doors shut as much as possible.
• Vacuum regularly and dust with a damp cloth.
• Do not keep fresh flowers in the house.
• Do not smoke or be around smoke as it makes hay fever symptoms worse.

The best way to prevent any sort of allergic reaction is to avoid the substance that you're allergic to, if you can.

There are some practical steps you can follow to help prevent allergies .

Related conditions

• Contact dermatitis
• Motion sickness

Useful resources

• Allergy UK: charity
• Healthtalk: videos of real stories about sleep problems
• Itchy Sneezy Wheezy: website for parents

Page last reviewed: 27 October 2021 Next review due: 27 October 2024

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Warnings / side effects, usage / instructions, ingredients, delivery & returns, royal mail tracked 48hr delivery.

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• £3.49 for Standard service, delivered within 2 working days from despatch of order.
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EVRI Click & Collect tracked 48hr service

• £3.00 for Standard service, delivered within 2 working days from despatch of order.

EVRI UK Click & Collect tracked 24hr service

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• Free Express Delivery when you spend £100
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Only antisemitism that helps my hayfeaver/ allergies

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Very good and effective

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