Promethazine (Injection)

Promethazine (proe-METH-a-zeen)

Treats, nausea and vomiting. Also used to treat allergic reactions.

Brand Name(s):

Pentazine, Antinaus 50, Promacot, Prorex, Phenergan
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to promethazine. You should not use promethazine if you are breastfeeding or if you have asthma, narrow-angle glaucoma, stomach or bladder problems, or an enlarged prostate. This medicine should not be given to children under 2 years old.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given.
• An IM injection is a shot given in your muscle (upper arm, thigh, buttocks).
• An IV infusion is medicine that is put directly into your body through one of your veins.
• This medicine should be given by a person trained to give IV or IM medicine, such as a nurse. Sometimes you, a family member, or a friend can be taught to give your medicine.

If a dose is missed:

• Use your medicine as soon as you remember that you have missed your dose.
• Take the rest of your doses for that day at evenly spaced time intervals.
• You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store your medicine at room temperature, away from heat and light. Do not freeze.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also taking an MAO inhibitor (Marplan®, Nardil®, Parnate®, Eldepryl®), or other medicines that may make you sleepy such as cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain-killers, sleeping pills, or tranquilizers.
• Avoid drinking alcohol while taking promethazine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.
• Before using this medicine, tell your doctor if you have an overactive thyroid, heart or liver disease, high blood pressure, a seizure disorder (epilepsy), bone marrow disease, or diabetes.
• Tell your doctor or dentist you are using promethazine before you have any kind of surgery.
• This medicine may make you drowsy or dizzy. Be careful when driving or using machinery.
• This medicine may make you more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen when outdoors. Avoid tanning beds and sunlamps.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
• Slow or troubled breathing
• Skin rash, itching, hives
• Yellowing of skin or eyes
• Pain, burning, or swelling where the IV or shot was given
• Blurred vision, ringing in the ears

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Drowsiness or dizziness
• Trouble sleeping, restlessness, depression
• Dry mouth
• Constipation

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.