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Promethazine

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Promethazine is used to relieve allergies, sickness, vertigo (loss of balance or co-ordination), travel sickness and other problems affecting the ear. Also, it can be used for short term treatment if sleeping is difficult.
The most common side effects are drowsiness, dry mouth and blurred vision.
Do not operate machinery or do any other task that may be dangerous if you were not fully alert.

About promethazine

Type of medicine	Antihistamine
Used for	Allergies, sickness, vertigo (loss of balance or co-ordination), travel sickness and other problems affecting the ear that affect balance.
Also called	Avomine®, Phenergan®
Available as	Tablets, oral syrup and injection

This belongs to the group of medicines known as antihistamines. Promethazine is used to relieve allergies such as skin rashes, itching and symptoms of hayfever.

Promethazine can also be used to treat sickness, vertigo (loss of balance or dizziness), travel sickness and problems affecting the ear. Because promethazine causes drowsiness, it is also occasionally used to treat insomnia (difficulty sleeping).

Before taking promethazine

Before taking promethazine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
If you suffer from heart, liver, kidney or prostate problems.
If you suffer from glaucoma, epilepsy, porphyria (a blood disorder) or blood pressure problems.
If you have been experiencing difficulty urinating (passing water).
If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

Important: promethazine should not be given to children under the age of 2 years as it can cause problems.

How to take promethazine

Take promethazine exactly as directed by your doctor or pharmacist.
Do not take promethazine for more than 7 days unless you have been advised to do so by your doctor.
If you are taking this medicine for travel sickness the first dose should be taken at least two hours before travelling or the night before, depending on which brand is prescribed.

Getting the most from your treatment

Alcohol will increase feelings of drowsiness. If you do drink alcohol, drink only in moderation and be aware of its effect on you.

Can promethazine cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects	What can I do if I experience this
Drowsiness, dizziness and blurred vision	Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert, dizzy or could not see properly. Avoid alcohol; it will increase any feelings of drowsiness
Headache	Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer. If headache continues speak with your doctor.
Dry mouth, difficulty urinating (passing water), diarrhoea, constipation, tummy pains, feeling sick, a fast or fluttering heartbeat, shortness of breath, stiffness or problems with movement, confusion, changes in mood, difficulty sleeping or shakiness	Speak with your doctor if these become troublesome.

How to store promethazine

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Never 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.

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk

DocID: 3879

DocRef: dils2738

Last Reviewed: 30 Jan 2007

Version: 23

The authors and editors of this article are employed to create accurate and up to date content reflecting reliable research evidence, guidance and best clinical practice. They are free from any commercial conflicts of interest. Find out more about updating.

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