Promethazine

Uses:
Promethazine is used to prevent nausea and vomiting. It is also used for sedation, allergy symptoms (runny nose, itchy eyes) and motion sickness (prevention and treatment).

How to Take:
May be taken with food or milk to lessen stomach irritation. Do not take more medication than is prescribed. For motion sickness, medication should be taken 30-60 minutes before travel.

Side Effects:
Constipation, drowsiness, vision changes or dry mouth may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Unlikely to occur but report promptly: restlessness, muscle stiffness, weakness, difficulty speaking, loss of balance, mask- like facial expression, trembling or shaking, dizziness, lip smacking or other uncontrollable movements, difficulty urinating, skin rash/discoloration. Very unlikely to occur but report promptly: sore throat, unusual bleeding or bruising, stomach pain, yellowing of eyes or skin, dark urine, hot dry skin, vomiting. Though very unlikely to occur, notify your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following effects: severe muscle stiffness, confusion, fever, seizures, irregular/fast heartbeat, increased sweating, prolonged/painful erection. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of very high or very low blood pressure, liver or heart disease, Reye's syndrome, alcohol or drug dependencies, nervous system problems, blood disorders or any allergies, especially any drug allergies. Use caution performing tasks that require alertness, such as driving or using machinery. Use of alcohol can cause extreme drowsiness. Avoid alcohol use. Promethazine may increase sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid prolonged sun exposure and wear a sunscreen and protective clothing when you are exposed to the sun. Promethazine can reduce sweating making you more susceptible to heat stroke. Avoid strenuous work or exercise in hot weather. Promethazine should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Certain drugs closely related to promethazine (a phenothiazine) are excreted into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions:
Inform your doctor of all the medications you may use (both prescription and nonprescription), especially of anti-depressant/anti-anxiety drugs, sparfloxacin, grepafloxacin, guanethidine, guanadrel, lithium, metrizamide, cabergoline, tranquilizers, barbiturates, sleeping pills, narcotic pain medication (e.g., codeine) and of any other medicines that may make you drowsy. Many cough-and-cold products contain ingredients that may add a drowsiness effect. Before you use cough-and-cold medications, ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safe use of those products.. Promethazine can interfere with certain pregnancy tests. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include shortness of breath, trouble breathing, dry mouth, unusual drowsiness or restlessness, flushing, nightmares, loss of consciousness, and seizures.

Notes:
Do not share Promethazine with others.

Missed Dose:
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Storage:
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.

NOTE: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.