Promethazine
Information about Promethazine
Promethazine uses
Promethazine is used in the treatment of nausea, vomiting, allergic conditions and motion sickness. It is also used for short-term treatment of insomnia (difficulty sleeping) in adults and as a sedative in children aged 5 years and above.
How promethazine works
Promethazine is an antiallergic medication. When your body is exposed to an allergen (pollen, animal dander, house dust etc.), it produces a chemical called histamine. This causes watery eyes, runny or blocked nose, sneezing, skin rashes, itching etc. Promethazine works by blocking the action of histamine, thereby relieving these symptoms. It also works directly on several areas of the brain to prevent nausea/vomiting and help you feel more relaxed.
Common side effects of promethazine
Dryness in mouth, Blurred vision, Dizziness, Drowsiness, Nausea, Sedation, Tremors, Seizure, High blood pressure, Hypotension (low blood pressure), Asthma, Nasal congestion (stuffy nose), Respiratory depression, Apnea (absence of breathing), Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness), Tissue necrosis, Gangrene (dead tissue caused by an infection or lack of blood flow)
Available Medicine for Promethazine
Expert advice for Promethazine
- Promethazine helps treat nausea, vomiting and allergic conditions
- Use caution while driving or doing anything that requires concentration as Promethazine can cause dizziness and sleepiness.
- Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication as it may cause increased sleepiness.
- It may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Avoid exposing your skin to strong sunlight, use a sunscreen lotion or make sure your skin is protected with clothing.
- Do not take it for longer than 7 days. If your symptoms worsen or do not improve after 7 days, talk to your doctor.
- Stop taking it at least three days before taking an allergy test as it can affect the test results.
Frequently asked questions for Promethazine
Promethazine
Q. Is Promethazine or Promethazine DM syrup a narcotic/opiate/pain killer?
Promethazine is antihistaminic drug and not a narcotic/opiate/pain killer. Patient should follow the advice of doctor regarding its use
Q. Is Promethazine over the counter?
No, it is available with doctor's prescription only
Q. Can I take Promethazine for a hangover/sore throat/ nausea/stomach flu/cramps/toothache/ headache/ cough/pain?
Promethazine is used for treatment of symptoms of allergies, but not used for hangover, sore throat, stomach flu, cramps, toothache, headache and cough. Patient should follow the advice of doctor regarding its use