$Unique_ID{BRK02112}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{PROMETHAZINE}
$Subject{Phenameth (Major)
Phenergan (Wyeth-Ayerst)
promethazine (various manufacturers)
Prothazine (Vortech)}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Phenergan*0211201.scf}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


PROMETHAZINE
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     Phenameth (Major)
     Phenergan (Wyeth-Ayerst)
     promethazine (various manufacturers)
     Prothazine (Vortech)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     antihistamine and antiemetic
INGREDIENT:
     promethazine
DOSAGE FORMS:
     Tablets (12.5 mg, 25 mg, and 50 mg)
     Oral syrup (6.25 mg per 5-ml spoonful, with 7% alcohol; 25 mg per 5-ml
       spoonful, with 1.5% alcohol)
     Rectal suppositories (12.5 mg, 25 mg, and 50 mg)
STORAGE:
     Promethazine tablets and oral syrup should be stored at room temperature
(never frozen) in tightly closed, light-resistant containers.  The
suppositories should be kept in the refrigerator in a tightly closed
container.

USES

     Promethazine is prescribed for a wide range of conditions.  Promethazine
belongs to a group of drugs known as antihistamines, which block the action of
histamine, a chemical that is released by the body during an allergic
reaction.  It is, therefore, used to treat or prevent symptoms of allergy or
hay fever.  Promethazine also (1) works at the vomiting center in the brain
and can be used for the prevention or treatment of nausea and vomiting; (2) is
a central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) depressant, which produces
light sleep or mild sedation; and (3) prevents motion sickness.

TREATMENT

     To avoid stomach irritation, you can take the tablet or oral syrup form
of this medication with a meal or with a glass of water or milk (unless your
doctor directs otherwise).
     Measure the oral syrup carefully with a specially designed 5-ml measuring
spoon.  An ordinary kitchen teaspoon is not accurate enough.
     To use the suppository, remove the foil wrapper (if the suppository is
too soft to insert, refrigerate it for half an hour or run cold water over it
before removing the wrapper), and moisten the suppository with water.  Lie on
your left side with your right knee bent.  Push the suppository into the
rectum, pointed end first.  Lie still for a few minutes.  Try to avoid having
a bowel movement for at least an hour (to give the medication time to be
absorbed).
     If you are taking this medication regularly and you miss a dose, take the
missed dose as soon as possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose.
In that case, do not take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular
schedule.  Do not double the next dose (unless your doctor directs you to do
so).

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Blurred vision, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth,
light-headedness, nausea, or vomiting.  These side effects should disappear as
your body adjusts to this drug.
     This medication can cause increased sensitivity to sunlight.  It is,
therefore, important to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and sunlamps.
Wear protective clothing and sunglasses, and use an effective sunscreen.
     To reduce mouth dryness, chew sugarless gum or suck on ice chips or hard
candy.
     To avoid dizziness or light-headedness when you stand, contract and relax
the muscles of your legs for a few moments before rising.  Do this by
alternately pushing one foot against the floor while raising the other foot
slightly, so that you are "pumping" your legs in a pedaling motion.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
confusion; disorientation; involuntary movements of the face, mouth, jaw, or
tongue; rash; uncoordinated movements; unusual bleeding or bruising; or
yellowing of the eyes or skin.

INTERACTIONS

     Promethazine interacts with other types of medications:
     1. Promethazine can cause extreme drowsiness when combined with alcohol
or other central nervous system depressants (drugs that slow the activity of
the brain and spinal cord), such as barbiturates, benzodiazepine
tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, narcotics, and pain medications or with
tricyclic antidepressants.
     2. Promethazine can decrease the effectiveness of amphetamines,
guanethidine, anticonvulsants, and levodopa.
     3. The side effects of epinephrine, monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors,
propranolol, and tricyclic antidepressants may be increased by this
medication.  At least 14 days should separate the use of this medication and
the use of an MAO inhibitor.
     Before starting promethazine, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any of
the medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed
above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about any unusual or allergic reactions you have had
to any medications, especially to promethazine or any chemically related
phenothiazine drug (chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, mesoridazine, perphenazine,
prochlorperazine, promazine, thioridazine, trifluoperazine, triflupromazine).
     * Before starting promethazine, tell your doctor if you now have or if
you have ever had asthma, blockage of the urinary or digestive tract, diabetes
mellitus, enlarged prostate gland, epilepsy, glaucoma, heart disease, liver
disease, peptic ulcers, or sleep apnea.
     * To prevent oversedation, avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while
taking this medication.
     * If this medication makes you dizzy or drowsy, do not take part in any
activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car or operating
potentially dangerous machinery.  Be careful on stairs, and avoid getting up
suddenly from a reclining or sitting position.
     * Prior to having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, be
sure to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Small amounts of this
medication cross the placenta.  Although there are reports of safe use of this
drug during pregnancy, there are also reports of liver disease and tremors in
newborns whose mothers received this medication close to term.  Also, tell
your doctor if you are breast-feeding.  Small amounts of this medication pass
into breast milk and may cause unwanted effects in nursing infants, such as
sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) or sleep apnea.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
