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$Title{PROMAZINE}
$Subject{Sparine (Wyeth-Ayerst)}
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Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


PROMAZINE
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer):
     Sparine (Wyeth-Ayerst)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Phenothiazine tranquilizer
INGREDIENT:
     promazine
DOSAGE FORM:
     Tablets (25 mg, 50 mg, and 100 mg)
STORAGE:
     This medication should be stored at room temperature in a tightly closed,
light-resistant container.

USES

     Promazine is prescribed to treat the symptoms of certain types of mental
illness, such as emotional symptoms of psychosis, the manic phase of
manic-depressive illness, and severe behavioral problems in children.  It is
thought to relieve symptoms of mental illness by blocking certain chemicals
involved with nerve transmission in the brain.

TREATMENT

     To avoid stomach irritation, you can take this medication with a meal or
with a glass of water or milk (unless your doctor directs you to do
otherwise).
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for your next dose.  In that case, do not
take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do
not double the dose (unless your doctor directs you to do so).
     Antacids and antidiarrheal medicines may decrease the absorption of this
medication from the gastrointestinal tract.  Therefore, at least one hour
should separate doses of one of these medicines and promazine.
     The full effects of this medication for the control of emotional or
mental symptoms may not become apparent until two weeks after you start to
take it.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Blurred vision, constipation, decreased sweating, diarrhea, dizziness,
drooling, drowsiness, dry mouth, fatigue, jitteriness, menstrual
irregularities, nasal congestion, restlessness, vomiting, or weight gain.  As
your body adjusts to the medication, these side effects should disappear.
     Promazine can also cause discoloration of the urine to red, pink, or
red-brown.  This is a harmless effect.
     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.
     If you are constipated, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (raw
fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and
drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     Chew sugarless gum or suck on ice chips or a piece of hard candy to
reduce mouth dryness.
     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 pushing
one foot against the floor while raising the other foot slightly, alternating
feet 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
unusual bleeding or bruising; breast enlargement (in both sexes); chest pain;
convulsions; darkened skin; difficulty in swallowing or breathing; fainting;
fever; impotence; involuntary movements of the face, mouth, jaw, or tongue;
palpitations; rash; sleep disorders; sore throat; tremors; uncoordinated
movements; visual disturbances; or yellowing of the eyes or skin.

INTERACTIONS

     This medication interacts with a number of other types of medications:
     1. It 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. Promazine can decrease the effectiveness of amphetamines,
guanethidine, anticonvulsants, and levodopa.
     3. The side effects of epinephrine, monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors,
propranolol, phenytoin, and tricyclic antidepressants may be increased by this
medication.
     4. Lithium may increase the side effects and decrease the effectiveness
of this medication.
     Before starting to take promazine, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any
medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to promazine or other phenothiazine tranquilizers
(such as chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, mesoridazine, perphenazine,
prochlorperazine, thioridazine, trifluoperazine, and triflupromazine) or to
loxapine.
     * Tell your doctor if you have a history of alcoholism or if you now have
or have ever had any blood disease, bone marrow disease, brain disease, breast
cancer, blockage in the urinary or digestive tracts, drug-induced depression,
epilepsy, high or low blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, glaucoma, heart or
circulatory disease, liver disease, lung disease, Parkinson's disease, peptic
ulcers, or an enlarged prostate gland.
     * Tell your doctor about any recent exposure to a pesticide or an
insecticide.  Promazine may increase the side effects from the exposure.
     * 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 lying 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.
     * Some of the side effects caused by this drug can be prevented by taking
an antiparkinsonism drug.  Discuss this with your doctor.  This medication can
decrease sweating and heat release from the body.  You should, therefore, try
not to get overheated (avoid strenuous exercise in hot weather and do not take
hot baths, showers, and saunas).
     * Do not stop taking this medication suddenly.  If the drug is stopped
abruptly, you may experience nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, headache,
increased heart rate, insomnia, tremors, or a worsening of your condition.
Your doctor may, therefore, want to reduce the dosage gradually.
     * If you are planning to have a myelogram, or any other procedure in
which dye will be injected into the space surrounding your spinal cord, tell
your doctor that you are taking this medication.
     * While taking this medication, do not take any over-the-counter
(nonprescription) medication for weight control or for cough, cold, allergy,
asthma, or sinus problems unless you first check with your doctor.  The
combination of these medications may cause high blood pressure.
     * 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
newborn infants whose mothers received this medication close to term.  Also,
tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  Small amounts of this
medication pass into breast milk and may cause unwanted effects in nursing
infants.

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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.
