General Info:
What is promethazine?
- Promethazine oral is an antihistamine. It blocks the effects of the naturally occurring chemical histamine in your body.
- Promethazine oral is used to treat allergy symptoms such as itching, runny nose, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, hives, and itchy skin rashes.
- Promethazine oral also prevents motion sickness, and treats nausea and vomiting or pain after surgery. It is also used as a sedative or sleep aid.
- Promethazine oral may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
How should I take promethazine?
- Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor.
- Take each dose with a full glass of water.
- You can take promethazine oral with or without food.
- To be sure you get the correct dose of promethazine oral syrup, measure the liquid with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one..
- Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.
- Symptoms of a promethazine overdose may include severe drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, large pupils, flushing, nausea, vomiting, shallow breathing, and fainting.
What are the possible side effects of promethazine?
- Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Stop using promethazine oral and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
- uncontrollable movements of your eyes, lips, tongue, face, arms, or legs;
- shallow breathing, weak pulse;
- hallucinations (seeing or hearing things);
- nausea, stomach pain, low fever, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
- fever, muscle stiffness, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeat, sweating, fainting; or
- tremors, twitching, or uncontrolled muscle movements in your face, arms, or legs.
- Continue using promethazine oral and talk with your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects:
- dizziness, drowsiness, sleepiness, or confusion;
- blurred vision, dry mouth;
- ringing in your ears;
- nausea or vomiting; or
- increased sensitivity to sunlight.
- Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
