Brand Names: Pentazine, Phenergan

Generic Name: promethazine (oral) (Pronunciation: pro METH a zeen)

• What is oral promethazine (Phenergan)?
• What are the possible side effects of oral promethazine (Phenergan)?
• What is the most important information I should know about oral promethazine (Phenergan)?
• What should I discuss with my doctor before taking oral promethazine (Phenergan)?
• How should I take oral promethazine (Phenergan)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Phenergan)?
• What happens if I overdose (Phenergan)?
• What should I avoid while taking oral promethazine (Phenergan)?
• What other drugs will affect oral promethazine (Phenergan)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is oral promethazine (Phenergan)?

Promethazine is in a group of drugs called phenothiazines (FEEN-oh-THYE-a-zeens). It works by changing the actions of chemicals in your brain. Promethazine also acts as an antihistamine. It blocks the effects of the naturally occurring chemical histamine in your body.

Promethazine is used to treat allergy symptoms such as itching, runny nose, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, hives, and itchy skin rashes.

Promethazine also prevents motion sickness, and treats nausea and vomiting or pain after surgery. It is also used as a sedative or sleep aid.

Promethazine is not for use in treating symptoms of asthma, pneumonia, or other lower respiratory tract infections.

Promethazine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Promethazine 12.5 mg-GLO

round, white, imprinted with C51

Promethazine 12.5 mg-MAL

round, white, imprinted with ZC 01

Promethazine 12.5 mg-ZYD

round, white, imprinted with ZC 01

Promethazine 25 mg-ESI

round, white, imprinted with 59911 5872

Promethazine 25 mg-GG

round, white, imprinted with GG 225

Promethazine 25 mg-GLO

round, white, imprinted with C52

Promethazine 25 mg-MAL

round, white, imprinted with Z C 0 2

Promethazine 25 mg-WAT

round, white, imprinted with 5307, DAN DAN

Promethazine 50 mg-ESI

round, white, imprinted with 59911, 5873

Promethazine 50 mg-GG

round, pink, imprinted with GG 235

Promethazine 50 mg-GLO

round, white, imprinted with C53

Promethazine 50 mg-MAL

round, white, imprinted with ZC, 03

Promethazine 50 mg-WAT

round, white, imprinted with 5319, DAN

What are the possible side effects of oral promethazine (Phenergan)?

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 and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• twitching, or uncontrollable movements of your eyes, lips, tongue, face, arms, or legs;
• tremor (uncontrolled shaking), drooling, trouble swallowing, problems with balance or walking;
• feeling restless, jittery, or agitated;
• high fever, stiff muscles, confusion, sweating, fast or uneven heartbeats, rapid breathing;
• feeling like you might pass out;
• seizure (convulsions);
• pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, fever, sore throat, flu symptoms;
• decreased night vision, tunnel vision, watery eyes, increased sensitivity to light;
• hallucinations, agitation;
• nausea and stomach pain, skin rash, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• urinating less than usual or not at all;
• joint pain or swelling with fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, chest pain, vomiting, unusual thoughts or behavior, and patchy skin color; or
• slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting, slow breathing (breathing may stop).

Less serious side effects may include:

• dizziness, drowsiness, anxiety;
• blurred vision, dry mouth, stuffy nose;
• ringing in your ears;
• weight gain, swelling in your hands or feet;
• impotence, trouble having an orgasm; or
• constipation.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Phenergan (promethazine) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about oral promethazine (Phenergan)?

Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have twitching or uncontrollable movements of your eyes, lips, tongue, face, arms, or legs. These could be early signs of dangerous side effects.

Promethazine should not be given to a child younger than 2 years old. Promethazine can cause severe breathing problems or death in a child younger than 2. Carefully follow your doctor's instructions when giving this medicine to a child of any age.

Promethazine can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of promethazine.