promethazine (injection)

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Pronunciation: pro METH a zeen

Brand: Phenergan

What is the most important information I should know about promethazine injection?

Promethazine should not be given to a child younger than 2 years old. Promethazine can cause severe breathing problems or death in very young children.

Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when promethazine is injected.

Call your doctor at once if you later develop symptoms throughout your body, such as: severe pain, burning, swelling, numbness, cold feeling, severe irritation, skin changes, or discoloration in your fingers or toes.

What is promethazine injection?

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 is used to treat or prevent nausea and vomiting caused by anesthesia or surgery, certain types of allergic reactions, pain caused by surgery or childbirth, and to sedate patients before surgery or medical procedures.

Promethazine injection is usually given when a person cannot take the medication orally (by mouth).

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

What should I discuss with my health care provider before I receive promethazine injection?

You should not receive this medicine if you are allergic to promethazine or to similar medicines such as chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, mesoridazine, perphenazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine, or trifluperazine.

Promethazine should not be given to a child younger than 2 years old. Promethazine can cause severe breathing problems or death in very young children.

To make sure promethazine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sleep apnea, or other breathing disorder;
  • a sulfite allergy;
  • a history of seizures;
  • a weak immune system (bone marrow depression);
  • glaucoma;
  • enlarged prostate or problems with urination;
  • stomach ulcer or obstruction;
  • heart disease or high blood pressure;
  • liver disease;
  • adrenal gland tumor (pheochromocytoma);
  • low levels of calcium in your blood (hypocalcemia); or
  • if you have ever had a serious side effect while using promethazine or any other phenothiazine.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether promethazine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.

It is not known whether promethazine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

How is promethazine injection given?

Promethazine is injected deep into a muscle. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Promethazine injection is usually given every 2 to 4 hours depending on the condition it is used for.

Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when promethazine is injected.

Promethazine injection is usually given for only a short time until no longer needed or until you can take promethazine by mouth.

This medicine can cause unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you have recently received promethazine injection.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Since promethazine injection is given by a healthcare professional, you are not likely to miss a dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include overactive reflexes, loss of coordination, severe drowsiness or weakness, fainting, dilated pupils, weak or shallow breathing, or seizure (convulsions).

What should I avoid while receiving promethazine injection?

This medicine may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Promethazine can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

What are the possible side effects of promethazine injection?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Tell your caregivers at once if you have:

  • pain, burning, irritation, or skin changes where the injection was given;
  • severe pain, swelling, numbness, cold feeling, or discoloration in your fingers or toes;
  • weak or shallow breathing;
  • hallucinations;
  • uncontrolled muscle movements in your face (chewing, lip smacking, frowning, tongue movement, blinking or eye movement);
  • jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
  • easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums);
  • sudden weakness or ill feeling, fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores, red or swollen gums, trouble swallowing; or
  • severe nervous system reaction --very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, feeling like you might pass out.

Common side effects may include:

  • drowsiness, dizziness;
  • ringing in your ears;
  • double vision;
  • feeling nervous;
  • dry mouth; or
  • tired feeling, sleep problems (insomnia).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect promethazine injection?

Using this medicine with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous or life-threatening side effects. Ask your doctor before taking a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.

Other drugs may interact with promethazine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Where can I get more information?

Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about promethazine injection.


Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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