Promethegan

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

Promethazine should not be used by children younger than 2 years because it may cause serious (possibly fatal) slow/shallow breathing. When this medication is used by children 2 years and older, the lowest effective dosage should be used, and other drugs that affect breathing should be avoided. Get medical help right away if slow/shallow breathing occurs.

In children, drugs for nausea should only be used in cases of prolonged vomiting of a known cause. Avoid use of promethazine in children with liver disease (including possible Reye's syndrome).

Drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, blurred vision, or dry mouth may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

To relieve dry mouth, suck (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water, or use a saliva substitute.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, fainting, slow heartbeat, mental/mood changes (such as hallucinations, nervousness, irritability, restlessness, confusion), unusual/uncontrolled movements (such as fixed upward stare, neck twisting, tongue movements), shaking (tremor), difficulty urinating, easy bleeding/bruising, signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever), severe stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin.

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: slow/shallow breathing, seizures.

This medication may rarely cause a very serious condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). Get medical help right away if you have any of the following symptoms: fever, muscle stiffness/pain/tenderness/weakness, severe tiredness, severe confusion, sweating, fast/irregular heartbeat, dark urine, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine).

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at MedWatch: The FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Some products that may interact with this drug include: antihistamines applied to the skin (such as diphenhydramine cream, ointment, spray), metoclopramide.

The risk of serious side effects (such as slow/shallow breathing, severe drowsiness/dizziness) may be increased if this medication is used with other products that may also cause drowsiness or breathing problems. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or other antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine).

Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.

This medication may interfere with certain lab tests (such as some pregnancy tests, glucose tolerance test, allergy skin testing), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

Do not share this medication with others.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Unwrap and insert one suppository rectally as directed by your doctor, usually 2 to 4 times daily. Remain lying down for a few minutes after using this medication, and avoid having a bowel movement for an hour or longer so the drug will be absorbed. The suppository is for rectal use only.

For motion sickness, the first dose of promethazine should be used 30 to 60 minutes before beginning travel. For allergies, this medication may be used once daily at bedtime to avoid being drowsy during the day. When used before surgery, promethazine may be used the night before or just before the procedure and may be continued afterwards as directed.

The dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Children's dosage may also be based on weight. Do not increase your dose or use this medication more often than directed.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse.

This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe drowsiness/dizziness, fainting, slow/shallow breathing, seizures, muscle stiffness/twitching, widened pupils. In children, mental/mood changes (such as restlessness, irritability, hallucinations) may occur before drowsiness.