Promethazine Hydrochloride — Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient

Promethazine Hydrochloride is an active pharmaceutical ingredient found in 39 FDA-approved drug products. Forms: SYRUP, INJECTABLE, SUPPOSITORY, TABLET, TABLET, CHEWABLE, TABLET, CAPSULE. Routes: ORAL, INJECTION, RECTAL.

This content is for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional.

Promethazine Hydrochloride (39 brand names, 5 dosage forms, 3 routes)

Available dosage forms: SYRUP, INJECTABLE, SUPPOSITORY, TABLET, TABLET, CHEWABLE, TABLET, CAPSULE.

Routes of administration: ORAL, INJECTION, RECTAL.

Brand Names

  • MEPERGAN
  • MYMETHAZINE FORTIS
  • PHENERGAN
  • PHENERGAN VC
  • PHENERGAN VC W/ CODEINE
  • PHENERGAN W/ CODEINE
  • PHENYLEPHRINE HYDROCHLORIDE AND PROMETHAZINE HYDROCHLORIDE
  • PHERAZINE DM
  • PHERAZINE VC
  • PHERAZINE VC W/ CODEINE
  • PHERAZINE W/ CODEINE
  • PROMETH FORTIS
  • PROMETH HYDROCHLORIDE,PHENYLEPHRINE HYDROCHLORIDE W/CODEINE PHOSPHATE
  • PROMETH PLAIN
  • PROMETH VC PLAIN
  • PROMETH VC W/ CODEINE
  • PROMETH W/ DEXTROMETHORPHAN
  • PROMETHACON
  • PROMETHAZINE
  • PROMETHAZINE DM …and 19 more

Boxed Warning

PROMETHAZINE HYDROCHLORIDE TABLETS, USP SHOULD NOT BE USED IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS LESS THAN 2 YEARS OF AGE BECAUSE OF THE POTENTIAL FOR FATAL RESPIRATORY DEPRESSION. POSTMARKETING CASES OF RESPIRATORY DEPRESSION, INCLUDING FATALITIES, HAVE BEEN REPORTED WITH USE OF PROMETHAZINE HYDROCHLORIDE TABLETS, USP IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS LESS THAN 2 YEARS OF AGE. A WIDE RANGE OF WEIGHT-BASED DOSES OF PROMETHAZINE HYDROCHLORIDE TABLETS, USP HAVE RESULTED IN RESPIRATORY DEPRESSION IN THESE PATIENTS. CAUTION SHOULD BE EXERCISED WHEN ADMINISTERING PROMETHAZINE HYDROCHLORIDE TABLETS, USP TO PEDIATRIC PATIENTS 2 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT THE LOWEST EFFECTIVE DOSE OF PROMETHAZINE HYDROCHLORIDE BE USED IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS 2 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER AND CONCOMITANT ADMINISTRATION OF OTHER DRUGS WITH RESPIRATORY DEPRESSANT EFFECTS BE AVOIDED.

Indications and Usage

Promethazine Hydrochloride, is useful orally for: Perennial and seasonal allergic rhinitis. Vasomotor rhinitis. Allergic conjunctivitis due to inhalant allergens and foods. Mild, uncomplicated allergic skin manifestations of urticaria and angioedema. Amelioration of allergic reactions to blood or plasma. Dermographism. Anaphylactic reactions, as adjunctive therapy to epinephrine and other standard measures, after the acute manifestations have been controlled. Preoperative, postoperative, or obstetric sedation. Prevention and control of nausea and vomiting associated with certain types of anesthesia and surgery. Therapy adjunctive to meperidine or other analgesics for control of post-operative pain. Sedation in both children and adults, as well as relief of apprehension and production of light sleep from which the patient can be easily aroused. Active and prophylactic treatment of motion sickness. Antiemetic therapy in postoperative patients.

Dosage and Administration

Promethazine hydrochloride tablets, USP are contraindicated for children under 2 years of age(see WARNINGS-Black Box Warning and Use in Pediatric Patients).

Contraindications

Promethazine hydrochloride tablets, USP are contraindicated for use in pediatric patients less than two years of age. Promethazine hydrochloride tablets, USP are contraindicated in comatose states, and in individuals known to be hypersensitive or to have had an idiosyncratic reaction to promethazine or to other phenothiazines. Antihistamines are contraindicated for use in the treatment of lower respiratory tract symptoms including asthma.

Drug Interactions

CNS Depressants - Promethazine hydrochloride tablets, USP may increase, prolong, or intensify the sedative action of other central-nervous-system depressants, such as alcohol, sedatives/hypnotics (including barbiturates), narcotics, narcotic analgesics, general anesthetics, tricyclic antidepressants, and tranquilizers; therefore, such agents should be avoided or administered in reduced dosage to patients receiving promethazine hydrochloride. When given concomitantly with promethazine hydrochloride tablets, USP the dose of barbiturates should be reduced by at least one-half, and the dose of narcotics should be reduced by one-quarter to one-half. Dosage must be individualized. Excessive amounts of promethazine hydrochloride relative to a narcotic may lead to restlessness and motor hyperactivity in the patient with pain; these symptoms usually disappear with adequate control of the pain. Epinephrine - Because of the potential for promethazine hydrochloride to reverse epinephrine’s vasopressor effect, epinephrine should NOT be used to treat hypotension associated with promethazine hydrochloride tablets, USP overdose. Anticholinergics - Concomitant use of other agents with anticholinergic properties should be undertaken with caution. Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI) - Drug interactions, including an increased incidence of extrapyramidal effects, have been reported when some MAOI and phenothiazines are used concomitantly. This possibility should be considered with promethazine hydrochloride tablets, USP.

Overdosage

Signs and symptoms of overdosage with promethazine hydrochloride range from mild depression of the central nervous system and cardiovascular system to profound hypotension, respiratory depression, unconsciousness, and sudden death. Other reported reactions include hyperreflexia, hypertonia, ataxia, athetosis, and extensor-plantar reflexes (Babinski reflex). Stimulation may be evident, especially in children and geriatric patients. Convulsions may rarely occur. A paradoxical-type reaction has been reported in children receiving single doses of 75 mg to 125 mg orally, characterized by hyperexcitability and nightmares. Atropine-like signs and symptoms-dry mouth, fixed, dilated pupils, flushing, as well as gastrointestinal symptoms-may occur.

⚠ Caution
Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional before taking any medication.