Promethazine

Other names: Phenergan

Categories: Prescription Medication

Description:

Phenergan (Promethazine) is a prescription medication used to treat nausea and vomiting, particularly when they are associated with motion sickness, post-operative recovery, or certain medical conditions. It belongs to the class of drugs known as antihistamines and also has antiemetic and sedative properties.

How Phenergan Works

Mechanism of Action: Phenergan works by blocking histamine (H1) receptors and dopamine receptors in the brain’s vomiting center (the chemoreceptor trigger zone). By doing so, it reduces the signals that trigger nausea and the urge to vomit. This makes it particularly effective for nausea linked to motion sickness or when sedation is also beneficial.

Common Uses

Phenergan is commonly prescribed for:

Motion Sickness: Helps to reduce nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness.
Post-Operative Nausea: Can be used to manage nausea after surgery, especially when other antiemetics are ineffective.
Medication-Induced Nausea: Sometimes used for nausea due to certain medications, though it is generally less commonly used for chemotherapy-induced nausea.
Pregnancy-Related Nausea: Phenergan has been used for pregnancy-related nausea, although other medications are generally preferred due to its sedative effects.

Forms and Dosage

Phenergan is available in several forms to suit different needs:

Tablets: Commonly available in 12.5 mg, 25 mg, and 50 mg doses.
Syrup: Available for those who may have difficulty swallowing tablets.
Suppository: Useful for patients who cannot keep oral medications down due to severe nausea or vomiting.
Injection: Administered in a hospital setting for rapid relief, often used for severe cases.

Potential Side Effects

While Phenergan can be effective, it also has notable side effects:

Sedation and Drowsiness: One of the most common effects, as Phenergan is a strong sedative. This may be beneficial if nausea is preventing rest, but it can impair daily functioning.
Dizziness and Confusion: Common, especially in elderly patients or those sensitive to antihistamines.
Dry Mouth: A frequent side effect due to its anticholinergic effects.
Blurred Vision and Constipation: Less common but possible due to its antihistamine properties.

In rare cases, Phenergan can cause severe respiratory depression, especially in young children, so it is contraindicated in children under two years old and used cautiously in older children.

Warnings and Precautions

Children: Phenergan is not recommended for children under two due to the risk of severe respiratory depression.
Elderly Patients: Should be used with caution in elderly individuals, as they are more susceptible to side effects such as confusion, dizziness, and sedation.
Driving and Operating Machinery: Due to its sedative effects, it’s important not to drive or operate machinery while taking Phenergan.
Allergy Caution: As it is an antihistamine, it should be used carefully if there’s a known allergy to promethazine or other phenothiazines.

Effectiveness

Phenergan is generally effective for treating nausea, especially for nausea related to motion sickness, post-operative recovery, or other causes where sedation might be beneficial. However, it may not be the first choice for nausea from chemotherapy or gastrointestinal issues, where medications like Zofran or Reglan might be preferred.

Treatment For:

Nausea

AI generated Summary: Based on the single review provided, Promethazine appears to be an effective treatment for nausea, as the reviewer, Dr. Curbside, rated it 4 out of 5. However, the reviewer also mentioned that it is their second-line treatment due to its side effects, particularly extrapyramidal ones.

Reviews

Average rating: 4/5

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Total Reviews: 1

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All Physician Healthcare provider (non-physician) Healthcare Consumer (Patients & Caregivers)

Dr. Curbside

November 3, 2024

4.0

My second line treatment for nausea, because of its side effects, especially extra-pyramidal ones.

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