Where is Promethazine Hydrochloride used?
Promethazine Hydrochloride is used to:
- Relieve symptoms of allergic reactions such as hay fever, nettle rash, or insect bites and stings
- Prevents and treats sickness and vomiting such as travel sickness or sickness associated with vertigo
- Short-term treatment for insomnia
This is a type of medicine called sedating antihistamine that prevents the actions of histamine that your body makes during an allergic reaction. Its other effect is by affecting other natural substances and by acting directly on certain parts of the brain. This product is supplied as tablets for oral use.
How does Promethazine Hydrochloride work?
- For allergies, Promethazine Hydrochloride stops histamine from binding to its receptors in various parts of the body. Histamine is a substance produced by the body as part of its defense mechanisms. This medication stops it from causing the symptoms of an allergic reaction.
- For vertigo, this drug blocks histamine receptors in an area of the brain called the vomiting center. This part of the brain is activated when it gets nerve messages to form a part of the inner called the vestibular apparatus. It’s responsible for making you feel sick and for the vomiting reflex. Promethazine Hydrochloride stops the vomiting center from being activated.
- For insomnia, this is known as a sedating antihistamine because it enters the brain in significant quantities and makes you feel sleepy. You can use this drug for a short period. It is to help you get to sleep if you are having trouble sleeping.
How is Promethazine Hydrochloride taken?
Promethazine Hydrochloride is an FDA-approved oral medication to be taken by mouth. The tablet is to be swallowed as a whole with a full glass of water.
- For allergies, this is usually taken one to four times a day before meals at bedtime.
- For travel sickness, this is taken 30 to 60 minutes before travel and taken again after 8 to 12 hours if needed.
- For longer trips, it is usually in the morning and before the evening meal on each day of travel.
Drink plenty of fluids while having this treatment. Doing so may lessen the risk of certain side effects. The recommended dosage is based on your medical condition, age, and response to the treatment. Your doctor may direct you to start at a lower dose and eventually increase it.
What are the possible side effects of Promethazine Hydrochloride?
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Blurred vision
- Stuffy nose
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
Call your doctor right away and stop using Promethazine Hydrochloride if you have:
- A light-headed feeling like you might pass out
- Weak or shallow breathing
- Severe drowsiness
- Confusion
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Easy bleeding or bruising
- Sore throat or trouble swallowing
What are the precautions in taking Promethazine Hydrochloride?
- Promethazine Hydrochloride should only be used during pregnancy if your doctor tells you to do so. This should not be used during the last two weeks of pregnancy. If you get pregnant while taking this medicine, call your doctor right away.
- If you ever had an allergic reaction to this product, let your doctor know before taking a dose.
- This is not recommended for use in children under two years of age.
- This should be used with caution in people who are over 65 years old, who have kidney or liver problems, and who have severe heart disease.
