Promethazine

What is Promethazine?

Promethazine is a prescription medication that has a range of uses. This medication belongs to a group called phenothiazines and is used as an antihistamine to relieve symptoms of allergies like hay fever, dust mites, and animal dander.

Promethazine can also be prescribed as an anti-sickness drug to treat and prevent nausea and vomiting. The medicine can come in tablet, injection, and liquid form but is mostly used as a tablet, especially when prescribed for hay fever. Promethazine hydrochloride is commonly sold in supermarkets and pharmacies under the brand Phenergan.

What is the difference between Phenergan and Promethazine?

The only difference between the 2 is cost. Promethazine is just a generic version of Phenergan, meaning there is no real difference in the actual medicine. Both of the medications have the same active ingredient which is Promethazine hydrochloride. Both medications work in the same way and have the same dosage, strength, safety, quality, and effectiveness.

How does Promethazine work?

Promethazine is a drowsy antihistamine which progressively helps to relieve the symptoms of hay fever and other seasonal allergies that cause you to have difficulty when trying to sleep. This is done by blocking the chemical that is responsible for the symptom which is known as histamine.

When an allergic reaction takes place in the body, it releases histamine to protect you from potentially harmful substances in the body which can cause swelling, redness, itchiness, and watering. A lot of the time, the body produces a lot more histamine than what is needed, to stop the overreaction, antihistamines block the effects of histamine on the body.

When used for treating nausea, Promethazine hydrochloride blocks a different chemical in the body known as dopamine.

Dosage information:

When taking Promethazine your dosage and usage of the medication can vary. If you are using the medicine to treat hay fever allergies, you should take one tablet a day in the evening, but this can be increased to 2 tablets a day if necessary.

Side effects of Promethazine:

Like most medicines, Promethazine hydrochloride comes with the possibility of some side effects, but not everybody will suffer from them. All side effects that can occur after taking this medication will be listed in the patient information leaflet, but sometimes some are very uncommon or unheard of, so if you suffer from an unlisted side effect you should contact your GP immediately. If you suffer from any of the following after taking the medication, stop consuming it immediately and seek medical help. Side effects can consist of:

• Heart palpitations
• Liver problems
• Allergic reactions
• Stiffness or shaking of muscles
• Irregular heartbeat
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome

If you suffer from any of the following, contact your GP or pharmacist:

• Constipation
• Blurred vision
• Dry mouth
• Nightmares
• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting
• Confusion
• Headache
• Difficulty passing urine
• Skin rash

Who is Promethazine suitable for?

Promethazine is suitable for adults and children over the age of 2 years old who suffer from symptoms of hay fever and other allergies; however, it is important to take caution when giving children this medication, you should speak to your GP before doing so.

Promethazine is an excellent medication for those suffering with hay fever who want to relieve their symptoms, especially if the symptoms occur during the night. If you suffer from allergies during the night resulting in insomnia, Promethazine can help you relieve the symptoms and get to sleep because it is a drowsy medicine.

Who shouldn’t take Promethazine?

Promethazine may not be suitable for all because of past health conditions or other medication they are taking. Some people who should avoid this medication are:

• People with an allergy to any ingredients that are in this medication
• People who suffer from dizziness, nausea, or headaches
• People who have taken oxidase inhibitors in the last 14 days
• Children who are under the age of 5

If you suffer from any of the following, you should speak to your GP before taking this medication:

• Liver or kidney problems
• Epilepsy
• Asthma, bronchitis or problems with breathing
• Heart problems
• Glaucoma
• Stomach blockage or difficulty when urinating
• Hearing problems
• Reyes syndrome

You should also speak to your GP before taking Promethazine hydrochloride if you are taking other medications.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding:

Promethazine can be used as a treatment for morning sickness, but you should speak to your GP before using it. Your doctor will let you know if they think it is suitable for you to take the medication and what effects it could have on you and your unborn baby.

Promethazine should be avoided if you are breastfeeding. The medication could pass into your breast milk and harm the baby.

Precautions:

When taking Promethazine, you shouldn’t:

• Drink alcohol
• Drive
• Use heavy machinery

Promethazine can also have effects on the accuracy of pregnancy tests meaning you could get a wrong reading. You should also not take Promethazine if you have allergies to sugar as it contains lactose, sucrose, and glucose.

Can I buy Promethazine online?

Yes, you can buy Promethazine online safely through MedsRUs. You simply need to answer a few short questions using our medical consultation questionnaire so our certified prescribers can check to see if this medication is suitable for you and your condition. If deemed suitable, the medication will be dispensed and sent directly to you, hassle free. The process is completely confidential and discreet, takes just minutes and you can order the medication you need without even having to leave your home. Get started now by clicking the ‘Start consultation’ button at the top of this page.