• Basic Info
• Top Questions
• Clinical Info

What is this medicine?

PROMETHAZINE (proe METH a zeen) is an antihistamine. It is used to treat allergic reactions and to treat or prevent nausea and vomiting from illness or motion sickness. It is also used to make you sleep before surgery, and to help treat pain or nausea after surgery.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• glaucoma
• high blood pressure or heart disease
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• lung or breathing disease, like asthma
• prostate trouble
• pain or difficulty passing urine
• seizures
• an unusual or allergic reaction to promethazine or phenothiazines, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure your medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. This medicine should not be given to infants and children younger than 2 years old.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• medicines called MAO Inhibitors like Nardil, Parnate, Marplan, Eldepryl
• other phenothiazines like trimethobenzamide

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• barbiturates like phenobarbital
• bromocriptine
• certain antidepressants
• certain antihistamines used in allergy or cold medicines
• epinephrine
• levodopa
• medicines for sleep
• medicines for mental problems and psychotic disturbances
• medicines for movement abnormalities as in Parkinson's disease, or for gastrointestinal problems
• muscle relaxants
• prescription pain medicines

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.