Promethazine

Promethazine is an antihistamine used to treat allergy symptoms, nausea, vomiting, and motion sickness. It can also be used as a sedative.

Indications

-Allergic reactions (e.g., hay fever, urticaria) -Nausea and vomiting -Motion sickness -Sedation -Preoperative and postoperative sedation

Dosage

-Adults: 12.5 mg to 25 mg taken orally every 4 to 6 hours as needed. The maximum daily dose is usually 100 mg. -Children: Dosing is based on age and weight. Typically, 0.5 mg to 1 mg per pound of body weight per day, divided into 2 to 4 doses.

Contra-Indications

-Hypersensitivity to promethazine or other phenothiazines -Comatose states or severe CNS depression -Children under 2 years of age (risk of respiratory depression) -Patients with severe liver impairment

Special Precautions

-Use with caution in patients with a history of seizures or epilepsy -Avoid in patients with severe respiratory issues or obstructive sleep apnea -May cause sedation, so caution is advised when driving or operating machinery -Monitor for signs of tardive dyskinesia with long-term use

Side Effects

-Drowsiness -Dizziness -Constipation Dry mouth -Blurred vision -Potential for severe allergic reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis) -Risk of extrapyramidal symptoms

Drug Interactions

-Alcohol and other CNS depressants may increase sedative effects -May enhance the effects of other anticholinergic drugs -Potential interaction with MAO inhibitors -Use cautiously with other drugs that can cause sedation