Phenergan, also known as promethazine, is a popular antihistamine that is used to treat allergy symptoms, nausea, vomiting, and motion sickness. It is also used as a sedative or sleep aid, especially before and after surgery. While Phenergan can be an effective medication, it is important to note that it may cause side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and dry mouth. It is not suitable for children under 2 years of age due to the risk of serious breathing problems.
Although Phenergan is a useful medication for treating various conditions, it is important to consult a doctor before taking it to ensure safe and proper usage. It is also crucial to be cautious when taking Phenergan with other medications, as it can interact with certain drugs and increase the risk of side effects.
Regarding the use of Phenergan after taking laxatives, it is important to consult a medical professional for specific advice. However, as Phenergan can cause constipation as a side effect, it may not be recommended to take it directly after taking laxatives.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Generic Name | Promethazine |
Brand Name | Phenergan |
Drug Class | Antihistamines, Phenothiazine Antiemetics |
Use | Treat allergy symptoms, nausea, vomiting, motion sickness, sleep aid, pain after surgery |
Dosage | 25 mg taken twice daily for adults; 12.5-25 mg twice daily for children |
Side Effects | Drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, blurred vision, dry mouth, confusion, agitation, hallucinations, seizures |
Precautions | Not for children under 2 years old; may cause breathing problems and severe side effects in young children; avoid alcohol; consult a doctor before use |
What You'll Learn
Phenergan's effects on nausea and vomiting
Phenergan is a popular antihistamine that works by blocking the production of histamine in the body during an allergic reaction. It is used to treat vomiting and nausea during or after surgery and motion sickness. It is also used as an anti-allergen to treat symptoms of allergies such as itching, redness, rashes, and a runny nose.
Phenergan has a calming effect and can help induce sleep before and after surgery. It is sometimes used in conjunction with opioid painkillers to help them work better. It is also used to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting related to certain conditions.
Phenergan is also found in combination with other medications such as phenylephrine, codeine, or dextromethorphan. It belongs to a group of drugs called phenothiazines, which work by changing the actions of chemicals in the brain.
Phenergan should not be given to children younger than 2 years old as it can cause severe breathing problems or even death in very young children. It is also not suitable for those with asthma or other lower respiratory tract disorders.
Phenergan can cause side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, blurred vision, or dry mouth. It may also cause more serious side effects such as severe drowsiness, weak or shallow breathing, confusion, agitation, hallucinations, and seizures.
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Phenergan's use for allergies
Phenergan is an antihistamine that works by blocking the production of histamine in the body during an allergic reaction. It is used to treat allergy symptoms such as itching, redness, rashes, sneezing, a runny nose, hives, and itchy skin rashes. It can also be used to treat allergic reactions to drugs, urticaria, contact dermatitis, and allergic reactions to insect bites and stings.
Phenergan is also used to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting related to certain conditions, such as motion sickness, post-operative vomiting, irradiation sickness, and drug-induced nausea. It is often taken at bedtime or before meals. For motion sickness, Phenergan is usually started within 1 hour before traveling. When used for surgery, Phenergan is typically taken the night before the procedure.
Phenergan can also be used as a sedative or sleep aid. It can help induce sleep before and after surgery. It is sometimes used in conjunction with opioid painkillers to help them work better.
Phenergan is available in tablet form and should be taken orally, as directed by a doctor. It is not suitable for children under 6 years of age.
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Phenergan's side effects
Phenergan, also known by its generic name promethazine, is an antihistamine used to treat allergy symptoms such as itching, runny nose, sneezing, and rashes. It is also used to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting related to certain conditions, such as motion sickness, and to induce sleep before and after surgery.
Common side effects
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Ringing in the ears
- Tiredness
- Sleep problems (insomnia)
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Blurred vision
Serious side effects
- Nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop
- Fainting
- Slow heartbeat
- Mental/mood changes (hallucinations, nervousness, irritability, restlessness, confusion)
- Uncontrolled movements (such as fixed upward stare, neck twisting, tongue movements)
- Shaking (tremor)
- Difficulty urinating
- Easy bleeding/bruising
- Signs of infection (such as a sore throat that doesn't go away, fever)
- Severe abdominal pain
- Yellowing of the eyes/skin
- Slow/shallow breathing
- Seizures
Rare but serious side effects
- Respiratory depression
- Changes in heart rate
- Yellow skin and/or eyes
Overdose symptoms
- Excessive sleepiness or drowsiness
- Weakness
- Fainting
- Weak breathing
- Loss of coordination
- Seizures or convulsions
Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of side effects, and there may be other rare or serious side effects associated with Phenergan. If you experience any unusual symptoms after taking Phenergan, consult your doctor or healthcare provider immediately.
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Phenergan's interactions with other drugs
Phenergan, also known as promethazine, is known to interact with other drugs, and it is important to consult a doctor before taking it. There are 685 drugs that are known to interact with Phenergan, with 92 major interactions, 579 moderate interactions, and 14 minor interactions.
Phenergan should not be taken with other drugs that cause drowsiness, such as opioids, benzodiazepines, and alcohol. This is because it can cause severe drowsiness and impair thinking and judgment. It is also important to avoid taking Phenergan with anticholinergic medications and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
Phenergan should not be given to children younger than 2 years old as it may cause severe breathing problems or even death. It is also not suitable for those with asthma or other lower respiratory tract disorders.
It is important to inform your doctor of all prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors before taking Phenergan.
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Phenergan's use for children
Phenergan (generic name: promethazine) is not recommended for children younger than 2 years old. It can cause severe breathing problems or even death in very young children. In children 2 years and older, the lowest effective dosage should be used, and other drugs that affect breathing should be avoided. If slow or shallow breathing occurs, seek immediate medical help.
Promethazine is an antihistamine and antiemetic drug used to treat allergy symptoms such as itching, rashes, and runny noses. It is also used to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting related to certain conditions, such as motion sickness and post-surgery effects. It may also be used to help a person feel sleepy or relaxed before and after surgery.
Promethazine is available as tablets, suppositories, injectables, or syrups. The dosage for children older than 2 years is typically 0.5 mg of promethazine per pound of body weight, with a typical dose of 25 mg taken every four to six hours as needed. It is not available over the counter and requires a prescription due to its potentially life-threatening side effects.
Some side effects of promethazine in children include:
- Dystonic reactions (muscle spasms or contractions causing involuntary movements)
- Slow or paused breathing
- Wheezing
- Decreased alertness, confusion, or fainting
- Difficulty swallowing
- Fast or irregular pulse or heartbeat
Promethazine should be used with caution in children due to the risk of dangerous side effects, and alternatives such as Zofran (ondansetron) are often considered safer.
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Frequently asked questions
There is no information on whether it is safe to take Phenergan after taking laxatives. However, Phenergan can interact with other drugs, vitamins, minerals, and herbal products, so it is important to consult with your doctor before taking it.
Phenergan is used to treat vomiting and nausea during or after surgery, motion sickness, and allergy symptoms such as itching, redness, rashes, and a runny nose. It is also used as a sleep aid and to induce relaxation before and after surgery.
Phenergan can cause drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, blurred vision, and dry mouth. It may also cause more serious side effects such as hallucinations, mental/mood changes, seizures, and slow heartbeat.
Phenergan should only be taken during pregnancy if the potential benefits outweigh the risks. It is recommended to avoid taking Phenergan two weeks before delivery due to its potential to cause irritability and excitement in pregnant women.
Phenergan should not be given to children younger than 2 years old as it can cause severe breathing problems or even death. It should only be given to older children under the supervision of a doctor and with extreme caution.