Phenergan (rectal)

Promethazine is used to treat allergy symptoms like itching, runny nose, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, hives, and itchy skin rashes.

Promethazine also helps prevent motion sickness and treats nausea and vomiting or pain after surgery. It can also be used as a sedative or sleep aid.

Promethazine is not for treating symptoms of asthma, pneumonia, or other lower respiratory tract infections.

Promethazine may also be used for other reasons that are not mentioned in this medication guide.

Promethazine should not be given to a child younger than 2 years old. Promethazine can cause serious breathing problems or death in very young children.

Promethazine should not be given to a child younger than 2 years old. Promethazine can lead to serious breathing issues or death in a child younger than 2. Always follow your doctor's instructions when giving this medicine to a child of any age.

Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to promethazine or to similar medicines like chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, mesoridazine, perphenazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine, or trifluoperazine.

Inform your doctor if you have ever had:

• asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sleep apnea, or any other breathing issue;
• a history of seizures;
• a weak immune system (bone marrow depression);
• glaucoma;
• an enlarged prostate or problems with urination;
• a stomach ulcer or obstruction;
• heart disease or high blood pressure;
• liver disease; or
• if you have ever experienced a serious side effect while using promethazine or any other phenothiazine.

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Get emergency medical help if you notice signs of an allergic reaction: hives; trouble breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Phenergan may cause serious side effects. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:

• severe drowsiness, weak or shallow breathing;
• feeling light-headed, as if you might faint;
• confusion, agitation, hallucinations, nightmares;
• seizure (convulsions);
• fast or slow heart rates;
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• uncontrolled muscle movements in your face (chewing, lip smacking, frowning, tongue movement, blinking or eye movement);
• easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums);
• sudden weakness or feeling unwell, fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores, red or swollen gums, trouble swallowing; or
• severe nervous system reaction—very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or irregular heartbeats, tremors, feeling like you might faint.

Common side effects of Phenergan may include:

• drowsiness, dizziness;
• ringing in your ears;
• double vision;
• feeling anxious;
• dry mouth; or
• fatigue, sleep issues (insomnia).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Inform your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not take promethazine by mouth. It is for use only in your rectum.

Try to empty your bowel and bladder just before using the promethazine suppository.

Remove the outer wrapper from the suppository before inserting it. Avoid handling the suppository too long or it will melt in your hands.

For best results from the suppository, lie down after inserting it and hold in the suppository for a few minutes. The suppository will melt quickly once inserted and you should feel little or no discomfort while holding it in. Avoid using the bathroom just after you have inserted the suppository.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while using promethazine.

This medicine can cause unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using promethazine rectal.

Store the rectal suppositories in the refrigerator but do not allow them to freeze.

Use the medicine as soon as possible, but skip the missed dose if it is close to the time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at once.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include overactive reflexes, loss of coordination, severe drowsiness or weakness, fainting, dilated pupils, weak or shallow breathing, or seizure (convulsions).

This medicine may affect your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Avoid getting up too quickly from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.

Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of promethazine.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Promethazine can make you more likely to get sunburned. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

Using promethazine (rectal) with other medications that cause drowsiness can make you feel even sleepier. Talk to your doctor before taking opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Other drugs may impact how promethazine (rectal) works, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor about all other medicines you are using.

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