Phenylephrine and promethazine

Phenylephrine is a decongestant that narrows blood vessels in the nasal passages. When blood vessels are wider than normal, it can lead to nasal congestion (stuffy nose).

Promethazine is an antihistamine that lessens the effects of the natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can cause symptoms like sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and a runny nose.

Phenylephrine and promethazine is a combination medicine used to treat sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, hives, skin rash, itching, and other symptoms related to colds or allergies.

Phenylephrine and promethazine may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. This medicine is usually taken only for a short time until your symptoms clear up.

Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 2 years old. Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can occur from the misuse of cough and cold medicines in very young children.

Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Do not take for longer than 7 days in a row. Talk with your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 7 days of treatment, or if you have a fever with a headache or skin rash.

If you need surgery or medical tests, tell the surgeon or doctor ahead of time if you have taken this medicine within the past few days.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.

Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 2 years old. Always ask a doctor before giving a cough or cold medicine to a child. Death can happen from using cough and cold medicines incorrectly in very young children.

Do not use this medicine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

You should not use phenylephrine and promethazine if you are allergic to phenylephrine or promethazine, or if you have:

• asthma or COPD;
• high blood pressure; or
• coronary artery disease.

Do not use this medicine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

To ensure phenylephrine and promethazine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• sleep apnea (breathing stops during sleep);
• heart disease;
• severe constipation, a blockage in your stomach or intestines;
• diabetes;
• glaucoma;
• a thyroid disorder;
• liver or kidney disease;
• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
• enlarged prostate or urination problems;
• pheochromocytoma (an adrenal gland tumor); or
• a weak immune system.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether phenylephrine and promethazine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medicine.

It is not known whether phenylephrine and promethazine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Artificially sweetened liquid medicine may contain phenylalanine. Check the medication label if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

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

Phenylephrine and promethazine may cause serious side effects. Stop using phenylephrine and promethazine and call your doctor right away if you have:

• seizure (convulsions);
• weak or shallow breathing;
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• confusion, hallucinations;
• sudden weakness or feeling unwell, fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores, red or swollen gums, trouble swallowing;
• uncontrollable movements of your eyes, lips, tongue, face, arms, or legs; or
• severe nervous system reaction--very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, feeling faint.

Common side effects of phenylephrine and promethazine may include:

• dizziness, drowsiness;
• dry mouth, nose, or throat;
• blurred vision; or
• constipation.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Since phenylephrine and promethazine is taken as needed, you might not have a regular dosing schedule. If you are taking the medication regularly and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

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

Phenylephrine and promethazine may cause blurred vision or affect your thinking and reactions. Be cautious if you drive or do anything that needs you to be alert and see clearly.

Drinking alcohol can increase some side effects of promethazine.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other cold, cough, allergy, or sleep medicine. Antihistamines and decongestants are in many combination medicines. Taking certain products together can lead to getting too much of a specific drug. Check the label to see if a medicine contains an antihistamine or decongestant.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using this medicine if you are taking any other drugs, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Some medicines can cause unwanted or dangerous effects when used together. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Taking this medicine with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can make these effects worse. Ask your doctor before taking phenylephrine and promethazine with a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.