Promethazine DM

Dextromethorphan stops coughing. Promethazine helps with allergy symptoms.

Promethazine DM is a combination medicine that treats cough, stuffy nose, runny nose, and sneezing due to colds or allergies.

Promethazine DM can be used by adults and children who are at least 2 years old.

Promethazine DM may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

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

Do not use Promethazine DM in a child younger than 2 years old, and carefully follow all dosing directions about use in a child 2 years or older. Promethazine can slow breathing, which has caused death in very young children.

Measure liquid medicine with the supplied syringe or a dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests and may cause false results on a pregnancy test. Tell the doctor or laboratory staff if you have taken Promethazine DM in the past few days.

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

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Promethazine can slow down breathing, which has led to death in very young children. Do not use Promethazine DM in a child younger than 2 years old. Follow all instructions when giving the medicine to a child 2 years or older.

Do not use Promethazine DM if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to dextromethorphan or promethazine, or if you have:

• asthma or other breathing problems; or
• an allergy to medicines similar to promethazine (chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine, and others).

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

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sleep apnea, or other breathing disorder;
• a seizure;
• eczema;
• bone marrow depression;
• glaucoma;
• a stomach ulcer;
• blockage in your stomach or intestines;
• a bladder obstruction or other urination problems;
• an enlarged prostate;
• liver disease;
• heart problems; or
• if you are on bed rest or otherwise debilitated.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Taking this medicine during the last 2 weeks of pregnancy may increase the risk of bleeding in the newborn baby.

Ask a doctor before giving this medicine to a child younger than 12 years old.

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

This medicine may cause serious side effects. Stop using this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have:

• weak or shallow breathing, breathing that stops during sleep;
• unusual restlessness or excitement;
• uncontrolled muscle movements in your neck, tongue, or eyes;
• fast, slow, or uneven heart rate;
• hallucinations, ringing in your ears;
• a seizure;
• fever, chills, weakness;
• easy bruising, unusual bleeding;
• yellowing of your skin or eyes; or
• severe nervous system reaction--very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, feeling like you might pass out.

Common side effects of Promethazine DM may include:

• drowsiness, dizziness;
• dry mouth, nose, or throat;
• blurred vision;
• nausea, vomiting; or
• loss of coordination.

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.

Promethazine DM is used as needed. If you are following a dosing schedule, skip any missed dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

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

Overdose symptoms may include overactive reflexes, feeling restless or confused, slow breathing, dilated pupils, or fainting.

Avoid driving, riding a bike, or any other hazardous activity until you know how Promethazine DM will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using other cough or cold medicines that may contain dextromethorphan.

Avoid drinking alcohol.

Avoid sunlight, and wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

Using Promethazine DM with other medications that cause drowsiness can increase this effect. Check with your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medications for anxiety or seizures.

Inform your doctor about all other medicines you are taking, especially:

• an antidepressant;
• a barbiturate like phenobarbital;
• bronchodilator asthma medication;
• cold or allergy medicine (such as Benadryl);
• medication for Parkinson's disease;
• medication for overactive bladder; or
• medication for stomach issues, motion sickness, or irritable bowel syndrome.

This list is not all-inclusive. Other medications may interact with Promethazine DM, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are included here.