Promethazine (injection)

Promethazine is used to treat or prevent nausea and vomiting that can happen from anesthesia or surgery, some types of allergic reactions, pain from surgery or childbirth, motion sickness, and to calm patients before surgery or medical procedures.

Promethazine (injection) is typically given when someone cannot take the medication by mouth.

Promethazine (injection) 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 severe breathing problems or death in very young children.

Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when promethazine is injected.

Call your doctor immediately if you later develop symptoms throughout your body, such as: severe pain, burning, swelling, numbness, cold feeling, severe irritation, skin changes, or discoloration in your fingers or toes.

You should not receive promethazine if you are allergic to promethazine or similar medicines like chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, mesoridazine, perphenazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine, or trifluoperazine.

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

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sleep apnea, or another breathing disorder;
• a sulfite allergy;
• 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 had a serious side effect while using promethazine or any other phenothiazine.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

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

Promethazine may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• pain, burning, irritation, or changes in your skin where the injection was given;
• severe pain, swelling, numbness, cold feeling, or discoloration in your fingers or toes;
• weak or shallow breathing;
• hallucinations;
• uncontrolled muscle movements in your face (chewing, lip smacking, frowning, tongue movement, blinking or eye movement);
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• 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 uneven heartbeats, tremors, feeling like you might faint.

Common side effects of promethazine may include:

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

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 the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Promethazine is injected deep into a muscle. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Tell your caregivers if you feel any burning, pain, or swelling around the IV needle when promethazine is injected.

Promethazine injection is usually given for only a short time until no longer needed or until you can take promethazine by mouth.

This medicine can cause unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you have recently received promethazine injection.

Since promethazine (injection) is given by a healthcare professional, you are unlikely to miss a dose.

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).

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

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

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

Other drugs can also impact promethazine (injection), including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor about all other medicines you are taking.

• Par promethazine with codeine vs Hi-Tech promethazine with codeine?
• How long does promethazine stay in your system?