Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

PROMETHAZINE - RECTAL SUPPOSITORY

(pro-METH-uh-zeen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Phenergan, Promethegan

Uses

Promethazine is used for nausea and vomiting. It is also used for sedation. Use is not recommended in children less than 2 years old.

How To Use

Unwrap suppository. Lie down on your left side with the right knee bent (if left-handed, lie on the right side with the left knee bent). Push the suppository into the rectum with your finger. Remain lying down for a few minutes and avoid having a bowel movement for an hour or longer so the drug will be absorbed. For motion sickness, use 30 to 60 minutes before traveling. Do not use more of this medication than is prescribed.

Side Effects

Constipation, drowsiness, vision changes or dry mouth may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Unlikely to occur but report promptly: restlessness, muscle stiffness, weakness, difficulty speaking, loss of balance, mask- like facial expression, trembling or shaking, dizziness, lip smacking or other uncontrollable movements, difficulty urinating, skin rash/discoloration. Very unlikely to occur but report promptly: persistent sore throat or fever, unusual bleeding or bruising, stomach pain, yellowing of eyes or skin, dark urine, hot dry skin, vomiting. This drug may infrequently cause a very serious (rarely fatal) nervous system disorder (neuroleptic malignant syndrome). If you notice any of the following unlikely but very serious side effects, seek immediate medical attention: severe muscle stiffness, mental/mood changes, fever, seizures, irregular/fast heartbeat, increased sweating. Males - in the unlikely event you have a painful, prolonged erection, stop using this drug and seek immediate medical attention or permanent problems could occur. In the unlikely event you have a serious allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

This medication should not be given to a patient who is in a coma. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: certain lung/breathing problems (e.g., COPD, sleep apnea). Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: very high or very low blood pressure, liver or heart disease, Reye's syndrome, alcohol or drug dependencies, nervous system problems, blood or immune system disorders (e.g., bone marrow depression), seizures, glaucoma (narrow angle), urinary problems (e.g., enlarged prostate), stomach/bowel problems, allergies (especially drug allergies). This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Use of alcohol can cause extreme drowsiness. Avoid alcohol use. This medication may increase sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid prolonged sun exposure and wear a sunscreen and protective clothing when you are exposed to the sun. This medication can reduce sweating making you more susceptible to heat stroke. Avoid strenuous work or exercise in hot weather. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug, especially the drowsiness effect. Caution is advised when using this drug in children because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug, especially the slowed breathing effect. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Certain drugs closely related to promethazine (a phenothiazine) are excreted into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Therefore breast-feeding while using this medication is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Inform your doctor about all the medications you may use (both prescription and nonprescription), especially of: sparfloxacin, grepafloxacin, guanethidine, guanadrel, metrizamide, cabergoline, lithium, barbiturates, epinephrine, MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, tranylcypromine), drugs which are potentially toxic to the blood or immune systems (e.g., cancer chemotherapy). Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you also take drugs that cause drowsiness such as: antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine), anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), medicine for sleep (e.g., sedatives), muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine, or tricyclic anti-depressants such as amitriptyline), tranquilizers. Many cough-and-cold products contain ingredients that may add a drowsiness effect. Before you use cough-and-cold medications, ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safe use of those products. Also report the use of drugs which might increase seizure risk (decrease seizure threshold) when combined with promethazine such as: isoniazid (INH), other phenothiazines (e.g., thioridazine), theophylline, or tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline) among others. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details. Promethazine can affect the results of certain lab tests, including certain pregnancy and blood sugar tests. Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use this drug. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include shortness of breath, trouble breathing, dry mouth, unusual drowsiness or restlessness, flushing, nightmares, loss of consciousness, and seizures.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as remembered; do not use if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Refrigerate between 36 and 46 degrees F (2 to 8 degrees C). Do not freeze. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.