Promethazine

What is it?

Composition

Promethazine is available in a variety of forms, including tablets, syrup, injection solution, and rectal suppositories. The main active ingredient in all forms is promethazine hydrochloride. Excipients may vary depending on the form of release and manufacturer, but typically include:

• Lactose monohydrate - used in tablets as a filler.
• Sucrose - found in syrups, providing a pleasant taste.
• Glycerol - added to maintain the consistency of the syrup and improve its taste.
• Sodium chloride - present in injection solutions to maintain osmolarity.
• Colors and flavors - added to improve the appearance and taste of drugs, especially syrups and tablets for children.

All of these ingredients provide stability, effectiveness, and ease of use of the drug.

How to use?

The correct use of Promethazine depends on the dosage form and specific indications. Always follow the instructions of the doctor or the recommendations indicated on the drug package.

1. Tablets and syrup: Usually taken orally with or without food. To prevent motion sickness, begin taking 30-60 minutes before travel. To treat allergies or relieve cold symptoms, Promethazine is taken as needed, adhering to the dosage prescribed by the doctor.
2. Rectal suppositories: Inserted into the rectum, usually as prescribed by the doctor, especially if the patient has difficulty taking the medicine orally due to vomiting.
3. Injection solution: Used in a medical setting. The injection can be done intramuscularly or intravenously, depending on the clinical situation.

It is very important not to exceed the recommended dose to avoid serious side effects. When using the drug in children, the dosage should be especially carefully calculated based on the childs weight.

How does it work?

Promethazine works primarily by blocking histamine H1 receptors in the body. Histamine is a chemical that is released in response to allergens and causes symptoms such as itching, redness, swelling, and runny nose. By blocking the action of histamine, Promethazine effectively reduces and prevents these allergic symptoms.

In addition to its antihistamine action, Promethazine has pronounced sedative and anticholinergic properties. The sedative effect occurs due to the depression of the central nervous system, which can be useful in anxiety or before surgical procedures. Anticholinergic properties help reduce the secretion of saliva, bronchial mucus, and other secretions, making the drug effective in the treatment of vomiting and motion sickness.

In addition, Promethazine has a weak antipsychotic effect, due to its belonging to the phenothiazine group, which is sometimes used in medical practice to treat certain mental disorders.

Indications

Promethazine is prescribed for a wide range of conditions associated with allergic reactions, nausea and vomiting. This medication is often used for the following conditions:

• Treatment of allergy symptoms such as hives, itching, hay fever, and reactions to insect bites and other allergens.
• Prevention and treatment of nausea and vomiting due to various causes, including motion sickness, postoperative conditions, and side effects of other medications.
• Sedative before surgical or diagnostic procedures to reduce anxiety and make the procedure easier.
• Treatment of the common cold, including symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, and watery eyes.
• Prevention and treatment of motion sickness and other forms of motion sickness.

Promethazine is often prescribed as part of a combination therapy, especially in cases of severe allergic reactions or when it is necessary to prevent vomiting, which can complicate the patients condition.

Contraindications

Promethazine should not be used in certain situations because it may be unsafe or ineffective. The main contraindications include:

• Hypersensitivity to promethazine or other components of the drug, which can cause serious allergic reactions.
• Children under 2 years of age, since the use of Promethazine in young children can lead to severe respiratory depression and even death.
• Severe forms of central nervous system depression, such as coma or severe depression of the respiratory center, which can be aggravated by the use of the drug.
• Simple glaucoma or other conditions associated with increased intraocular pressure, since the anticholinergic effects of Promethazine can worsen the condition.
• Diseases accompanied by severe urinary retention, such as prostatic hypertrophy, since anticholinergic effects can increase problems with urination.

Before you start taking Promethazine, you should consult with your doctor, especially if you have any of these conditions or other serious medical conditions.

Side effects

Promethazine can cause a variety of side effects that vary in severity and frequency. Some are quite common, but usually do not require discontinuing the drug, while others may require immediate medical attention.

• Drowsiness and fatigue are the most common side effects, which are related to the sedative effect of the drug. These symptoms may interfere with the performance of daily tasks that require concentration.
• Dry mouth, blurred vision, and difficulty urinating are related to the anticholinergic properties of Promethazine and are more common in older patients.
• Dizziness and headache may occur with prolonged use or with hypersensitivity to the drug.
• Rarely, serious allergic reactions such as hives, swelling of the face or neck, difficulty breathing. In such cases, you should immediately stop taking the drug and seek medical help.
• Respiratory depression is especially dangerous in children under 2 years of age, which makes the use of Promethazine in this age group strictly prohibited.

If you notice any unusual or worsening symptoms while taking Promethazine, you should immediately consult a doctor. Particular attention should be paid to children, the elderly and patients with concomitant diseases.