Active ingredient:
Promethazine hydrochloride (PRO-meth-ar-zine HIGH-dro (h)-CLOR-ride)
Consumer Medicine Information (CMI)
This leaflet provides important information about using Phenergan. You should also speak to your doctor or pharmacist if you would like further information
or if you have any concerns or questions about using Phenergan.
Where to find information in this leaflet:
1. Why am I using Phenergan?
Phenergan contains the active ingredient promethazine hydrochloride.
Phenergan is an antihistamine used to treat a number of conditions:
allergies - allergic contact dermatitis, hives, hayfever, bites and stings
respiratory symptoms due to allergies - runny nose
nausea and vomiting - motion sickness
assists in the management of the symptoms of chicken pox and measles by acting as
a sedative
for short-term use for sedation on the advice of a pharmacist or doctor - do not use
for more than 7-10 days
Antihistamines help reduce allergic symptoms by preventing the effects of a substance
called histamine. Histamine is produced by the body in response to foreign substances
that the body is allergic to.
Your pharmacist or doctor may have recommended Phenergan for another reason.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor if you have any questions about this medicine.
2. What should I know before I use Phenergan?
Warnings
Phenergan must not be used in children under 2 years of age, due to the potential
for fatal respiratory depression.
Do not use Phenergan if:
you are allergic to promethazine hydrochloride, medicines of similar properties or
belonging to the specific family of chemicals called phenothiazines, other phenothiazines,
or any of the ingredients listed at the end of this leaflet.
Always check the ingredients to make sure you can use this medicine.
Some of the symptoms of an allergic reaction may include:
shortness of breath
wheezing or difficulty breathing
swelling of the face, lips, tongue or other parts of the body
rash, itching or hives on the skin
If you take this medicine after the expiry date has passed, it may not work as well.
the packaging is torn or shows signs of tampering.
Any person who is unconscious or in a coma must not be treated with Phenergan.
Do not give Phenergan to newborn or premature babies.
Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you:
have allergies to:
any other medicines
any other substances, such as foods, preservatives or dyes
have or have had any medical conditions, especially the following:
kidney or liver disease
parkinson's disease
underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism)
tumour growing in adrenal glands (pheochromocytoma)
autoimmune disorder (myasthenia gravis)
epilepsy
cardiovascular disease/cardiac failure
blood pressure problems
low white blood cell count (agranulocytosis)
bladder problems
breathing problems
glaucoma - an eye condition
prostate problems
stomach ulcer or blockage
develop a fever or an infection to confirm if laboratory tests are required to check
your blood count
plan to have surgery
take sedatives
take any medicines for any other condition
have any personal or family history of heart disease
have an irregular heartbeat
If you experience an allergic reaction, seek medical help right away.
Caution must be exercised when using Phenergan due to the risk of sedation.
If you experience fever, sore throat or any other infection, you should inform your
doctor or pharmacist immediately and undergo a complete blood count. Treatment should
be discontinued if any marked changed are observed in the blood count.
During treatment, you may be at risk of developing certain side effects. It is important
you understand these risks and how to monitor for them. See additional information
under Section
6. Are there any side effects?
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are a woman of childbearing age and not
using effective contraception. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant,
might become pregnant or think you may be pregnant.
Do not take Phenergan if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It may affect your developing baby if you take it during pregnancy. If there is a
need to consider Phenergan during your pregnancy, Your pharmacist or doctor will discuss
the benefits and possible risks of taking the medicine during pregnancy.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed.
Do not take Phenergan if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
It passes into the breast milk and there is a possibility that the baby may be affected.
Use in Children
Do not give Phenergan to newborn or premature babies.
Phenergan must not be used in children under 2 years of age, due to the potential
for fatal respiratory depression.
Because of the risk of chocking, the tablets should be avoided in children who have
difficulty swallowing tablets.
3. What if I am taking other medicines?
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any
medicines, vitamins or supplements that you buy without a prescription from your pharmacy,
supermarket or health food shop.
Some medicines may interfere with Phenergan and affect how it works
Phenergan may increase the sedative effect of some medicines. These include:
medicines used to treat depression, especially monoamine oxidase inhibitors and tricyclic
antidepressants
medicines used to help you sleep or relax (sedatives and hypnotics)
opioid analgesics, medicines used to treat pain
other antihistamines
alcohol and alcohol containing medicines
medicines for the treatment of irregular heartbeats (antiarrhythmics)
medicines that help with your mood (antidepressants)
medicines used to help with mental illness (antipsychotics)
medicines to treat infections (antimicrobials)
medicines used to treat nausea and vomiting like metoclopramide
medicines used to relieve muscle spasm like carisoprodol and cyclobenzaprine
medicines used for the treatment of epilepsy or seizures
medicines used to treat acid indigestion such as magnesium, aluminium and calcium
salts, oxides and hydroxides
medicines used to smooth muscle contractions in the gastrointestinal tract (antispasmodics)
These medicines may be affected by Phenergan or may affect how well it works. You
may need different amounts of your medicines, or you may need to take different medicines.
Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure about what medicines, vitamins
or supplements you are taking and if these affect Phenergan.
4. How do I use Phenergan?
How much to take
Follow the instructions provided with the medicine.
If you do not understand the instructions on the carton or the label, ask your pharmacist
or doctor for help.
Follow all directions given to you by your pharmacist or doctor carefully.
They may differ from the information contained in this leaflet.
Use this drug only as recommended.
Do not exceed the recommended dosage. There have been case reports of promethazine
abuse.
Phenergan tablets are recommended for adults and children over 6 years of age.
Phenergan elixir is recommended for children 2-5 years of age.
It is recommended that the lowest effective dose of Phenergan be used in children
2 years of age or older.
Allergic Disorder
Adults: One to three 25mg tablets as a single dose at night, or one to two 10mg tablets,
two to three times daily.
Children 6-12 years: One to two 10mg tablets, or 10 to 25mL of the elixir as a single
dose at night, or one 10mg tablet, or 10mL of the elixir, two to three times daily.
Children 2-5 years: 5-15mL of elixir as a single dose at night, or 5mL of elixir,
two to three times daily.
Sedation
For short term use on the advice of a pharmacist or doctor.
Adults: One to three 25mg tablets as a single dose at night.
Children 6-12 years: One to two 10mg tablets, or 10 to 25mL of the elixir, as a single
dose at night.
Children 2-5 years: 5-15mL of elixir as a single dose at night.
Travel Sickness
Adults: One 25mg tablet.
Children 6-12 years: One 10mg tablet or 10mL of the elixir.
Children 2-5 years: 5mL of elixir.
To be taken the night before travel and repeated after 6 to 8 hours on the following
day if required.
Nausea and Vomiting
Adults: One 25mg tablet every 4 to 6 hours to a maximum daily dose of four 25mg tablets.
Children 6-12 years: One 10mg tablet or 10mL of the elixir, every 4 to 6 hours to
a maximum daily dose of two 10mg tablets or 25mL of the elixir.
Children 2-5 years: 5mL of elixir every 4 to 6 hours to a maximum daily dose of 15mL.
Use in the Elderly
If you are over 65 years of age, talk to you pharmacist or doctor about how much to
take.
Elderly patients are more likely to have side effects from taking these medicines.
How to take Phenergan
Tablets
Swallow Phenergan tablets whole with a full glass of water.
Elixir
Measure out the amount of elixir to be taken.
How long to take it
Phenergan should not usually be taken for more than 10 days in a row. If your symptoms
persist, see your pharmacist or doctor for advice.
If you forget to take it
If you are taking Phenergan for an allergic disorder and you forget to take your bedtime
dose, you may need to take your dose in two or three smaller doses during the following
day. Check with your pharmacist or doctor.
If you are taking Phenergan for travel sickness or nausea and vomiting, take your
dose as soon as you remember.
If you are taking Phenergan for sedation, take your dose as soon as you remember.
Be careful because you may still be affected in the morning.
Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose that you missed. This may be harmful.
If you are not sure what to do, ask your pharmacist or doctor.
If you have trouble remembering to take your medicine, ask your pharmacist for some
hints.
If you use too much Phenergan (overdose)
If you think that you have used too much Phenergan, you may need urgent medical attention.
You should immediately:
phone the Poisons Information Centre
(by calling
13 11 26 in Australia or 0800 764 766 in New Zealand), or
contact your doctor, or
go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.
You should do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
If you take too much Phenergan, you may experience:
Adults
drowsiness
convulsions and/or tremors
difficulty breathing
unconsciousness
acute anxiety
hallucinations
heart palpitations, chest pain and/or rapid pulse
dizziness
nausea
cold sweats
Children
over - excitement
shaky and unsteady movements
convulsions and/or tremors
hallucinations
difficulty breathing
unconsciousness
high fever
heart palpitations, chest pain and/or rapid pulse
dizziness
nausea
cold sweats
5. What should I know while using Phenergan?
Things you should do
Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are using Phenergan.
Phenergan may cause your skin to be more sensitive to the sun. You should protect
your skin from exposure to bright sunlight.
If you are about to be started on any new medicine, tell your pharmacist or doctor
that you are taking Phenergan.
If you plan to have surgery that needs a general anaesthetic, tell your doctor or
dentist that you are taking this medicine.
If you become pregnant while you are taking this medicine, stop taking it and tell
your doctor immediately.
Talk to your pharmacist or doctor if your symptoms do not improve.
Your pharmacist or doctor will assess your condition and decide if you should continue
to take the medicine.
Things you should not do
Do not give Phenergan to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you.
Do not take Phenergan to treat any other complaints unless your pharmacist or doctor
tells you to.
Do not take more than the recommended dose unless your pharmacist or doctor tells
you to.
Things to be careful of
Phenergan is a known sedative and may cause drowsiness in some people.
If you have a single dose at bedtime, you may still be affected in the morning.
Children and the elderly are especially sensitive to the effects of antihistamines.
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
A very serious and sometimes deadly health problem called neuroleptic malignant syndrome
(NMS) may happen. Stop treatment and call your doctor right away if you have high
fever, muscle cramps or stiffness, dizziness, very bad headache, fast heartbeat, confusion,
agitation, hallucinations, or are sweating a lot.
Driving or using machines
Phenergan can cause drowsiness, dizziness and blurred vision. Make sure you know how
you react to Phenergan before you drive a car, operate machinery, or do anything else
that could be dangerous if you experience drowsiness, dizziness and blurred vision.
If this occurs do not drive or operate machinery.
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Phenergan
affects you.
Phenergan may affect your ability to drive a car or operate machinery or do anything
else that could be dangerous if you are drowsy, dizzy or experience blurred vision.
If this occurs do not drive or operate machinery.
Drinking alcohol
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you drink alcohol.
Do not drink alcohol while taking Phenergan.
The sedation effects of alcohol may be increased.
Looking after your medicine
Keep your medicine in the pack until it is time to take it.
If you take your medicine out of the pack it will not keep as well.
Store Phenergan tablets below 30°C.
Store Phenergan elixir below 25°C.
Follow the instructions in the carton on how to take care of your medicine properly.
Store it in a cool dry place away from moisture, heat or sunlight; for example, do
not store it:
in the bathroom or near a sink, or
in the car or on window sills.
Keep it where young children cannot reach it, in a locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half
metres above the ground is a good place to store medicines
Getting rid of any unwanted medicine
If you no longer need to use this medicine or it is out of date, take it to any pharmacy
for safe disposal.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date.
6. Are there any side effects?
All medicines can have side effects. If you do experience any side effects, most of
them are minor and temporary. However, some side effects may need medical attention.
See the information below and, if you need to, ask your doctor or pharmacist if you
have any further questions.
Less serious side effects
These are mild side effects of the medicine and are short-lived.
Serious/rare side effects
|
Serious side effects
|
What to do
|
|
General
fever
excessive sweating
dizziness
nausea
cold sweats
low blood pressure
shortness of breath
Urinary
difficulty passing urine
Heart
irregular heart beat
very fast or forceful heartbeats (palpitations)
chest pain
rapid pulse
Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders
eosinophilia which is an increase in the number of eosinophils (a type of white blood
cells) found in the blood test. Thrombocytopenia which is a decrease in the number
of platelets (cells in the blood that help with clotting) found in a blood test, which
can lead to bleeding and bruising (thrombocytopenic purpura)
|
Call your doctor straight away if you notice any of these serious side effects.
|
|
Allergy
related
difficulty breathing
Liver-related
jaundice - yellow tinge to skin or eyes
Nervous system-related
tremors or convulsions
tinnitus - buzzing, hissing, ringing or other persistent noise in the ears
confusion
twitching or jerking muscles
dizziness, lightheadedness
severe headache
muscle cramps or stiffness
Central nervous system-related
anxiety
seizures (fits)
hallucinations
agitation
nervousness and irritability
|
Call your doctor straight away if you notice any of these serious side effects.
|
The above list includes serious side effects that may require medical attention. Serious
side effects are rare.
The above list includes very serious side effects. You may need urgent medical attention
or hospitalisation. These side effects are very rare.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you notice anything else that may be making you
feel unwell.
Other side effects not listed here may occur in some people.
7. Product details
This medicine is available over-the-counter without a doctor's prescription.
What Phenergan Tablets contain
|
Active ingredient
(main ingredient)
|
10mg tablets - 10mg of promethazine hydrochloride per tablet
25mg tablets - 25mg of promethazine hydrochloride per tablet
|
|
Other ingredients
(inactive ingredients)
|
lactose monohydrate
maize starch
povidone
magnesium stearate
hypromellose
macrogol 200
Opaspray Blue M-1-4210A
|
|
Potential allergens
|
Contains sugars as lactose
|
Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.
What Phenergan Elixir contains
|
Active ingredient
(main ingredient)
|
1mg/mL of promethazine hydrochloride
|
|
Other ingredients
(inactive ingredients)
|
maltitol solution
acesulfame potassium
sodium benzoate
sodium citrate dihydrate
citric acid monohydrate
sodium sulfite
sodium metabisulfite
ascorbic acid
caramel
orange juice flavour 510844E
|
Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to any of these ingredients.
What Phenergan looks like
Phenergan Tablets are available in two strengths:
10mg - circular, film-coated biconvex tablets with bevelled edges, pale blue in colour,
one face impressed 'PN’ above ‘10', the reverse face plain.
25mg - circular, film-coated biconvex tablets with bevelled edges, pale blue in colour,
one face impressed 'PN' above '25', the reverse face plain.
Both tablet strengths are available in blister packs of 50 tablets and 25 tablets
(New Zealand only).
Phenergan Elixir is a clear, bright, golden, syrupy liquid. Phenergan elixir is available
in a 100mL bottle
Australian Registration Numbers
Phenergan 10mg tablets
AUST R 80159
Phenergan 25mg tablets
AUST R 80160
Phenergan Elixir 1mg/mL
AUST R 61576
Who distributes Phenergan
Phenergan Tablets and Elixir are supplied in Australia by:
Sanofi Consumer Healthcare
87 Yarraman Place
Virginia Australia
Toll Free Number (medical information)
1800 818 806
This leaflet was prepared in May 2022.
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