INTRODUCTION

PHENERGAN contains Promethazine which belongs to the group of medicines called Antihistamines. It is used as a sedative in both adults and in children. It also helps you stay relaxed before an operation. It can also be used to manage allergic reactions such as hay fever or skin rashes.

Promethazine is an antihistamine with sedative properties. It acts by blocking the release of certain chemicals (histamines) in the body that causes allergic reactions. It can also directly act on the brain and help you feel relaxed and calm.

Before receiving PHENERGAN, inform your doctor if you have any liver, kidney, or heart problems. You must also inform your doctor if you have asthma, or other breathing problems, glaucoma, epilepsy, hearing problems or blockage in the gut before receiving PHENERGAN as a precaution.

Talk to your doctor before receiving PHENERGAN if you are already taking any medicines for depression. Avoid consumption of alcohol before receiving PHENERGAN as it may reduce its effectiveness. Inform your doctor before receiving PHENERGAN if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

PHENERGAN may cause excessive sleepiness or drowsiness. Therefore, avoid driving or operating any heavy tools or performing activities that requires complete attention. Other most common side effects of receiving PHENERGAN are dry mouth, blurred vision, headache, tiredness, skin sensitivity, dizziness, and indigestion. Contact your doctor if any of these side effect worsens.

USES OF PHENERGAN

It is used to:

• Manage insomnia (difficulty in falling asleep) in adults
• Manage allergic conditions (such as hay fever or skin rashes)
• Induce sleep (sleeping aid) in children aged 5 years or older
• Help you feel relaxed before a surgery

HOW PHENERGAN WORKS

PHENERGAN is an antihistamine with sedative properties. It acts by blocking the release of certain chemicals (histamines) in the body that causes allergic reactions. It can also directly act on the brain and induces sleep or calmness by blocking the actions of certain chemical messengers (acetylcholine, glutamate, and dopamine) that hinders sleep and keeps you awake or excited.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

PHENERGAN will be given to you only by a doctor or a nurse into the muscle (intramuscularly) or into the vein (intravenously). Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration of therapy for you depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition.

SIDE EFFECTS OF PHENERGAN

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Headache:

Rest and relax. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids such as water or electrolytes. Applying a pain-relieving balm on your forehead can be beneficial. Do not consume excessive alcohol, as it could aggravate your headache. Consult your doctor if your headache worsens.

Feeling sleep, dizzy, or drowsy:

Try to rest and relax. Get enough sleep. Avoid driving or operating any heavy tools or machines completely while you are feeling sleepy or dizzy. Do not consume excessive alcohol. Consult your doctor if your condition worsens.

Dry mouth:

Drink plenty of water or fluids at regular intervals. Frequent small sips of water or the use of artificial saliva may be beneficial. However, if it bothers you or if your condition worsens contact your doctor.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

INTERACTIONS

A. Drug-Drug Interaction:

Before receiving PHENERGAN, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

• medicines used to manage depression such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (Ex. fluoxetine, selegiline, phenelzine, isocarboxazid)
• anticholinergic medicines (used to improve heart rate, decrease muscle movements, and body secretions) Ex. atropine, dicyclomine
• diazepam or zolpidem (used to induce sleep)
• aspirin (a medicine used for pain relief or blood thinning)
• medicines used to manage high blood pressure (Ex. captopril, enalapril, atenolol, propranolol)
• medicines used to manage epilepsy (Ex. phenytoin, carbamazepine)
• medicines used to manage diabetes (Ex. metformin, glimepiride

Overdosage:

PHENERGAN will be given to you only by a doctor or nurse in a hospital, and so it is unlikely to receive an overdose. However, if you experience any unusual symptoms such as hyperactivity, unsteady movements, uncontrolled writhing movements especially of the hands or feet, hallucinations, fits, very fast or uneven heartbeat, breathing problems and excessive sleepiness or drowsiness contact your doctor immediately.

SYNOPSIS

MORE INFORMATION

• Keep PHENERGAN out of reach of children
• Store PHENERGAN at room temperature

FAQs ABOUT PHENERGAN

Can the use of PHENERGAN make me feel sleepy?

Yes. PHENERGAN may cause excessive sleepiness or drowsiness. Therefore, avoid driving or operating any heavy tools or performing activities that requires complete attention. Try to rest and relax. Get enough sleep. Do not consume excessive alcohol. Consult your doctor if your condition worsens.

How to take PHENERGAN?

PHENERGAN is not meant for self-administration. It will be given to you only by a doctor or a nurse into the muscle (intramuscularly) or into the vein (intravenously). Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration of therapy for you depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition.

Can the use of PHENERGAN make me feel high?

Yes. The use of PHENERGAN may cause excitement, agitation, or highs, especially in the children. This happens due to the effects of promethazine on the central nervous system. Talk to your doctor immediately if you or your child experiences any such symptoms.

Can PHENERGAN be used in children?

Yes. PHENERGAN should be used in children and adolescents (aged 5 years or older) only if prescribed by the physician. It is strictly not recommended for use in children aged below 2 years. Therefore, talk to your doctor before administering it to your child.

Can PHENERGAN be used to manage morning sickness during pregnancy?

No. PHENERGAN should be used in pregnant women only if it is considered necessary by the physician. It is strictly not recommended for use in pregnant women during the last few weeks (2 weeks) of pregnancy. Therefore, consult your doctor before receiving it.

What is the use of PHENERGAN?

PHENERGAN is used to induce sleep in adults suffering from insomnia and in children aged 5 years or older. It can also be used to manage allergic reactions (such as hay fever or skin rashes) and helps you to stay relaxed prior to any surgery.

Can I take PHENERGAN with paracetamol?

Yes. PHENERGAN can be taken along with paracetamol But, before taking any medicines along with PHENERGAN consult your doctor for advice.

How long does it take for PHENERGAN to start working?

PHENERGAN is a fast-acting medicine. It starts working within 5 minutes if administered in the vein and within 20 minutes if administered in the muscles.

Can PHENERGAN cause dryness of mouth?

Yes. PHENERGAN may cause dryness of mouth. If you experience mouth dryness, drink plenty of water or fluids at regular intervals. Frequent small sips of water may be beneficial. However, if it bothers you or if your condition worsens contact your doctor.

REFERENCES

1. KD. Tripathi. Drugs for Cough and Bronchial Asthma. Essentials of medical pharmacology. Seventh edition. 2013. Page – 220.

2. Brittin T. Southard; Yasir Al Khalili. Promethazine. StatPearls. NIH. National Library of Medicine. National Center for Biotechnology Information. May 2022. [Accessed on 11th July 2022] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544361/

3. SANOFI S.r.l. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in March 2021] [Accessed on 8th June 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.1100.pdf

USEFUL DIAGNOSTIC TESTS

• Absolute Eosinophil Count
• Peripheral Smear Examination
• Total IgE