Generic name: Promethazine Suppositories [ proe-METH-a-zeen ]
Brand name: Phenergan
Drug classes: Antihistamines, Phenothiazine antiemetics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 16, 2023.

Uses of Promethazine Suppositories:

• It is used to ease allergy signs.
• It is used to help motion sickness.
• It is used to ease pain.
• It is used to treat sleep problems.
• It is used to prevent upset stomach and throwing up from surgery.
• It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Promethazine Suppositories?

For all patients taking this medicine (promethazine suppositories):

• If you have an allergy to promethazine or any other part of this medicine (promethazine suppositories).
• If you are allergic to this medicine (promethazine suppositories); any part of this medicine (promethazine suppositories); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have any of these health problems: Asthma or other breathing problems like COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) or sleep apnea (breathing problems during sleep).
• If you have any of these health problems: Low blood cell count or poor bone marrow function.
• If you are taking any drugs that can stop your bone marrow from making some of the cells that your body needs. There are many drugs that can do this. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

Children:

• If your child is throwing up for an unknown reason. Do not give this medicine (promethazine suppositories) to a child who is throwing up for an unknown reason.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine (promethazine suppositories).

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this medicine (promethazine suppositories) with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

Related/similar drugs

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What are some things I need to know or do while I take Promethazine Suppositories?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take this medicine (promethazine suppositories). This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert or have clear eyesight until you see how this medicine (promethazine suppositories) affects you.
• This medicine may cause the results of some pregnancy tests to be wrong. Talk with the doctor.
• If you have high blood sugar (diabetes), you will need to watch your blood sugar closely.
• Talk with your doctor before you drink alcohol or use other drugs and natural products that slow your actions.
• You may get sunburned more easily. Avoid sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen and wear clothing and eyewear that protects you from the sun.
• This medicine may raise the chance of seizures in some people, including people who have had seizures in the past. Talk to your doctor to see if you have a greater chance of seizures while taking this medicine (promethazine suppositories).
• If you are 65 or older, use this medicine (promethazine suppositories) with care. You could have more side effects.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

How is this medicine (Promethazine Suppositories) best taken?

Use this medicine (promethazine suppositories) as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Use suppository rectally.
• Wash your hands before and after use.
• If suppository is soft, chill in a refrigerator or run cold water over it.
• Take off foil wrapper.
• Put suppository into the rectum with gentle pressure, pointed end first. Do not handle too much.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• If you take this medicine (promethazine suppositories) on a regular basis, take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
• Many times this medicine (promethazine suppositories) is taken on an as needed basis. Do not take more often than told by the doctor.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of high or low blood pressure like very bad headache or dizziness, passing out, or change in eyesight.
• Fast or slow heartbeat.
• Trouble controlling body movements, twitching, change in balance, trouble swallowing or speaking.
• Shakiness, trouble moving around, or stiffness.
• Feeling very tired or weak.
• Feeling confused.
• Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there).
• Mood changes.
• Ringing in ears.
• Seizures.
• Any unexplained bruising or bleeding.
• Yellow skin or eyes.
• Change in eyesight.
• A very bad and sometimes deadly health problem called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) may happen. Call your doctor right away if you have any fever, muscle cramps or stiffness, dizziness, very bad headache, confusion, change in thinking, fast heartbeat, heartbeat that does not feel normal, or are sweating a lot.
• This medicine may cause very bad and sometimes deadly breathing problems. Call your doctor right away if you have slow, shallow, or trouble breathing.
• Low white blood cell counts have happened with this medicine (promethazine suppositories). This may lead to a higher chance of getting an infection. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of infection like fever, chills, or sore throat.

What are some other side effects of Promethazine Suppositories?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Feeling dizzy, sleepy, tired, or weak.
• Blurred eyesight.
• Dry mouth.
• Upset stomach or throwing up.
• Feeling nervous and excitable.
• Trouble sleeping.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Promethazine Suppositories?

• Store suppositories in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about this medicine (promethazine suppositories), please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Frequently asked questions

• Par promethazine with codeine vs Hi-Tech promethazine with codeine?
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Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer