Trimeprazine

Generic name: Trimeprazine [ trye-MEP-re-zeen ]
Drug class: Antihistamines

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2024.

Uses of Trimeprazine:

• It is used to treat itching.
• It is used to relieve coughing.

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take Trimeprazine?

For all patients taking trimeprazine:

• If you are allergic to trimeprazine; any part of trimeprazine; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you are very sleepy.
• If you have recently drunk a lot of alcohol or taken a big amount of drugs that may slow your actions like phenobarbital or some pain drugs like oxycodone.
• If you have ever had a blood problem.

Children:

• If your child is younger than 2 years of age. Do not give trimeprazine to a child younger than 2 years of age.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with trimeprazine.

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 trimeprazine with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

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

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take trimeprazine. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert until you see how trimeprazine affects you.
• Talk with your doctor before you drink alcohol or use other drugs and natural products that slow your actions.
• An unsafe heartbeat that is not normal (long QT on ECG) has happened with trimeprazine. Sudden deaths have rarely happened in people taking trimeprazine. Talk with the doctor.
• If you are 65 or older, use trimeprazine 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 (Trimeprazine) best taken?

Use trimeprazine as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• Take at bedtime. If you have also been told to take trimeprazine during the day, take those doses after meals.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• 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.

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.
• A heartbeat that does not feel normal.
• A fast heartbeat.
• Dizziness or passing out.
• Seizures.
• Trouble controlling body movements, twitching, change in balance, trouble swallowing or speaking.

Related/similar drugs

What are some other side effects of Trimeprazine?

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 sleepy.
• Upset stomach.
• Stomach pain.

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 Trimeprazine?

• Store at room temperature.
• Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• 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 trimeprazine, 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.

Further information

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

Medical Disclaimer