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Phenergan Side Effects

Generic name: promethazine

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 8, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Phenergan Side Effects associated with promethazine. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Phenergan.

Applies to promethazine: oral syrup, oral tablet.

Other dosage forms:

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Oral route (tablet; syrup; solution)

Promethazine hydrochloride should not be used in pediatric patients less than 2 years of age because of the potential for fatal respiratory depression.

Postmarketing cases of respiratory depression, including fatalities, have been reported with use of promethazine in pediatric patients less than 2 years of age.

A wide range of weight-based doses of promethazine have resulted in respiratory depression in these patients.

Caution should be exercised when administering promethazine to pediatric patients 2 years or age and older.

It is recommended that the lowest effective dose of promethazine be used in pediatric patients 2 years of age and older and concomitant administration of other drugs with respiratory depressant effects be avoided.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects .

This medicine may affect blood sugar levels. If you notice a change in the results of your blood or urine sugar tests or if you have any questions, check with your doctor .

This medicine may cause some people to become dizzy, lightheaded, drowsy, or less alert than they are normally. Even if taken at bedtime, it may cause some people to feel drowsy or less alert on arising. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert .

This medicine will add to the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants (medicines that make you drowsy or less alert). Some examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines or medicine for hay fever, other allergies, or colds; sedatives, tranquilizers, antidepressants, or sleeping medicine; prescription pain medicine or narcotics; barbiturates; medicine for seizures; muscle relaxants; or anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics. Check with your medical doctor or dentist before taking any of the above while you are taking this medicine.

Check with your doctor right away if you have symptoms of pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin; difficult or troubled breathing; irregular, fast, slow, or shallow breathing; or shortness of breath. These could be signs of a condition called respiratory depression .

Check with your doctor right away and stop taking your medicine (if directed by your doctor) if you have muscle stiffness, fever, difficult or fast breathing, seizures, fast heartbeat, increased sweating, loss of bladder control, unusually pale skin, or tiredness or weakness. These may be symptoms of a serious condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) .

Before you have any medical tests, tell the medical doctor in charge that you are taking this medicine. The results of some tests may be affected by this medicine .

This medicine may cause dryness of the mouth. For temporary relief, use sugarless candy or gum, melt bits of ice in your mouth, or use a saliva substitute. However, if your mouth continues to feel dry for more than 2 weeks, check with your medical doctor or dentist. Continuing dryness of the mouth may increase the chance of dental disease, including tooth decay, gum disease, and fungus infections .

This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds .

This medicine controls nausea and vomiting. For this reason, it may cover up some of the signs of overdose caused by other medicines or the symptoms of encephalopathy or Reye's syndrome. This will make it difficult for your doctor to diagnose these conditions. Make sure your doctor knows that you are taking this medicine .

Serious side effects of Phenergan

Along with its needed effects, promethazine (the active ingredient contained in Phenergan) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Stop taking promethazine and get emergency help immediately if any of the following effects occur:

Rare side effects

- Symptoms of neuroleptic malignant syndrome; two or more occur together; most of these effects do not require emergency medical attention if they occur alone
  • convulsions (seizures)
  • difficult or unusually fast breathing
  • fast heartbeat or irregular pulse
  • high fever
  • high or low (irregular) blood pressure
  • increased sweating
  • loss of bladder control
  • severe muscle stiffness
  • unusually pale skin
  • unusual tiredness or weakness

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking promethazine:

Incidence not known

  • abdominal or stomach pain
  • black, tarry stools
  • bleeding gums
  • blood in urine or stools
  • bloody nose
  • blurred vision
  • chest pain or discomfort
  • chills
  • clay-colored stools
  • confusion as to time, place, or person
  • cough or hoarseness
  • dark urine
  • decreased awareness or responsiveness
  • difficulty or troubled breathing
  • double vision
  • fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse
  • fever with or without chills
  • fixed position of eye
  • headache
  • heavier menstrual periods
  • high fever
  • holding false beliefs that cannot be changed by fact
  • hyperexcitability
  • increased or decreased blood pressure
  • increased sweating
  • irregular, fast or slow, or shallow breathing
  • itching
  • large, hive-like swelling on face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
  • lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
  • loss of appetite
  • loss of bladder control
  • lower back or side pain
  • mimicry of speech or movements
  • mutism
  • nasal stuffiness
  • nausea
  • negativism
  • nightmares
  • noisy breathing
  • not breathing
  • painful or difficult urination
  • pale or blue lips, fingernails, or skin
  • peculiar postures or movements, mannerisms or grimacing
  • pinpoint red spots on skin
  • seeing double
  • seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
  • seizures
  • severe muscle stiffness
  • severe sleepiness
  • shortness of breath
  • skin rash
  • slow or irregular heartbeat
  • sore throat
  • sores, ulcers, or white spots on lips or in mouth
  • sticking out of tongue
  • swollen glands
  • tightness in chest
  • tremors
  • uncontrolled twisting movements of neck
  • unpleasant breath odor
  • unusual bleeding or bruising
  • unusual excitement, nervousness, or restlessness
  • unusual tiredness or weakness
  • vomiting of blood
  • wheezing
  • yellow eyes or skin

Symptoms of overdose

Other side effects of Phenergan

Some side effects of promethazine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

  • blistering, crusting, irritation, itching, or reddening of skin
  • continuing ringing or buzzing or other unexplained noise in ears
  • cracked, dry, scaly skin
  • dizziness
  • drowsiness
  • excitation
  • false or unusual sense of well-being
  • hearing loss
  • hives or welts
  • increased sensitivity of skin to sunlight
  • lack of coordination
  • loss of strength or energy
  • muscle pain or weakness
  • redness or other discoloration of skin
  • relaxed and calm
  • sunburn
  • swelling
  • unable to sleep
  • vomiting

For healthcare professionals

Applies to promethazine: compounding powder, injectable solution, oral syrup, oral tablet, rectal suppository.

General adverse events

The most commonly reported side effect include drowsiness, dizziness, and restlessness.[Ref]

Nervous system

Local

Psychiatric

Gastrointestinal

Cardiovascular

Hematologic

Dermatologic

Other

Respiratory

Ocular

Hypersensitivity

Musculoskeletal

Metabolic

Hepatic

Genitourinary

See also:

References

1. (2001) "Product Information. Phenergan (promethazine)." Wyeth-Ayerst Laboratories

2. (2004) "Product Information. Promethazine Hydrochloride (promethazine)." ESI Lederle Generics

3. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."

4. Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information."

Frequently asked questions

Further information

Phenergan side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.