Promethazine Side Effects

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

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

• Frequency not reported: Drowsiness, sedation, somnolence, dizziness, extrapyramidal symptoms, incoordination, tremors, convulsive seizures, faintness, headache, neuroleptic malignant syndrome/fatal neuroleptic malignant syndrome, psychomotor impairment, antimuscarinic effects, abnormal movements, central nervous system depression, activation of epileptogenic foci, tardive dyskinesia, tic-like movements of the head and face^[Ref]

Local

• Frequency not reported: Severe chemical irritation, tissue damage, burning, pain, erythema, swelling, sensory loss, palsies, paralysis, severe spasm of distal vessels, thrombophlebitis, venous thrombosis, phlebitis, abscesses, tissue necrosis, gangrene^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Frequency not reported: Restlessness, anxiety, confusion, disorientation, euphoria, nervousness, insomnia, catatonic-like states, irritability, hysteria, hallucinations, hyperexcitability, nightmares, delirium, agitation/agitated behavior^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Frequency not reported: Dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, tongue protrusion, gastric irritation, epigastric distress^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Frequency not reported: Bradycardia, tachycardia, palpitations, hypotension, arrhythmias, circulatory collapse, increased or decreased blood pressure^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Frequency not reported: Leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, thrombocytopenic purpura, agranulocytosis, blood dyscrasias, hemolytic anemia, aplastic anemia^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Frequency not reported: Dermatitis, photosensitivity, urticaria, rash, pruritus, angioneurotic edema, topical contact dermatitis^[Ref]

Other

• Frequency not reported: Lassitude, tinnitus, fatigue, tiredness, paradoxical reactions, decreased performance (impaired driving/poor work performance, incoordination, reduced motor skills, impaired information processing)^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Frequency not reported: Asthma, nasal stuffiness, respiratory depression/fatal respiratory depression, apnea/fatal apnea, marked irregular respiration^[Ref]

Ocular

• Frequency not reported: Blurred vision, oculogyric crisis, diplopia, angle closure glaucoma^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Frequency not reported: Anaphylaxis, angioedema, hypersensitivity reactions^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Frequency not reported: Torticollis, muscle spasms, muscle dyskinesia^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Frequency not reported: Anorexia, loss of appetite, appetite stimulation^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Frequency not reported: Jaundice, obstructive jaundice^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Frequency not reported: Urinary retention and hesitancy^[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

• Par promethazine with codeine vs Hi-Tech promethazine with codeine?
• How long does promethazine stay in your system?

Further information

Promethazine 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.

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