SIDE EFFECTS: Promethazine often causes sedation. In children less than two it can depress respiration and lead to death. Therefore, it should not be used in children less than two years old. Dizziness may also occur. Ironically, promethazine sometimes stimulates patients, particularly children. Such stimulation may be manifest by restlessness, inability to sleep, heart palpitations or even seizures. Promethazine also causes anticholinergic side effects such as blurred vision, dry mouth, dilated pupils, nausea, urinary retention (inability to urinate), impotence, and constipation.
PRESCRIBED FOR: Promethazine is prescribed for treating nausea or vomiting, motion sickness, and allergic reactions and for sedation.
There may be an increase in the risk of certain neurologic reactions that affect movement of muscles (EPS, see below) when promethazine is combined with medicines that also cause EPS. Such drugs include antipsychotics, metoclopramide (Reglan), and amoxapine (Asendin).
|
