Promethazine Hydrochloride (Page 3 of 4)

Paradoxical Reactions

Hyperexcitability and abnormal movements have been reported in patients following a single administration of promethazine hydrochloride. Consideration should be given to the discontinuation of promethazine hydrochloride and to the use of other drugs if these reactions occur. Respiratory depression, nightmares, delirium, and agitated behavior have also been reported in some of these patients.

OVERDOSAGE

Signs and symptoms of overdosage with promethazine hydrochloride range from mild depression of the central nervous system and cardiovascular system to profound hypotension, respiratory depression, unconsciousness, and sudden death. Other reported reactions include hyperreflexia, hypertonia, ataxia, athetosis, and extensor-plantar reflexes (Babinski reflex).

Stimulation may be evident, especially in children and geriatric patients. Convulsions may rarely occur. A paradoxical-type reaction has been reported in children receiving single doses of 75 mg to 125 mg orally, characterized by hyperexcitability and nightmares.

Atropine-like signs and symptoms-dry mouth, fixed, dilated pupils, flushing, as well as gastrointestinal symptoms-may occur.

Treatment

Treatment of overdosage is essentially symptomatic and supportive. Only in cases of extreme overdosage or individual sensitivity do vital signs, including respiration, pulse, blood pressure, temperature, and EKG, need to be monitored. Activated charcoal orally or by lavage may be given, or sodium or magnesium sulfate orally as a cathartic. Attention should be given to the reestablishment of adequate respiratory exchange through provision of a patent airway and institution of assisted or controlled ventilation. Diazepam may be used to control convulsions. Acidosis and electrolyte losses should be corrected. Note that any depressant effects of promethazine hydrochloride are not reversed by naloxone. Avoid analeptics which may cause convulsions.

The treatment of choice for resulting hypotension is administration of intravenous fluids, accompanied by repositioning if indicated. In the event that vasopressors are considered for the management of severe hypotension which does not respond to intravenous fluids and repositioning, the administration of norepinephrine or phenylephrine should be considered. EPINEPHRINE SHOULD NOT BE USED, since its use in patients with partial adrenergic blockade may further lower the blood pressure. Extrapyramidal reactions may be treated with anticholinergic antiparkinsonian agents, diphenhydramine, or barbiturates. Oxygen may also be administered.

Limited experience with dialysis indicates that it is not helpful.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Promethazine hydrochloride tablets, USP are contraindicated for children under 2 years of age (see WARNINGS-Black Box Warning and Use in Pediatric Patients).

Allergy

The average oral dose is 25 mg taken before retiring; however, 12.5 mg may be taken before meals and on retiring, if necessary. Single 25-mg doses at bedtime or 6.25 to 12.5 mg taken three times daily will usually suffice. After initiation of treatment in children or adults, dosage should be adjusted to the smallest amount adequate to relieve symptoms. The administration of promethazine hydrochloride in 25-mg doses will control minor transfusion reactions of an allergic nature.

Motion Sickness

The average adult dose is 25 mg taken twice daily. The initial dose should be taken one-half to one hour before anticipated travel and be repeated 8 to 12 hours later, if necessary. On succeeding days of travel, it is recommended that 25 mg be given on arising and again before the evening meal. For children, promethazine hydrochloride tablets, USP, 12.5 to 25 mg, twice daily, may be administered.

Nausea and Vomiting

Antiemetics should not be used in vomiting of unknown etiology in children and adolescents (see WARNINGS-Use in Pediatric Patients).

The average effective dose of promethazine hydrochloride for the active therapy of nausea and vomiting in children or adults is 25 mg. When oral medication cannot be tolerated, the dose should be given parenterally (cf. Promethazine hydrochloride Injection). 12.5- to 25-mg doses may be repeated, as necessary, at 4- to 6-hour intervals.

For nausea and vomiting in children, the usual dose is 0.5 mg per pound of body weight, and the dose should be adjusted to the age and weight of the patient and the severity of the condition being treated.

For prophylaxis of nausea and vomiting, as during surgery and the postoperative period, the average dose is 25 mg repeated at 4- to 6-hour intervals, as necessary.

Sedation

This product relieves apprehension and induces a quiet sleep from which the patient can be easily aroused. Administration of 12.5 to 25 mg promethazine hydrochloride by the oral route or by rectal suppository at bedtime will provide sedation in children. Adults usually require 25 to 50 mg for nighttime, presurgical, or obstetrical sedation.

Pre- and Postoperative Use

Promethazine hydrochloride in 12.5- to 25-mg doses for children and 50-mg doses for adults the night before surgery relieves apprehension and produces a quiet sleep.

For preoperative medication, children require doses of 0.5 mg per pound of body weight in combination with an appropriately reduced dose of narcotic or barbiturate and the appropriate dose of an atropine-like drug. Usual adult dosage is 50 mg promethazine hydrochloride with an appropriately reduced dose of narcotic or barbiturate and the required amount of a belladonna alkaloid.

Postoperative sedation and adjunctive use with analgesics may be obtained by the administration of 12.5 to 25 mg in children and 25- to 50-mg doses in adults.

Promethazine hydrochloride tablets, USP are contraindicated for children under 2 years of age.

HOW SUPPLIED

Promethazine hydrochloride tablets USP, 12.5 mg are, white to off-white, round shape, biconvex, uncoated tablets debossed with the logo of “ZC”, “01” and bisect on one side and plain on the other side and are supplied as follows:

Unit dose packages of 100 (10 x 10) NDC 60687-660-01

Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature].

Protect from light.

FOR YOUR PROTECTION: Do not use if blister is torn or broken.

PACKAGING INFORMATION

American Health Packaging unit dose blisters (see How Supplied section) contain drug product from BluePoint Laboratories as follows:
(12.5 mg / 100 UD) NDC 60687-660-01 packaged from NDC 68001-161

Distributed by:
American Health Packaging
Columbus, OH 43217

8466001/0224F

Patient Information Leaflet

8466001/0224F

Promethazine Hydrochloride Tablets, USP
(proe meth’ a zeen hye’ droe klor’ ide) Tablets, USP

This is a summary of the most important information about promethazine. For details, talk to your healthcare professional.

What Is Promethazine?
Promethazine is an antihistamine which can be taken by mouth as a tablet or syrup, rectally as a suppository, or by injection. It can be used for:

  • “hay fever,” or, a stuffy runny nose from allergy
  • watery, itchy eyes due to inhaled allergies and foods
  • mild allergic skin reactions with itching and swelling
  • allergic reactions to blood or plasma
  • dermographism, a form of hives known as “skin writing”
  • serious allergic reactions along with epinephrine and other treatments
  • sedation before or after surgery, or during childbirth
  • prevention and control of nausea and vomiting after surgery
  • •along with meperidine (demerol) or other pain medicines
  • sedation, relief of anxiety, and production of light sleep
  • from which the patient can be easily aroused
  • treatment and prevention of motion sickness

Who Should Not Use Promethazine?

Promethazine should not be given to:

  • children under two years of age
  • patients who are unconscious
  • patients who are allergic to promethazine, any of the ingredients in promethazine, or to other phenothiazines
  • patients with lung symptoms including asthma
  • children who are vomiting unless the vomiting is prolonged and there is a known cause

What Are The Risks?
The following are the major potential risks and side effects of promethazine therapy. However, this list is not complete.

  • Severe drowsiness and reduced mental alertness.
    Promethazine may cause drowsiness which may impair your ability to ride a bike, drive a car, or operate machinery. This may be worsened if taken with alcohol or other drugs that also cause central nervous system (CNS) slowing such as sedatives, pain medicines, tranquilizers or certain drugs for depression.
  • Serious breathing problems.
    Promethazine should not be used in patients with poor lung function such as chronic obstructive lung disease or breathing problems while sleeping (sleep apnea).
  • Increased risk of seizures.
    Promethazine should be used with caution in patients with seizures or who are on other medicines which may also increase the risk of seizures.
  • Bone-marrow problems and blood cell production.
    Promethazine should not be used in patients with bone-marrow problems or used with other drugs that affect the bone marrow’s production of blood cells.
  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
    This potentially deadly syndrome includes symptoms such as fever, muscle rigidity, mental changes, changes in pulse or blood pressure, fast heartbeat, increased sweating or irregular heart rhythm.
  • The most common side effects are drowsiness, changes in blood pressure, skin reactions, blood cell changes and breathing problems. Increased excitability or abnormal movements may occur after one dose of promethazine. If they do, consult your doctor about using another medicine.

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Professional?

Before you start taking promethazine, tell your healthcare professional if you:

  • have narrow-angle glaucoma
  • have an enlarged prostate
  • have a stomach ulcer
  • have an intestinal blockage
  • have a bladder blockage
  • have heart problems
  • have liver problems
  • have breathing or lung problems
  • have sleep apnea (breathing problems when sleeping)
  • have seizures
  • drink alcohol
  • are trying to become pregnant, are already pregnant, or are breast-feeding

Can Other Medicines Or Food Affect Promethazine?

Promethazine and certain other medicines can interact with each other. Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some medicines may affect how promethazine works or promethazine may affect how your other medicines work. Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them with you to show your healthcare professional.

Especially tell your healthcare professional if you take:

  • medicines that affect your brain such as anti-anxiety medicine, sleeping pills, pain medicines, sedatives, narcotics, antidepressants or tranquilizers
  • epinephrine
  • a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) which is used to treat depression or other mental disorders
  • medicines called anticholinergics

Distributed by:
American Health Packaging Columbus, OH 43217

8466001/0224F

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