Promethazine-DM – Uses, Side Effects, and More
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially drowsiness, confusion, constipation, or trouble urinating. Drowsiness and confusion can increase the risk of falling.
Promethazine Dm Syrup – Uses, Side Effects, and More
Promethazine should not be used by children younger than 2 years since it might cause serious (possibly fatal) slow/shallow breathing. This problem has occurred even with normal doses in this age group. The lowest effective dosage should be used, and other drugs that affect breathing should be avoided. Seek immediate medical attention in the unlikely event that slow/shallow breathing occurs. Promethazine should not be used by children with liver disease (including possible Reyes syndrome).
Warnings:
Promethazine should not be used by children younger than 2 years since it might cause serious (possibly fatal) slow/shallow breathing. This problem has occurred even with normal doses in this age group. The lowest effective dosage should be used, and other drugs that affect breathing should be avoided. Seek immediate medical attention in the unlikely event that slow/shallow breathing occurs. Promethazine should not be used by children with liver disease (including possible Reyes syndrome).
Uses
This combination medication is used to temporarily treat runny nose, coughing, and sneezing caused by the common cold, allergies, hay fever, and other breathing illnesses. Promethazine is a phenothiazine that works like an antihistamine. It blocks the effects of a certain natural substance (histamine), which causes allergy symptoms. It also has a drying effect. Dextromethorphan belongs to a class of drugs known as cough suppressants. It acts on a part of the brain (cough center) to reduce the need to cough.This product is usually not used for ongoing cough from smoking or long-term breathing problems (such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema) unless directed by your doctor.Cough-and-cold products have not been shown to be safe or effective in children younger than 6 years. Do not use this product to treat cold symptoms in children younger than 6 years unless specifically directed by the doctor. Some products (such as long-acting tablets/capsules) are not recommended for use in children younger than 12 years. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details about using your product safely.These products do not cure or shorten the length of the common cold and may cause serious side effects. To decrease the risk for serious side effects, carefully follow all dosage directions. Do not use this product to make a child sleepy. Do not give other cough-and-cold medication that might contain the same or similar ingredients (see also Drug Interactions section). Ask the doctor or pharmacist about other ways to relieve cough and cold symptoms (such as drinking enough fluids, using a humidifier or saline nose drops/spray).
How to use Promethazine Dm Syrup
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, with or without food, usually every 4-6 hours as needed. Since dosing recommendations may vary, carefully follow your doctor’s directions for taking this medication.
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The dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.
Drink plenty of fluids while you are using this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor. The fluid will help loosen the mucus in your lungs.
Improper use of this medication (abuse) may result in serious harm (such as brain damage, seizure, death). Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or use it for a longer time than directed.
Tell your doctor if your cough lasts, returns, or gets worse after 7 days or if it is accompanied by headache that doesn’t go away, fever, severe sore throat, or rash.
Side Effects
Drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, constipation, or dry mouth may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
If you are very sleepy or have difficulty waking up after using this medication, stop taking this medication and talk to your doctor or pharmacist right away. Your dosage may need to be lower.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: decreased coordination, difficulty urinating, shaking (tremor), mental/mood changes (such as nervousness, excitement, irritability, confusion, hallucinations), abnormal/uncontrolled movements (such as fixed upward stare, neck twisting, tongue movements), slow heartbeat, fainting.
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: slow/shallow breathing, seizures.
This medication may rarely cause a very serious condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). Get medical help right away if you have any of the following symptoms: fever, muscle stiffness/pain/tenderness/weakness, severe tiredness, severe confusion, sweating, fast/irregular heartbeat, dark urine, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine).
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
See also Warning section.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to promethazine or to dextromethorphan; or to any other phenothiazines (such as prochlorperazine); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: breathing problems (such as asthma, emphysema, sleep apnea), heart problems (such as slow/irregular heartbeat, chest pain), liver problems, difficulty urinating (such as due to an enlarged prostate), stomach/bowel problems (such as blockage, ulcer), high blood pressure, diabetes, a certain eye problem (glaucoma), seizures, blood/immune system problems (such as bone marrow depression).
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or blur your vision. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Children should be supervised during bicycle riding and other possibly hazardous activities to avoid injury. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness.
Liquid forms of this medication may contain sugar, alcohol, or aspartame. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, liver disease, phenylketonuria (PKU), or any other condition that requires you to limit/avoid these substances in your diet. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely.
Before having surgery or procedures such as X-rays with dye, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially slowed breathing and uncontrolled movements (see also Warning section). Children may also experience excitability rather than drowsiness. Special caution should be taken in children with a family history of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), those who have a severe loss of fluid (dehydration), and those who are hard to wake up from sleep.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially drowsiness, confusion, constipation, or trouble urinating. Drowsiness and confusion can increase the risk of falling.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only if clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. However, it may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Promethazine-DM – Uses, Side Effects, and More
Promethazine should not be used by children younger than 2 years since it might cause serious (possibly fatal) slow/shallow breathing. This problem has occurred even with normal doses in this age group. The lowest effective dosage should be used, and other drugs that affect breathing should be avoided. Seek immediate medical attention in the unlikely event that slow/shallow breathing occurs. Promethazine should not be used by children with liver disease (including possible Reyes syndrome).
Warnings:
Promethazine should not be used by children younger than 2 years since it might cause serious (possibly fatal) slow/shallow breathing. This problem has occurred even with normal doses in this age group. The lowest effective dosage should be used, and other drugs that affect breathing should be avoided. Seek immediate medical attention in the unlikely event that slow/shallow breathing occurs. Promethazine should not be used by children with liver disease (including possible Reyes syndrome).
Uses
This combination medication is used to temporarily treat runny nose, coughing, and sneezing caused by the common cold, allergies, hay fever, and other breathing illnesses. Promethazine is a phenothiazine that works like an antihistamine. It blocks the effects of a certain natural substance (histamine), which causes allergy symptoms. It also has a drying effect. Dextromethorphan belongs to a class of drugs known as cough suppressants. It acts on a part of the brain (cough center) to reduce the need to cough.This product is usually not used for ongoing cough from smoking or long-term breathing problems (such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema) unless directed by your doctor.Cough-and-cold products have not been shown to be safe or effective in children younger than 6 years. Do not use this product to treat cold symptoms in children younger than 6 years unless specifically directed by the doctor. Some products (such as long-acting tablets/capsules) are not recommended for use in children younger than 12 years. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details about using your product safely.These products do not cure or shorten the length of the common cold and may cause serious side effects. To decrease the risk for serious side effects, carefully follow all dosage directions. Do not use this product to make a child sleepy. Do not give other cough-and-cold medication that might contain the same or similar ingredients (see also Drug Interactions section). Ask the doctor or pharmacist about other ways to relieve cough and cold symptoms (such as drinking enough fluids, using a humidifier or saline nose drops/spray).
How to use Promethazine-DM
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, with or without food, usually every 4-6 hours as needed. Since dosing recommendations may vary, carefully follow your doctor’s directions for taking this medication.
The dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.
Drink plenty of fluids while you are using this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor. The fluid will help loosen the mucus in your lungs.
Improper use of this medication (abuse) may result in serious harm (such as brain damage, seizure, death). Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or use it for a longer time than directed.
Tell your doctor if your cough lasts, returns, or gets worse after 7 days or if it is accompanied by headache that doesn’t go away, fever, severe sore throat, or rash.
Side Effects
Drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, nausea, constipation, or dry mouth may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
If you are very sleepy or have difficulty waking up after using this medication, stop taking this medication and talk to your doctor or pharmacist right away. Your dosage may need to be lower.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: decreased coordination, difficulty urinating, shaking (tremor), mental/mood changes (such as nervousness, excitement, irritability, confusion, hallucinations), abnormal/uncontrolled movements (such as fixed upward stare, neck twisting, tongue movements), slow heartbeat, fainting.
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: slow/shallow breathing, seizures.
This medication may rarely cause a very serious condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). Get medical help right away if you have any of the following symptoms: fever, muscle stiffness/pain/tenderness/weakness, severe tiredness, severe confusion, sweating, fast/irregular heartbeat, dark urine, signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine).
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
See also Warning section.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to promethazine or to dextromethorphan; or to any other phenothiazines (such as prochlorperazine); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: breathing problems (such as asthma, emphysema, sleep apnea), heart problems (such as slow/irregular heartbeat, chest pain), liver problems, difficulty urinating (such as due to an enlarged prostate), stomach/bowel problems (such as blockage, ulcer), high blood pressure, diabetes, a certain eye problem (glaucoma), seizures, blood/immune system problems (such as bone marrow depression).
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or blur your vision. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Children should be supervised during bicycle riding and other possibly hazardous activities to avoid injury. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness.
Liquid forms of this medication may contain sugar, alcohol, or aspartame. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, liver disease, phenylketonuria (PKU), or any other condition that requires you to limit/avoid these substances in your diet. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely.
Before having surgery or procedures such as X-rays with dye, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially slowed breathing and uncontrolled movements (see also Warning section). Children may also experience excitability rather than drowsiness. Special caution should be taken in children with a family history of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), those who have a severe loss of fluid (dehydration), and those who are hard to wake up from sleep.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially drowsiness, confusion, constipation, or trouble urinating. Drowsiness and confusion can increase the risk of falling.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only if clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. However, it may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
