Promethazine is a medication that is used for various purposes, including:
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Allergy symptoms: Promethazine is used to relieve the symptoms of allergic reactions such as allergic rhinitis (runny nose and watery eyes caused by allergy to pollen, mold or dust), allergic conjunctivitis (red, watery eyes caused by allergies), allergic skin reactions, and allergic reactions to blood or plasma products.
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Nausea and vomiting: Promethazine is used to prevent and control nausea and vomiting that may occur after surgery, and with other medications to help relieve pain after surgery. It is also used to treat nausea and vomiting related to certain conditions (such as before/after surgery, motion sickness) .
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Sedation: Promethazine is used to relax and sedate patients before and after surgery, during labor, and at other times. It may also be used for a short time to help with sleep problems (insomnia) .
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Other uses: Promethazine is also used as an adjunctive therapy to epinephrine for anaphylactic reactions, to prevent and control motion sickness, and to help people go to sleep and control their pain or anxiety before or after surgery or other procedures.
It is important to note that promethazine should not be used by children younger than 2 years because it may cause serious (possibly fatal) slow/shallow breathing. When this medication is used by children 2 years and older, the lowest effective dosage should be used, and other drugs that affect breathing should be avoided. Get medical help right away if slow/shallow breathing occurs.
