Sometimes, before an operation or when you have a severe allergy, your doctor may give you an injection. It may be Promethazine. This is a drug that comes under the brand name Phenergan. So let's talk a little bit about this drug and what it does, shall we? It's very important to be aware of this.
What is Promethazine?
Simply put, promethazine is an antihistamine . Imagine, when we are allergic to something, our body produces a chemical called histamine. It is this histamine that causes things like itching, skin rashes, and runny nose. So what this promethazine does is block the action of that histamine.
Not only that, this medicine can do several other things.
- Before and after surgery: It is used before an operation to calm the mind, induce sleep, and reduce nausea, vomiting, and pain that may occur afterward.
- Nausea and vomiting: This is also given to control nausea and vomiting caused by other causes.
- Motion Sickness: This is also used to control motion sickness if you vomit while traveling on a bus or van.
This medicine works by calming the nervous system and blocking chemicals that cause things like nausea.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before you are given this injection, it is important to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions. This is very important for your safety.
- If you have an allergy to promethazine, sulfites, or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you have any blockage or obstruction in your intestines.
- If you have diabetes.
- If you have the eye disease glaucoma.
- If you have difficulty controlling your muscles.
- If you have heart disease.
- If you have liver disease.
- If you have a condition such as a decrease in the number of white blood cells, platelets, or red blood cells in the blood.
- If you have a lung or respiratory disease such as asthma.
- If you have Parkinson's disease.
- If you have a prostate problem.
- If you have had seizures before.
- If you have other stomach or intestinal problems.
- If you have difficulty urinating.
- If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant .
- If you are a mother who is breastfeeding .
Do not hide this information from your doctor. It is essential to provide this information to ensure accurate and safe treatment.
How to administer the medicine and special considerations
This medicine is not usually given to you to take home. It is given by a doctor or nurse in a hospital or clinic . It is usually given as a deep muscle injection or into a vein.
Do you give it to small children?
This is very important. Promethazine is not given to infants under 2 years of age because of the risk of severe respiratory distress.
What if the dose increases?
This is given in a hospital setting, so the chances of this happening are low. However, if you think you have overdosed in any way, inform the medical staff immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the nearest Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU).
Can there be problems with other medications?
Yes, absolutely. Promethazine is a drug that can interact with many other medications. Therefore, tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking. That means, medications for other conditions, cough and cold pills/honey, painkillers, vitamins, Ayurvedic/Sinhala medicines, dietary supplements, etc.
This medicine may interact with the following in particular:
- Alcohol
- Medication for anxiety or sleep
- Some medications for depression
- Medication for high blood pressure
- Medicine for seizures
- Anesthesia drugs for surgery
- Some medications for Parkinson's disease
- Other types of antihistamines
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medication may make you feel very drowsy and dizzy. Therefore, do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
- Changing positions: Especially if you are older, getting up or sitting down too quickly can cause dizziness and fall. So change positions slowly.
- Dry mouth: Dry mouth is common . Chewing sugar-free gum, using a candy to soothe your mouth, and drinking plenty of water can help.
- Sun protection: This medication may make your skin sensitive to the sun. Therefore, wear clothing that covers your skin and use sunscreen when going outside.
- Diabetes: If you have diabetes, this medicine may slightly increase your blood sugar levels. Talk to your doctor about whether you need to make changes to your diet or medication.
Possible side effects
Like any medication, promethazine can cause side effects. Some are serious, while others are common. It's important to be aware of these.
| Type of side effect | Description and symptoms |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that you should report to your doctor or nurse immediately | |
| Severe allergies | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Respiratory distress (CNS Depression) | Slow breathing, difficulty breathing, extreme drowsiness, unconsciousness. |
| Injection site problems | Severe pain, burning, redness, swelling, blistering (this can occur at the time of injection or even hours later). |
| Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome | High fever, muscle stiffness, excessive sweating, rapid/irregular heartbeat, confusion. |
| Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS) | Uncontrollable body movements, muscle stiffness or twitching, tremors, restlessness, loss of balance. |
| Other serious symptoms | Seizures, sudden eye pain or vision changes, signs of liver damage (pain in the right side of the abdomen, yellowing of the skin/eyes, dark urine), difficulty urinating. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Common side effects | Drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, confusion, strange dreams, sensitivity to light. |
Take-Home Message
- Promethazine is a powerful medication used for conditions such as allergies, vomiting, and sedation before surgery.
- This is only given by a medical professional in a hospital or clinic. It is not a medicine to take home.
- It is essential to tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions and all other medications you are taking.
- This may cause severe drowsiness, so avoid driving and activities that require alertness after taking the medication.
- If you experience any severe side effects, such as difficulty breathing, high fever, or unbearable pain at the injection site, notify the medical staff immediately.
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