General Info: Uses and Effects

This drug belongs to the class known as phenothiazines which is used in the treatment of allergies such as itching, sneezing, running nose, watery eyes etc. It also used for curing motion sickness, nausea or pain caused due to surgery being also used as a sedative. It is not intended for treating respiratory tract related infections. The drug alters the chemical actions in the brain and also works as an antihistamine by blocking the naturally produced histamine in body. This product is not advised to be taken by children below six years of age unless directed by the doctor and for children below twelve years of age consuming the long term acting tablets is also not advised. The effect of the medicine can be felt within twenty minutes of usage and usually lasts for four to six hours or may even last to twelve hours in some patients.

Contraindication: Important to Know

This drug is not recommended in pediatric patients below two years of age. It is also not advised to be used during comatose periods, or in patients who are hypersensitive or those who might have a peculiar reaction to the drug.

Antihistamines are not recommended for usage in treating illness related to the lower respiratory tract like asthma. This drug has a black box warning and is to be used under strict medical supervision.

During usage of the drug other central nervous system depressants or tricyclic antidepressants is recommended to be not used at all or the dosage has to be minimized as Phenergan (Promethazine HCI) is already known to impair cognitive abilities. The drug may also cause serious respiratory depression. It may as well lower seizure threshold and should be used with caution in patient having seizure related disorders or patient using concomitant drugs. This drug should be used with extreme care in patient having bone marrow depression. The drug is known to be associated with a severe syndrome called Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome. It can be caused by using the drug alone or even if taken along with antipsychotic drugs. Usage of the drug is also known to cause cholestatic jaundice. Patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases or liver related problems are also advised caution while using the drug. Pregnant women are advised extreme caution and medical advice. Precaution is also advised for patients with bladder-neck obstruction, pyloroduodenal obstruction, stenosing peptic ulcer, prostatic hypertrophy or narrow angle glaucoma. If the drug is used in patients below two years of age it is advised that the dosage used maybe the minimum as may cause serious breathing problems.

Instructions on taking

Patients are advised to understand the patient information leaflet or may consult a doctor or pharmacist for detailed suggestions. It can be consumed with or without food by mouth as advised by the doctor where the normal dosage is two to four times per day. For patients recovering from motion sickness the dosage should be taken thirty to sixty minutes prior to travelling. When treating allergies it may be consumed one time per day before going to bed to prevent any kind of drowsiness during the day time. It maybe used the night before a surgery or before the surgery and continued later on as advised by the doctor. It is recommended that a special measuring device/spoon maybe used to consume the medicine to determine the correct amount of dosage.

Dosage

The dosage is based on age, medical condition and how the patient responds to the medication. In children the dosage is determined according to weight. The dosage is not supposed to be increased and the fixed schedule as prescribed by the doctor is to be followed.

For treating allergies the usual dosage is 25mg before going to bed or 12.5mg may be consumed before dinner and before going to bed or 6.25 mg to 12.5mg thrice daily.

For motion sickness the dosage is 25mg twice a day where the first dosage is taken about an hour or hour and a half before travel which is to be repeated after eight to twelve hours if required. On subsequent days of travel 25mg may be consumed waking up in the morning to be repeated before evening meal. In children the dosage is 12.5mg to 25mg two times a day.

For treatment of nausea or vomiting in children the dosage is 25mg though antiemetics are not advised to be used for children where the etymology of the vomiting is not known. The dosage of 12.5 mg to 25 mg maybe repeated twice if required at gaps of four to six hours. The average dosage is measured at 0.5 mg per pound of body weight. The dosage is 25mg repeated after gaps of four to six hours at the time of surgery and after surgery.

If the drug is used as a sedative the dosage is 12.5mg to 25mg in children by oral or rectal suppository during bedtime. For adults the dosage is 25mg to 50 mg at night, before surgery or obstetrical sedation.

For using the drug before surgery the dosage is determined as 0.5 mg per pound of body weight with decreased dosage of any other related drug like narcotic, barbiturates or atropine drugs. For adults the dosage is 50mg with decreased dosages of other forms of narcotic, barbiturates or belladonna alkaloid.

Side Effects

Side effects maybe several such as dry mouth, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision may occur. Though serious side effects are uncommon but if the patient suffers from mood changes, fainting, slow heartbeat, unusual movements, urinating problems, bleeding, infections, strong stomach pain the doctor needs to be consulted immediately in such cases.

Interaction with Other Drugs

Some drugs like antihistamines, metoclopramide interact with the drugs. Other products such as alcohol, drugs inducing sleep or anxiety, narcotic pain relievers or muscle relaxants also interact with the drug. The drug may influence laboratory tests relating to allegies, glucose tolerance, pregnancy tests. All lists of drugs being consumed prior to using Phenegran should be given to a Doctor.