PROMETHAZINE HCL

Dosage form Tablets, 25 mg; Ampoules, 25 mg/ml -2 ml
Uses
Indications: Promethazine is a potent long-acting antihistaminic agent in the management of various allergic manifestations: hay fever, vasomotor rhinorrhoea, urticaria, angineurotic oedema, pruritus, sensitivity reactions to various drugs and other substances, Given in high doses, it is a valuable adjuvant in some cases of asthma. It may be used for the prevention and control of minor allergic reactions following blood transfusion. When used in various procedures in anaesthesia and obstetrics, it reduces the amount of sedatives and analgesic required and prevents or controls nausea and vomiting due to anaesthetic agents. During surgery it helps to economize with anaesthetics.
It has a sedative effect in eclampsia, shock and tetanus. As an adjuvant to local anaesthetics it reduces the dose requirement of the latter. Promethazine is also effective in the prevention and treatment of vomiting due to various causes and has been widely used in the prevention and treatment of Parkinson's syndrome, including parkinsonoid symptoms induced by drugs, especially by reserpine and chlorpromazine.
Properties: Promethazine is a powerful antihistaminic agent with a prolonged action. Its pattern of activity is multivalent including antiemetic, sedative and hypnotic effects and the ability to enhance drug-induced analgesia and barbiturate hypnosis. It has also some anticholinergic, antispasmodic and local analgesic properties.

Administration Promethazine may be administered orally and intramuscularly; the intravenous route is reserved for emergency cases. Dosage and method of administration depend on the individual case.
In the treatment of allergic conditions medication is started with 1 coated tablet and may be increased gradually up to 1 or 2 coated tablets three times daily if necessary. The daily amount is to be divided into subdoses. Doses in the evening should be higher to avert daytime drowsiness and to ensure a full control of symptoms during the night. If somnolence is troublesome, psychotonic drugs may be given with the morning and afternoon doses of Promethazine. . For the treatment of Parkinson's syndrome doses may be increased gradually up to 8 to 10 coated tablets daily. In preoperative medication a single dose of 25 to 50 mg (I/2 to 1 ampoule) is used in combination with other drugs (e.g. pethidine, chlorpromazine, etc.) as a cocktail lytic administered intramuscularly.
Children tolerate Promethazine well in the following average oral doses: Infants up to 3 months of age 2.5 mg twice daily;
Infants 3 months to 2 years of age 5 mg twice daily; Children 2 to 5 years of age 10 to 20 mg twice daily; Children 5 to 10 years of age 20 mg twice daily.

Observe
Side-effects: Sleepiness and somnolence may occur in particular at the beginning. Sometimes extrapyramidal dyskinesis develops in response to high doses given over long periods.
Drug interactions: Cross-sensitivity with other phenothiazine derivatives, such as chlorpromazine, is possible.
Promethazine will enhance the action of any sedative, hypnotic or other central nervous depressants.
Warning: Outpatients who are drivers or operators of dangerous machines should be advised to stop work until the tolerance has been assessed. Concomitant dosage of CNS depressants should be reduced in patients receiving Promethazine medication and it is recommended that they should abstain from alcoholic drinks.

Storage Store in a cool and dry place, away from light. Keep out of reach of children.