Phenergan Tablets

About Phenergan Tablets (Promethazine Hydrochloride)

Phenergan tablets contain promethazine hydrochloride, a sedating antihistamine used for decades to treat various conditions.

What Are Phenergan Tablets Used For?

Phenergan 25mg tablets are used to treat several different conditions:

Allergies & allergic reactions – including hay fever, skin allergies, and allergic rhinitis. It can relieve cold symptoms, including sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, and itchy skin rashes.

Motion and travel sickness – preventing and treating nausea and vomiting caused by car, boat, or air travel.

Nausea and vomiting – from various causes, including post-operative nausea or general stomach upset.

Short-term sleep & insomnia problems – Phenergan can be used as a short-term sedative for those who suffer from occasional sleeplessness, though it shouldn’t be used as a regular sleeping aid.

How Do Phenergan Tablets​ Work?

Phenergan contains promethazine hydrochloride, which works by blocking histamine receptors in your body. Histamine is a chemical your immune system releases during allergic reactions, causing symptoms like sneezing, itching, and watery eyes. By blocking these histamine receptors, Phenergan effectively reduces allergic symptoms.

The medication also affects other receptors in the brain, which explains its additional benefits for nausea, vomiting, and sleep difficulties.

The sedating effect occurs because promethazine crosses into the brain and affects the central nervous system. This same action that causes drowsiness also helps prevent motion sickness and reduces nausea by affecting the areas of the brain that control these functions.

How to Take Phenergan Tablets

For adults, the dose of Phenergan depends on what condition you’re treating:

• Allergies: Take​ a single tablet at night, 1-2 times daily
• Motion sickness: Single tablet the night before the journey, then another after 6-8 hours if necessary
• Nausea and vomiting: Single tablet taken at night, then another 6-8 hours later if needed
• Sleep problems: 1-2 tablets taken at night

Always follow the dosage instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist. Do not exceed the recommended dose, which increases the risk of side effects.

Who Are Phenergan Tablets Suitable For?

Phenergan tablets are suitable for most adults and children over 2 years of age who need treatment for allergies, motion sickness, nausea, or short-term sleep difficulties. However, they are not suitable for everyone.

You shouldn’t take Phenergan tablets if you:

• Are allergic to promethazine or any other ingredients in the tablets
• Have severe heart problems or irregular heart rhythm
• Are taking certain antidepressants called MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors)
• Are unconscious (in a coma) or suffer from severe dizziness, drowsiness or headaches
• Are under 6 years of age

You should speak to a doctor or pharmacist before taking Phenergan if you:

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding – Phenergan Tablets shouldn’t be taken 2 weeks before birth.
• Have epilepsy or a history of seizures
• Have breathing problems or sleep apnoea
• Have glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
• Have an enlarged prostate or difficulty passing urine
• Have liver or kidney problems
• Are elderly, as you may be more sensitive to side effects
• Are taking other medications that cause drowsiness
• Have something called Reye’s Syndrome or possible Reye’s syndrome signs, including being sick and confused following a viral illness

Phenergan Side Effects

Common Side Effects

• Drowsiness (the most common side effect)
• Dizziness or feeling unsteady
• Dry mouth
• Loss of appetite or stomach irritation
• Blurred vision
• Headaches
• Nightmares
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Difficulty passing urine
• Confusion (especially in elderly patients)

Uncommon Side Effects

• Skin rash or itching
• Increased sensitivity to sunlight
• Muscle stiffness or tremors
• Restlessness or agitation
• Changes in blood pressure
• Irregular heartbeat

Serious Side Effects

Contact your doctor immediately if you experience:

• Severe allergic reactions (difficulty breathing, swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat)
• Uncontrollable movements of the face, tongue, or limbs
• Very fast or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
• High fever with muscle stiffness
• Yellowing of skin or eyes (signs of liver problems)
• Severe skin reactions with blistering or peeling

If you experience any serious or concerning side effects, stop taking Phenergan and seek immediate medical attention.

For a complete list of side effects, read the patient information leaflet.

Phenergan 25 mg Tablets Ingredients

Active Ingredient: Promethazine hydrochloride 25 mg

Other ingredients: lactose, maize starch, povidone, magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol, Opaspray (contains titanium dioxide-E171, hypromellose- E464 and indigo carmine aluminium lake blue-E132) and hypromellose

Important Information

• Do not drive or operate machinery while taking Phenergan, as it causes drowsiness
• Avoid alcohol while taking this medication, as it can increase drowsiness and other side effects
• Do not exceed the recommended dose
• Keep out of sight and reach of children
• Do not use after the expiry date
• Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight
• If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine
• This medication contains lactose – if your doctor has told you that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicinal product