promethazine - oral, Phen-Tuss, Phenergan (cont.)
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually 4 times daily as needed or as directed by your doctor. For motion sickness, promethazine should be taken 30-60 minutes before beginning travel. If needed, the dose may be repeated 8 to 12 hours later as directed. For continued travel, your doctor may direct you to take promethazine twice a day, in the morning and before the evening meal. For allergies, this medication may be taken at bedtime to decrease daytime drowsiness. When used before surgery, promethazine may be taken the night before or just before the procedure and may be continued afterwards.If you are using the liquid form, use a medication measuring device to carefully measure the prescribed dose. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.Dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to therapy. Take this medication exactly as directed to get the most benefit from it. Do not take more medication or take it more often than prescribed. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.
SIDE EFFECTS: Drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, blurred vision, or dry mouth may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor.Some people, particularly children, may experience excitability rather than drowsiness.Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: lack of coordination, severe dizziness, ringing ears, fainting, slow heartbeat, mental/mood changes (e.g., hallucinations, nervousness, irritability), involuntary movements (e.g., fixed upward stare, neck twisting, tongue movements), restlessness, shaking (tremor), decreased/painful urination, weakness, vision changes (e.g., double vision).Stop taking this medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: slow/shallow breathing, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), severe abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting, easy bleeding/bruising, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine.This drug may infrequently cause a very serious (rarely fatal) nervous system disorder (neuroleptic malignant syndrome). If you notice any of the following unlikely but very serious side effects, stop taking this medication and seek immediate medical attention: severe muscle stiffness, mental/mood changes (e.g., sudden confusion, extreme drowsiness), very high fever, seizures, irregular/fast heartbeat, increased sweating.A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but stop taking this medication and seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.In the US -Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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