promethazine
Promethazine is used to relieve the symptoms of allergic reactions such as allergic rhinitis (runny nose and watery eyes caused by allergy to pollen, mold or dust), allergic conjunctivitis (red, watery eyes caused by allergies), allergic skin reactions, and allergic reactions to blood or plasma products. Promethazine is used with other medications to treat anaphylaxis (sudden, severe allergic reactions) and the symptoms of the common cold such as sneezing, cough, and runny nose. Promethazine is also used to relax and sedate patients before and after surgery, during labor, and at other times. Promethazine is also used to prevent and control nausea and vomiting that may occur after surgery, and with other medications to help relieve pain after surgery. Promethazine is also used to prevent and treat motion sickness. Promethazine helps control symptoms, but will not treat the cause of the symptoms or speed recovery. Promethazine is in a class of medications called phenothiazines. It works by blocking the action of a certain natural substance in the body.
Full drug information on MedlinePlus →This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Decisions about medication use during pregnancy or breastfeeding should be made with your healthcare provider.
Can taking promethazine affect fertility or make it harder to get pregnant?
Studies have not been done to determine whether promethazine can make it harder to get pregnant. If you have questions or concerns about fertility while taking this medication, it is best to discuss them with your healthcare provider.
Does taking promethazine increase the risk of miscarriage?
Miscarriage can occur in any pregnancy for many different reasons. The fact sheet notes that one small study did not report an increased chance of miscarriage after taking promethazine. Any specific concerns about your pregnancy should be discussed with your healthcare provider.
Does taking promethazine increase the risk of birth defects?
The fact sheet notes that about 3 out of 100 babies are born with a birth defect for various reasons, and taking promethazine during pregnancy is not expected to increase the chance of birth defects. Decisions about using this medication during pregnancy should be made together with your healthcare provider.
Can taking promethazine during pregnancy cause other pregnancy-related complications?
According to the fact sheet, it is not known whether promethazine increases the chance of problems such as preterm delivery or low birth weight. Some reports have suggested that use late in pregnancy might increase the chance of slowed breathing (respiratory depression) in newborns, so it is important that your healthcare providers know you are taking promethazine so your baby can receive appropriate care if needed.
Can taking promethazine during pregnancy affect the child's brain development, learning, or behavior?
The fact sheet states it is not known whether promethazine increases the chance of behavior or learning issues. One study that grouped promethazine together with a similar medication (ondansetron) evaluated children from about 1 week of age up to about 5½ years and did not find meaningful behavior or developmental problems, but the medications were not analyzed separately. Any concerns about your child's development are best discussed with your healthcare provider.
Is it safe to breastfeed while taking promethazine?
The fact sheet notes that studies have not been done to see if promethazine passes into breastmilk, but because it can cause sleepiness in adults, it might have a similar effect in a nursing baby; contact your child's healthcare provider if you notice symptoms such as sleepiness or lack of energy. Promethazine could also potentially reduce milk supply, especially early in breastfeeding, so speak with your healthcare provider or a lactation specialist if you experience milk supply concerns or have other breastfeeding questions.
Source: National Library of Medicine
promethazine