Generic name: promethazine (rectal) [ pro-METH-a-zeen ]
Brand names: Phenergan, Promethegan, Phenadoz rectal
Drug classes: Antihistamines, Phenothiazine antiemetics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Aug 14, 2023. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is promethazine rectal?

Promethazine is used to treat allergy symptoms such as itching, runny nose, sneezing, itchy or watery eyes, hives, and itchy skin rashes.

Promethazine also prevents motion sickness, and treats nausea and vomiting or pain after surgery. It is also used as a sedative or sleep aid.

Promethazine is not for use in treating symptoms of asthma, pneumonia, or other lower respiratory tract infections.

Promethazine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Promethazine rectal side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Phenergan may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe drowsiness, weak or shallow breathing;

• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;

• confusion, agitation, hallucinations, nightmares;

• seizure (convulsions);

• fast or slow heartbeats;

• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

• uncontrolled muscle movements in your face (chewing, lip smacking, frowning, tongue movement, blinking or eye movement);

• easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums);

• sudden weakness or ill feeling, fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores, red or swollen gums, trouble swallowing; or

• severe nervous system reaction--very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, feeling like you might pass out.

Common side effects of Phenergan may include:

• drowsiness, dizziness;

• ringing in your ears;

• double vision;

• feeling nervous;

• dry mouth; or

• tiredness, sleep problems (insomnia).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

prednisone, trazodone, ondansetron, hydroxyzine, fluticasone nasal, montelukast, lorazepam

Warnings

Promethazine should not be given to a child younger than 2 years old. Promethazine can cause severe breathing problems or death in very young children.

Before taking this medicine

Promethazine should not be used in a child younger than 2 years old. Promethazine can cause severe breathing problems or death in a child younger than 2. Carefully follow your doctor's instructions when giving this medicine to a child of any age.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to promethazine or to similar medicines such as chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, mesoridazine, perphenazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine, or trifluoperazine.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), sleep apnea, or other breathing disorder;

• a history of seizures;

• a weak immune system (bone marrow depression);

• glaucoma;

• enlarged prostate or problems with urination;

• stomach ulcer or obstruction;

• heart disease or high blood pressure;

• liver disease; or

• if you have ever had a serious side effect while using promethazine or any other phenothiazine.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How should I use promethazine rectal?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not take promethazine by mouth. It is for use only in your rectum.

Try to empty your bowel and bladder just before using the promethazine suppository.

Remove the outer wrapper from the suppository before inserting it. Avoid handling the suppository too long or it will melt in your hands.

For best results from the suppository, lie down after inserting it and hold in the suppository for a few minutes. The suppository will melt quickly once inserted and you should feel little or no discomfort while holding it in. Avoid using the bathroom just after you have inserted the suppository.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse while using promethazine.

This medicine can cause unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using promethazine rectal.

Store the rectal suppositories in the refrigerator but do not allow them to freeze.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include overactive reflexes, loss of coordination, severe drowsiness or weakness, fainting, dilated pupils, weak or shallow breathing, or seizure (convulsions).

What should I avoid while using promethazine rectal?

This medicine may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.

Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of promethazine.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Promethazine can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

What other drugs will affect promethazine rectal?

Using promethazine rectal with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Other drugs may affect promethazine rectal, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Frequently asked questions

• Par promethazine with codeine vs Hi-Tech promethazine with codeine?
• How long does promethazine stay in your system?

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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