Promethazine Hydrochloride 10mg – 56 Tablets

What is promethazine? 
These tablets contain 10mg of promethazine hydrochloride, a type of medicine known as a phenothiazine. Promethazine hydrochloride has a variety of medical uses: 

Treatment of allergic conditions such as hay fever or rashes

Prevention or treatment of nausea and vomiting (i.e. travel sickness)

Short-term relief of insomnia (difficulty sleeping) in adults

What is the recommended dosage?
The recommended dosage for promethazine will depend on your age and what you’re planning to use the tablets for. Always follow your doctor or pharmacist’s specific advice on how to take this medicine for your condition. 

For allergies:
Children 5-10 years: a single dose of either one or two tablets (10mg or 20mg) given at night, or one tablet (10mg) given twice a day. Do not give more than two tablets (20mg) in one day. 
Adults and children over 10 years old: start with one tablet (10mg) twice a day. This can be increased to a maximum of two tablets (20mg) three times a day. 

Prevention of nausea and vomiting due to travel sickness:
Children 5-10 years: a single tablet to be taken the night before the journey. This may be repeated after 6-8 hours if necessary. 
Adults and children over 10 years old: two tablets to be taken the night before the journey. This may be repeated after 6-8 hours if necessary. 

Insomnia treatment for adults: 
Two to five tablets (20mg to 50mg) as a single dose at night time.

How does promethazine hydrochloride work? 
Promethazine hydrochloride is a type of medicine called a phenothiazine, which works by blocking a chemical called histamine that your body produces during an allergic reaction. This medicine also works directly on the brain to help you feel more relaxed. 

Will these tablets make me feel drowsy?
Promethazine hydrochloride is a drowsy medicine. That means you may feel sleepy after taking this medicine in the evening and the following morning too. If you feel drowsy after taking promethazine, do not drive or operate machinery until this side effect has subsided. 

Can I drink alcohol while taking this medicine?
Do not drink any alcoholic drinks while taking promethazine tablets. This is because alcohol can affect the way promethazine works and may worsen some side effects. 

Are these tablets suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women?
If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are trying to become pregnant, speak to a doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist for advice before taking promethazine tablets. You must not take this medicine two weeks before birth or if you are breastfeeding. This is because small amounts of the medicine may pass into your milk and harm your baby. 

When should promethazine not be used?
Promethazine tablets are not suitable for some groups of people. You must avoid this medicine if: 

You are allergic to promethazine hydrochloride or any of the other ingredients

You are currently, or have recently been taking a medicine for depression called a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) in the last 14 days

The person taking this medicine is under 5 years old

The person taking this medicine is unconscious or suffers from severe dizziness, drowsiness or headache

Some people will need to take extra caution before taking promethazine tablets. Speak to your doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist before taking this medicine if you currently have, or have ever had: 

Asthma, bronchitis or any other breathing difficulties

Epilepsy 

Any serious heart problems

Liver or kidney problems

A stomach blockage or difficulty passing urine

Hearing problems

Increased pressure in the eye (narrow-angle glaucoma)

Reye’s Syndrome (symptoms include being sick and confused after a viral illness)

Speak to your doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist before taking this medicine if you are taking any other medicines or herbal remedies, including those obtained without a prescription. This is particularly important if you are taking: 

Some medicines for depression called monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)

Anticholinergic medicines (used for asthma, irritable bowel syndrome or a weak bladder)

Medicines for depression such as amitriptyline

Medicines to help you sleep or feel more relaxed such as diazepam or zolpidem

Medicines for arthritis and pain in your joints such as aspirin

Are there any side effects?
Like all medicines, promethazine hydrochloride tablets can cause some side effects, but not everyone will get them. Stop taking these tablets straight away and seek emergency medical attention if you notice any of the following serious side effects:

An allergic reaction (rash, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips tongue or throat, sudden wheezing or collapse)

Liver problems (yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes)

Muscle stiffness or shaking

Being unable to control some muscles in your head or face

Unusual movements of the tongue, facial muscle spasms, rolling eyes and trembling

Very fast, uneven or forceful heartbeat

Irregular heartbeat

Tiredness which lasts for a long time

Changes in the numbers and types of your blood cells (increased bruising, nosebleeds, sore throats, infections, excessive tiredness, breathlessness or abnormal paleness of the skin)

Overactive behaviour in children

Speak to your doctor if you find that any of the following side effects become serious or last longer than a few days: 

Dry mouth, blurred vision, difficulty passing urine, constipation, difficulty shedding tears (especially in children and the elderly)

Feeling drowsy or sleepy, tiredness, disorientation, having nightmares, headaches, feeling restless

Feeling depressed, having nightmares or problems sleeping, headaches

Loss of appetite, indigestion, stomach upsets

Feeling dizzy, lightheaded or faint

Feeling confused (especially in elderly people)

Skin rash, itching, red and raised lumps (hives)

Being more sensitive to the sun than usual

If you experience any side effects, including those that are not listed in the patient information leaflet, you can report them using the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme.

Why do I need to answer questions to buy this product?
You do not need a prescription for promethazine, however, you will be asked to complete a short medical questionnaire by your Chemist4U pharmacist before we can take your order. This includes some simple questions that all pharmacies legally are required to ask before supplying this kind of product. This helps our pharmacy team to be sure that promethazine is the best choice for you.

Storage information
Store below 25°C, out of sight and reach of children. Do not use this medication after the expiry date, referring to the last day of the month stated on the packaging. Keep this medication in its original packaging. 

Important information

This product is a medicine; make sure to speak to your doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist before taking this product if you have an underlying medical problem or are taking any other medicine or complementary therapy. If your symptoms get worse or continue after taking this product, contact us or your doctor. For medical services in your area, please refer to https://www.nhs.uk

If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or our pharmacist before taking this product. If you suffer from any allergies, ask your doctor or our pharmacist if this medicine is right for you.

Store all medicines out of sight and reach of children.

Please read the included leaflet carefully before using this product.

Please contact your GP if appropriate regarding this product.

Helpful Advice on Medication Restrictions & Addiction

For further information on our medication restrictions policy, please click here.

If you are concerned about addiction to ‘over the counter’ medication, we urge you to visit the below links for professional help and advice:

NHS Help & Advice on Drug Addiction

Talk To Frank – Drug Addiction Help & Support