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Introduction About PHENERGAN SYRUP
PHENERGAN SYRUP contains Promethazine which belongs to the group of medicines called Antihistamines. It is used to induce sleep in adults suffering from insomnia (difficulty in falling asleep) and in children aged 2 years or older. It can also be used to manage allergic reactions such as hay fever or skin rashes. It also helps to stop nausea and vomiting caused due to travelling (travel sickness).
Promethazine is an antihistamine with sedative properties. It acts by blocking the release of certain chemicals (histamines) in the body that causes allergic reactions and vomiting. It can also directly act on the brain and help you feel relaxed and calm.
Before taking PHENERGAN SYRUP, inform your doctor if you have any liver, kidney, or heart problems. You must also inform your doctor if you have diabetes, asthma, or other breathing problems, glaucoma, epilepsy, hearing problems or blockage in the gut before taking PHENERGAN SYRUP as a precaution.
Talk to your doctor before taking PHENERGAN SYRUP if you are already taking any medicines for depression. Avoid consumption of alcohol while taking PHENERGAN SYRUP as it may reduce its effectiveness. Consult your doctor before taking PHENERGAN SYRUP if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
PHENERGAN SYRUP may cause excessive sleepiness or drowsiness. Therefore, avoid driving or operating any heavy tools or performing activities that requires complete attention. Other most common side effects of taking PHENERGAN SYRUP are dry mouth, blurred vision, headache, tiredness, skin sensitivity, dizziness, and indigestion. Contact your doctor if any of these side effect worsens.
Talk to your doctor if you cannot see any improvement in your condition even after using PHENERGAN SYRUP for the specific period prescribed for you.
Uses Of PHENERGAN SYRUP
It is used as a short-term therapy to:
- Manage insomnia (difficulty in falling asleep) in adults
- Manage allergic conditions (such as hay fever or skin rashes)
- Manage nausea and vomiting caused due to travel (travel sickness)
- Induce sleep (sleeping aid) in children aged 2 years or older
How PHENERGAN SYRUP Works
PHENERGAN SYRUP is an antihistamine with anti-emetic and sedative properties. It acts by blocking the release of certain chemicals (histamines) in the body that causes allergic reactions and vomiting. It can also directly act on the brain and induce sleep by blocking the actions of certain chemical messengers (acetylcholine, glutamate, and dopamine) that hinders sleep and keeps you awake.
How to use PHENERGAN SYRUP
Use PHENERGAN SYRUP as advised by your physician. Shake well before use.
Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration of therapy for you depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition.
Continue to take PHENERGAN SYRUP for the stipulated duration prescribed by your doctor to achieve better results.
Side Effects Of PHENERGAN SYRUP
Common
- dry mouth
- blurred vision
- difficulty in passing urine
- feeling tired, sleepy, dizzy, drowsy, or faint
- headache, sleep problems
- loss of appetite, indigestion
- feeling confused, especially in elderly people
- increased skin sensitivity towards sun
- urge to move your legs frequently (Restless Legs Syndrome)
Stop taking PHENERGAN SYRUP and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:
- signs of allergic reaction (such as skin rash, swallowing or breathing problems, swelling of the lips, face, throat, or tongue)
- signs of liver problems (such as yellowing of the skin and eyes)
- muscle stiffness or shaking
- unable to control the muscles of the face or head, facial muscle spasms, rolling eyes and trembling
- irregular or rapid heartbeat
- anaemia symptoms such as tiredness
- over-active behaviour in children
How To Manage Side Effects

Dizziness Or Drowsiness
Try to rest and relax. Get enough sleep. Avoid driving or operating any heavy tools or machines completely while you are feeling sleepy or dizzy. Do not consume excessive alcohol. Consult your doctor if your condition worsens.

Dry Mouth
Drink plenty of water or fluids at regular intervals. Frequent small sips of water or the use of artificial saliva may be beneficial. However, if it bothers you or if your condition worsens contact your doctor.

Headache
Rest and relax. Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids such as water or electrolytes. Applying a pain-relieving balm on your forehead can be beneficial. Do not consume excessive alcohol, as it could aggravate your headache. Consult your doctor if your headache worsens.
Warning & Precautions

Pregnancy
Consult your doctorPHENERGAN SYRUP should be used in pregnant women only if prescribed by the physician. However, it is not recommended for use in pregnant women during the last few weeks (2 weeks) of pregnancy. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.

Breastfeeding
ContraindicatedPHENERGAN SYRUP is generally not recommended for use in breastfeeding women as it may pass through the breast milk. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.

Driving and Using Machines
Use with CautionDo not drive or operate any heavy tools or machines after taking PHENERGAN SYRUP. This is because, PHENERGAN SYRUP may cause excessive sleepiness or drowsiness which can hinder your abilities of driving or handling machines.

Alcohol
Consult your doctorAvoid consumption of alcohol while taking PHENERGAN SYRUP as it may reduce its effectiveness.

Kidney
Use with CautionPHENERGAN SYRUP should be used with caution in patients with kidney problems. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.

Liver
Use with CautionPHENERGAN SYRUP should be used with caution in patients with liver problems. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.

Allergy
ContraindicatedDo not take PHENERGAN SYRUP if you are allergic to promethazine.

Lungs
Use with CautionPHENERGAN SYRUP should be used with caution in patients with bronchitis (inflammation of the bronchus), asthma or other breathing difficulties. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.

Heart Disease
Use with CautionPHENERGAN SYRUP should be used with caution in patients with any serious heart problems. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.

Use In Pediatrics
SafePHENERGAN SYRUP can be used in children (aged 2 years or older). However, consult your doctor before taking it.

Use In Geriatrics
Use with CautionPHENERGAN SYRUP should be used with caution in elderly patients (aged 65 years or above). Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.
Others
PHENERGAN SYRUP is not recommended for use if you:
- suffer from severe dizziness, drowsiness, or headache
- are in unconscious or coma state
Before taking PHENERGAN SYRUP, inform your doctor if you:
- have epilepsy
- have blockage in the gut
- have difficulty in passing urine
- have problems in hearing
- have narrow angle glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
- have or had Reye’s Syndrome (vomiting, tiredness and confusion following a viral infection) in the past
- are going for a pregnancy test or skin test
- have diabetes
Interactions
A. Drug-Drug Interactions:
Before taking PHENERGAN SYRUP, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines such as:
- medicines used to manage depression (Ex. fluoxetine, selegiline, phenelzine, isocarboxazid, amitriptyline)
- anticholinergic medicines (used to improve heart rate, decrease muscle movements, and body secretions) Ex. atropine, dicyclomine
- diazepam or zolpidem (used to induce sleep)
- aspirin (a medicine used for pain relief or blood thinning)
Overdosage:
If you or anyone else accidentally took more PHENERGAN SYRUP, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital. Symptoms of overdose might include hyperactivity, unsteady movements, uncontrolled writhing movements especially of the hands or feet, hallucinations, fits, very fast or uneven heartbeat, breathing problems and excessive sleepiness or drowsiness.
Synopsis
Drug | : | Promethazine |
Pharmacological Category | : | Phenothiazines |
Therapeutic Indication | : | Insomnia, Sedation, Nausea, Vomiting, Allergic reactions |
Dosage Forms | : | Tablet, Injection, Syrup |
More Information
- Keep PHENERGAN SYRUP out of reach of children
- Store PHENERGAN SYRUP at room temperature
FAQs About PHENERGAN SYRUP
Q: Can the use of PHENERGAN SYRUP make me feel sleepy?
A: Yes. PHENERGAN SYRUP may cause excessive sleepiness or drowsiness. Therefore, avoid driving or operating any heavy tools or performing activities that requires complete attention. Try to rest and relax. Get enough sleep. Do not consume excessive alcohol. Consult your doctor if your condition worsens.
Q: Can the use of PHENERGAN SYRUP make me feel high?
A: Yes. The use of PHENERGAN SYRUP may cause excitement, agitation, or highs, especially in the children. This happens due to the effects of promethazine on the central nervous system. Talk to your doctor immediately if you or your child experiences any such symptoms.
Q: Can PHENERGAN SYRUP be used in children?
A: Yes. PHENERGAN SYRUP can be used in children (aged 2 years or older). However, consult your doctor before taking it.
Q: Can PHENERGAN SYRUP be used to manage morning sickness during pregnancy?
A: No. PHENERGAN SYRUP should be used in pregnant women only if it is considered necessary by the physician. It is strictly not recommended for use in pregnant women during the last few weeks (2 weeks) of pregnancy. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.
Q: What is the use of PHENERGAN SYRUP?
A: PHENERGAN SYRUP is used to induce sleep in adults suffering from insomnia and in children aged 2 years or older. It can also be used to manage allergic reactions (such as hay fever or skin rashes) and stops nausea and vomiting caused due to travelling.
Q: Is PHENERGAN SYRUP good for vertigo?
A: PHENERGAN SYRUP may be effective in managing vertigo (sensation of spinning) due to its anti-emetic properties. However, consult your doctor before taking.
Q: Can I take PHENERGAN SYRUP with paracetamol?
A: Yes. PHENERGAN SYRUP can be taken along with paracetamol But, before taking any medicines along with PHENERGAN SYRUP consult your doctor for advice.
Q: How long does it take for PHENERGAN SYRUP to start working?
A: PHENERGAN SYRUP is a fast-acting medicine. It starts working within 20 minutes following administration and its effects may last up to 4-6 hours or even longer.
Q: Can I stop taking PHENERGAN SYRUP once my symptoms subside?
A: No. Do not stop taking PHENERGAN SYRUP without consulting your doctor as it may cause the symptoms to reappear. Make sure to take PHENERGAN SYRUP for the stipulated duration recommended by your doctor to achieve the maximum results.
Q: What should I do if I forgot to take a dose of PHENERGAN SYRUP?
A: If you forgot a dose of PHENERGAN SYRUP, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is time for the next dose, skip the missed one and take the next one at regular times. Do not take a double dose of PHENERGAN SYRUP to compensate the missed ones.
Q: Will taking a higher dose of PHENERGAN SYRUP be more effective?
A: Do not consume a higher dose of PHENERGAN SYRUP than the one prescribed by your doctor, as it may lead to unwanted side effects. Your doctor will decide the correct dose for you, depending on your age, body weight and disease condition. If the prescribed dose, does not help you, contact your doctor.
Q: Can PHENERGAN SYRUP cause dryness of mouth?
A: Yes. PHENERGAN SYRUP may cause dryness of mouth. If you experience mouth dryness, drink plenty of water or fluids at regular intervals. Frequent small sips of water may be beneficial. However, if it bothers you or if your condition worsens contact your doctor.
References
1. KD. Tripathi. Drugs for Cough and Bronchial Asthma. Essentials of medical pharmacology. Seventh edition. 2013. Page – 220.
2. Brittin T. Southard; Yasir Al Khalili. Promethazine. StatPearls. NIH. National Library of Medicine. National Center for Biotechnology Information. May 2022. [Accessed on 11th July 2022] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544361/
3. Unither Liquid Manufacturing. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in September 2021] [Accessed on 7th June 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.5586.pdf
Useful Diagnostic Tests
- Absolute Eosinophil Count
- Peripheral Smear Examination
- Total IgE