Phenergan (promethazine) is now contraindicated in children younger than 2 years because of possible fatal respiratory depression and should be used cautiously in other pediatric patients, according to a new black box warning recently requested by the Food and Drug Administration. The agency requested that the black box warning be added to Phenergan's label after a review of the drug's pediatric adverse events.
Promethazine oral can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Promethazine is a phenothiazine in the same drug class as chlorpromazine (Thorazine) and trifluoperazine (Stelazine). However, unlike the other drugs in this class, promethazine is not used as an anti-psychotic. It used as an anti-histamine, sedative, and antiemetic (anti-nausea). The body releases histamine during several types of allergic reactions. When histamine binds to its receptors on cells, it stimulates changes within the cells that lead to sneezing, itching, and increased mucus production.
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