Promethazine HCL Medication Information

There is a lot of information about the prescription medication promethazine hydrochloride (Phenergan^®) that you should be aware of before starting treatment. This drug is most commonly used for nausea and vomiting, but is frequently used for other purposes as well. Although promethazine is approved for use in children, it should not be used to treat short-term vomiting or vomiting of unknown causes in this age group.

Promethazine hydrochloride (HCl) comes in tablet, syrup, rectal suppository, and injectable form. Depending on the condition being treated, this medicine is generally taken one to three times a day. It should not be given to children under two years old, as fatal breathing difficulties may occur.

This medication may not be safe or suitable for everyone. In order to help minimize risks, you should talk with your healthcare provider about important safety information prior to taking it, especially if you have:

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Sleep apnea
Seizures or epilepsy
Reye's syndrome
Liver disease, such as liver failure, hepatitis, or cirrhosis
Glaucoma
An enlarged prostate (also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH)
Difficulty passing urine
Heart disease
Any other allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.

(Click Promethazine for more information about promethazine HCl, a medication approved for various uses, and to find out what else you should discuss with your healthcare provider before beginning treatment.)