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Compare Phenergan vs. Anzemet

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Promethazine (Phenergan) and dolasetron (Anzemet) are both prescription medications used to treat nausea and vomiting, but they have some important differences. Promethazine is an antihistamine and anticholinergic that also blocks dopamine, while dolasetron is an antiemetic that works by blocking serotonin. Promethazine is used for a variety of conditions, including nausea, motion sickness, and allergy symptoms, and is available in multiple forms such as tablets, oral solution, suppositories, and injections. Dolasetron is specifically FDA-approved for preventing nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy and is only available as an oral tablet. Promethazine is available as a lower-cost generic, while dolasetron is only available as a brand-name medication. Common side effects of promethazine include drowsiness and dizziness, whereas dolasetron can cause headaches and fatigue. Promethazine can interact with medications like MAOIs, while dolasetron can affect heart rhythm and serotonin levels.

  • Promethazine
    Anzemet (dolasetron)
  • Promethazine
    Anzemet (dolasetron)

  • Summary of Phenergan vs. Anzemet

    Summary for Antihistamine
    Prescription only

    Promethazine is a prescription medication with many uses, such as treatment or prevention of nausea, motion sickness, and allergy symptoms. Promethazine works by blocking several chemicals, including histamine, dopamine, and acetylcholine. It comes as tablets, an oral solution, rectal suppositories, and an injection. The dose of promethazine and how often you take it depends on your age and what medical condition you're taking it to treat. But it shouldn't be given to children younger than 2 years of age since it can cause serious breathing problems. Common side effects include sleepiness and dizziness.

    Summary for Antiemetic
    Prescription only

    Anzemet (dolasetron) is a medication used to prevent nausea and vomiting due to cancer medications (chemotherapy). It's used for adults and children 2 years and older. This medication is taken by mouth within 1 hour before chemotherapy.

  • Indications of Phenergan vs. Anzemet

    Indications for
    •Runny nose, watery eyes, and other symptoms of allergies
    •Runny or stuffy nose that isn't caused by allergies
    •Rash, swelling, anaphylaxis, and other symptoms of an allergic reaction
    •Dermographism
    •Treatment or prevention of nausea and vomiting before and after surgery
    •Treatment or prevention of motion sickness
    •Treatment of pain along with other pain medications after surgery
    •Help to relax your body and produce a light sleep, particularly before a procedure
    Indications for
    •Prevention of nausea and vomiting due to cancer medications (chemotherapy)

  • Pros and Cons of Phenergan vs. Anzemet

    Pros and Const for Antihistamine
    Pros
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Available in different formulations, such as a tablet, syrup, and injection
    •Starts working within 20 minutes
    Cons
    •Can't be taken by children under 2 years old because risk of serious breathing problem
    •Higher risk of side effects in older adults
    •Can cause sleepiness
    Pros and Const for Antiemetic
    Pros
    •Works well to prevent nausea and vomiting
    •Can use in children as young as 2 years old
    •Can use safely in people with liver or kidney problems
    Cons
    •Available as a brand name only, which can be expensive
    •Not the best choice for people with heart rhythm problems
    •Can interact with certain medications, like antidepressants and migraine medications
    •No longer available as an injection for people who might have trouble swallowing or keeping things down

  • Common Side Effects of Phenergan vs. Anzemet

    Common Side Effects for
    •Feeling drowsy or tired
    •Dizziness
    •Confusion
    •Dry mouth
    •Nervousness
    •Blurry vision

    The following side effects are those additionally reported with promethazine injection at the injection site:

    •Burning
    •Pain
    •Rash
    •Swelling
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (18-23%)
    •Fatigue (3-6%)

  • Warnings of Phenergan vs. Anzemet

    Common Side Effects for
    •Potentially life-threatening slow breathing (respiratory depression)
    •Serious tissue injury (Injection only)
    •Excessive sleepiness
    •Worsening of certain health problems
    •Seizures
    •Higher risk of infection (from low white blood cell count)
    •Risk of serious nerve problems (neuroleptic malignant syndrome)
    •Uncontrollable body movements
    Common Side Effects for
    •Life-threatening abnormal heart rhythm
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •Severe allergic reactions

  • Prices with our coupons for Phenergan vs. Anzemet

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