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Compare Promethazine vs. Pherazine DM

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

Key takeaways

Promethazine (Phenergan) and Promethazine DM (promethazine/dextromethorphan) are both medications that can be use to treat symptoms related to allergies. Promethazine is an antihistamine that is also used for nausea, vomiting, and motion sickness, while Promethazine DM combines promethazine with dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant, to relieve cough and cold symptoms. Promethazine is available in various forms, including tablets, oral solutions, rectal suppositories, and injections, whereas Promethazine DM is only available as an oral syrup. Both medications should not be used in children under 2 years old due to the risk of serious breathing problems. Promethazine can cause side effects like drowsiness and dizziness, and it interacts with alcohol and certain medications like MAOIs. Promethazine DM has similar side effects and interactions but also includes dextromethorphan, which has the potential for overdose if combined with other cough medications. While both medications can make you sleepy, Promethazine DM is specifically used for short-term relief of cough and cold symptoms, making it different from the broader uses of Promethazine.

  • Promethazine
    Promethazine dm
  • Promethazine
    Promethazine dm

  • Summary of Promethazine vs. Pherazine DM

    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 Phenothiazine / Antitussive
    Prescription only

    Promethazine DM is a combination medication that contains promethazine and dextromethorphan. It temporarily relieves symptoms of allergies and the common cold and is only approved for adults and children age 2 years and older. Promethazine DM shouldn't be taken by children younger than 2 years old because it can cause serious harm in this age group. This medication is taken by mouth, typically every 4 to 6 hours. Some common side effects of promethazine DM include drowsiness and stomach upset.

  • Indications of Promethazine vs. Pherazine DM

    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
    •Short-term relief of cough and upper respiratory symptoms (e.g., itching or runny nose, sneezing) caused by allergies or the common cold

  • Pros and Cons of Promethazine vs. Pherazine DM

    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 Phenothiazine / Antitussive
    Pros
    •Combines two medications into one product for convenience
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    •Starts working within 30 minutes for symptoms of allergies and common cold
    Cons
    •Shouldn't be taken with alcohol since it can cause extreme drowsiness
    •Not a safe option for children under 2 years old
    •Not meant to be used long-term

  • Common Side Effects of Promethazine vs. Pherazine DM

    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

    The following side effects are those reported with dextromethorphan:

    •Drowsiness
    •Dizziness
    •Stomach upset

    The following side effects are those reported with promethazine:

    •Feeling drowsy or tired
    •Dizziness
    •Blurry vision
    •Dry mouth
    •Nausea
    •Vomiting

  • Warnings of Promethazine vs. Pherazine DM

    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
    •Potentially life-threatening slow breathing (respiratory depression)
    •Excessive sleepiness
    •Risk of serious nerve problems (neuroleptic malignant syndrome)
    •Uncontrollable body movements
    •Seizures
    •Higher risk of infection (from low white blood cell count)
    •Overdose

  • Prices with our coupons for Promethazine vs. Pherazine DM

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