promethazine

In rare cases, promethazine can significantly slow down breathing, which can be life-threatening. The risk is higher for children under 2 years old, people with a history of breathing problems, or if you're taking other medications that can cause breathing problems. For this reason, promethazine isn't recommended for children if they're under the age of 2. If you regularly take medications that can slow your breathing, discuss alternatives with your healthcare team as there might be safer options to treat your condition. If you notice you or your child has slow and shallow breathing, get medical attention right away.

Promethazine injection can irritate your skin, causing burning, pain, rash, and swelling. In rare cases, promethazine can cause serious tissue injury, such as gangrene (dead tissue caused by not enough blood flow). Your risk of skin injury is higher if promethazine is injected into an artery or under the skin. This is why your healthcare professional typically will inject this medication into the muscle. If you recently received promethazine as an injection, watch your skin for any unusual change in color or darkening. If you experience skin burning, pain, redness, swelling, or a blackening of the skin, seek medical help right away.

Promethazine can make you feel very sleepy and affect your ability to think. The risk is higher if you drink alcohol or if you take medications that make you drowsy, such as opioids, sleep medications, or certain antidepressants. Don't drive a car or operate machinery right after using this medication. If you experience symptoms such as slurred speech, lightheadedness, confusion, dizziness, or excessive drowsiness, get medical attention right away.

Before taking promethazine, be sure to discuss all of your medical conditions with your primary care provider. Promethazine can make certain problems worse.

Promethazine can cause people with a history of seizures to have more frequent episodes. Promethazine can also raise the risk of seizures in people who take medications that lower seizure threshold, such as tramadol (Ultram). If you have one of the risk factors, talk to your prescriber before using promethazine. Get medical attention right away if you have symptoms such as uncontrolled body movements, repeated eye blinking, tingling in your body, blurry vision, or feeling confused.

In some rare cases, promethazine can lower your levels of white blood cells (WBCs). This is more likely to happen if you are going through chemotherapy or other anticancer treatments. WBCs are responsible for fighting infections in your body. Low levels of WBC can cause you to get sick more easily. Let a member of your healthcare team know if you have symptoms of an infection, such as fever, chills, or cough, and they'll let you know if you need more medical attention.

Promethazine can cause a rare, but serious, medical condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). This condition happens when dopamine (a chemical in your body) is not transported correctly in the brain. Certain medications, such as antipsychotics, can raise your risk of NMS. If you take medications for your mental health, please talk with your prescriber before taking promethazine. Please get medical attention right away if you notice signs and symptoms such as high fever, fast heartbeat, rapid breathing, stiff muscle, excessive sweating, or confusion. Don't use promethazine if you have a history of NMS.