Antiemetic and antihistamine for nausea, motion sickness, and allergy symptom control with clear, practical guidance from TrandFamilyStore.
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Promethazine is a prescription antihistamine in the phenothiazine family used to control nausea and vomiting, prevent motion sickness, ease allergy symptoms like itching or sneezing, and support sleep when symptoms are disruptive. It is available as 12.5 mg, 25 mg, and 50 mg tablets, a syrup that contains 6.25 mg per 5 mL, rectal suppositories, and a clinician administered injection used in monitored settings. Because it can cause sedation, most people reserve doses for times when relief is needed rather than daily long term use unless a clinician advises otherwise.
Many patients compare pharmacies for generic options to keep costs down, and some buy refills online from licensed United States pharmacies that require a valid prescription. Cheap pricing is acceptable when the label clearly lists promethazine, the exact strength, and the product includes a patient information leaflet. Never use any site that ships without a prescription.
Children younger than 2 years must not receive promethazine due to life threatening breathing risks. In older children, dosing is strictly guided by a clinician.
Promethazine blocks histamine H1 receptors and has anticholinergic activity that dampens signals from the inner ear vestibular system and the chemoreceptor trigger zone that drive nausea and vomiting. By quieting those pathways, the urge to vomit decreases and motion related queasiness is less likely to start. The same antihistamine effect reduces sneezing and itching in allergic reactions.
Sedation results from central H1 blockade and mild anticholinergic effects, which is useful when nausea or itching prevents sleep but requires planning around activities that demand alertness. A minority of users experience lightheadedness from alpha adrenergic blockade, especially with the first doses.
Relief of queasy stomach, fewer sudden waves of nausea during travel, and less itchy nose or eyes at night. Some people feel pleasantly drowsy within an hour, which is why first doses are best tried at home. If dry mouth or blurry vision appear, they usually ease as you learn your best dose and timing.
Doses are individualized by a clinician based on age, condition, and sensitivity to sedating medicines. Follow your exact label. Do not stack with other sedatives, opioids, or alcohol. Injection is for clinics only because incorrect administration can cause severe tissue injury.
Swallow tablets with water and a light snack if your stomach is sensitive. For syrup, shake the bottle and measure carefully. For suppositories, store in a cool place so they keep shape. If you miss a dose, take it when remembered unless it is close to the next dose. Do not double up.
If you buy promethazine online, choose a licensed pharmacy that requires a prescription and offers pharmacist counseling. Cheap generic tablets or suppositories are fine when strength, lot, and expiration are clear on the label. Keep a simple log of dose time and symptom relief to fine tune timing with your clinician.
Common effects include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, blurry vision, and mild headache. These are more noticeable with higher doses or when combined with other sedatives. Standing up slowly, sipping water, and using fiber rich foods can improve comfort. Some people notice photosensitivity and should use basic sun protection.
Stop the medicine and get help right away for trouble breathing, severe confusion, uncontrollable movements, rash with swelling, or chest pain.
Do not use promethazine in children younger than 2 years. Use extreme caution and the lowest effective dose in older children and older adults. Avoid driving or hazardous tasks until you know your response. People with sleep apnea, chronic lung disease, glaucoma, prostate enlargement with urinary retention, bowel obstruction, seizure disorders, liver disease, or heart rhythm problems need individualized plans.
Promethazine injection can cause severe tissue injury with intra arterial injection or extravasation. Clinics prefer deep intramuscular dosing when parenteral use is necessary. Do not attempt to inject at home.
Try the first dose at night when you do not need to drive. Store tablets, syrup, and suppositories securely away from children and pets. If you buy refills online, verify pharmacy licensure, the exact strength, and the expiration date. Cheap options are fine when these checks are met. If symptoms persist despite correct use, contact your clinician to adjust the plan rather than increasing the dose on your own.
Relief from nausea or allergy symptoms often begins within 20 to 60 minutes after an oral or rectal dose, and sedation can last 4 to 8 hours or longer depending on the dose and your sensitivity.
Drowsiness is common. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do safety sensitive tasks until you know how you respond. Plan first doses at night or on a low demand day.
Do not use in children younger than 2 years due to risk of serious breathing problems. For older children, dosing must follow a clinician plan and product labeling. Avoid other sedating medicines.
No. Combining with alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, or other sedatives can cause dangerous drowsiness and slow or shallow breathing. Use one sedating medicine at a time unless a clinician directs otherwise.
Tablets and syrup are common for home use. Suppositories are helpful if you cannot keep pills down. Injection is for clinical settings only because incorrect injection can cause severe tissue injury.
A common approach is 25 mg at bedtime or 1 to 2 hours before travel, then as directed every 6 to 8 hours if needed. Do not exceed the maximum daily dose on your label and avoid alcohol.
Decisions are individualized. Some clinicians use it for severe nausea in pregnancy when benefits outweigh risks. Discuss timing and alternatives with your obstetric clinician before use. It can cause sedation in the nursing infant.
Trouble breathing, severe sleepiness, confusion, uncontrolled movements, very fast or irregular heartbeat, fainting, or a painful swollen injection site need urgent care.
Sometimes clinicians combine agents for difficult nausea, but stacking can add side effects like sedation or movement problems. Do not combine without a specific plan from your clinician.
If you miss a dose, take it when remembered unless it is close to the next one. Do not double up. If you vomit soon after a tablet, ask your clinician whether to repeat a dose or use a suppository.
This website provides informational overviews of medications and does not offer medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting or changing any medication.
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This page was last medically reviewed: August 2025
Educational information only. Promethazine causes sedation and has age related risks. Do not use in children younger than 2 years. Avoid driving or hazardous tasks until you know your response. Tissue injury can occur with injection if not administered correctly.