Promethazine is an antiemetic (a medication that helps stopvomiting).
The medication can also cause serious side effects and hallucinations.
This article discusses promethazine for kids and adults.
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It explains the side effects of promethazine and dosing information.
It also offers alternatives to promethazine to help stop vomiting and prevent dehydration.
The FDA issued this warning after several children stopped breathing or went intocardiac arrestafter taking the drug.
Promethazine to Treat Vomiting
Promethazine is an antiemetic drug used for vomiting.
It’s also used as an antihistamine (allergy pill) and a sedative (sleeping pill).
It’s available as tablets, suppositories, injectables, or syrups.
Promethazine should never be used in children less than 2 years of age.
Dosage
Promethazine can be given as an oral tablet, liquid medication, suppository, or injection.
Dosing is based on body weight.
It comes in 12.5 milligrams (mg), 25 mg, or 50 mg tablets.
A typical dose is 25 mg taken every four to six hours as needed.
Is Promethazine Available OTC?
Promethazine is not available over the counter.
It can potentially cause life-threatening side effects and requires a prescription from a healthcare provider.
If your child is sleeping, he isn’t drinking fluids and can become even more dehydrated.
Does Promethazine Affect Heart Rate?
Children are more at risk.
These include both things you’ve got the option to do yourself at home and different medications.
Home Remedies
Home measures can be very helpful and are recommended by the World Health Organization.
Withmild dehydration, your child may act thirsty and have a dry mouth.
The first thing to try is oral rehydration solutions that restore fluids and replace lost electrolytes.
These are serious signs and you should get medical attention right away.
Avoid foods high in fat as they are harder to digest.
(The American Academy of Pediatrics no longer recommends this diet and favors oral hydration.)
Medications
If an antiemetic medication is necessary, there are now many alternatives.
One of the most commonly used alternative medications for children is Zofran (ondansetron).
Zofran can be used even in younger children for whom promethazine is not recommended.
This medication can also be quite expensive, as well.
When to Call a Healthcare Provider
Promethazine can lead to serious side effects.
Summary
Promethazine is helpful for preventing severe dehydration from vomiting.
However, it can also cause serious side effects and should be used with caution in children.
Talk to your child’s healthcare provider about any concerns you have with this or any other medications.
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