Promethazine Side Effects

Promethazine side effects are important to understand, particularly if you are considering using this medication. Promethazine is commonly used to treat allergies, nausea, and insomnia, but like many medications, it comes with its own set of potential side effects.

Common Side Effects

Promethazine side effects often manifest in milder forms but can still impact daily functioning. The most commonly reported side effects include:

• Drowsiness: This is one of the most frequent side effects, which can affect your ability to perform tasks that require alertness.
• Dry Mouth: Often a temporary side effect, it can cause discomfort and thirst.
• Dizziness: Feeling lightheaded or unsteady.
• Blurred Vision: Temporary difficulty focusing.
• Nausea and Vomiting: These symptoms can occur when the body adjusts to the medication.
• Restlessness and Difficulty Sleeping: Paradoxically, while promethazine is often used as a sedative, it can also cause restlessness in some individuals.

Other common symptoms may include:

• Listlessness
• Nightmares
• Ringing in the Ears
• Loss of Coordination
• Nervousness
• Hyperactivity
• Abnormally Happy Mood
• Stuffy Nose
• Itching

For further information, you can visit MedlinePlus for Promethazine Drug Information.

Serious Side Effects

While rarer, serious side effects do occur and require immediate medical attention. These include:

• Difficulty Breathing or Swallowing
• Swelling of the Face, Lips, Mouth, Tongue, or Throat
• Wheezing
• Slowed or Stopped Breathing
• Fever or Sweating
• Stiff Muscles or Muscle Rigidity
• Decreased Alertness or Loss of Consciousness
• Fast, Slow, or Irregular Heartbeat
• Uncontrollable Muscle Movements (including the face and tongue)
• Hallucinations or Confusion
• Restlessness or Unmanageable Fear
• Seizure
• Abnormal Bruising or Bleeding
• Sore Throat, Chills, or Signs of Infection
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Skin Rash or Hives

Rare but very serious risks include neuroleptic malignant syndrome (rigid muscles, high fever, confusion) and severe tissue injury, especially with injection forms.

Increased Risks for Older Adults

Older adults may experience increased confusion and severe drowsiness more frequently when using promethazine. This demographic should exercise caution and consult healthcare providers before starting treatment.

Allergic Reactions and Emergency Symptoms

An allergic reaction or severe symptoms from promethazine require urgent medical help. These include:

• Hives
• Difficulty Breathing
• Swelling of the Lips/Tongue/Throat
• Blue or Gray Skin
• Sudden Confusion or Fainting

Visit the NHS guide on side effects of promethazine for more details on emergency symptoms.

Critical Life-Threatening Side Effects

Though rare, promethazine can lead to life-threatening conditions like respiratory depression, seizures, and changes in heart rate. It’s crucial to be aware of these serious potential effects and consult with a healthcare professional immediately if they arise.

Understanding these side effects can help you make an informed decision about using promethazine and enable you to monitor your health effectively while taking it. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure that promethazine is safe for your specific condition.