What is Phenergan used for?
Phenergan Tablets are used to treat the following conditions:
- For treatment of adults with difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
- To treat allergic reactions such as hay fever or rashes (like nettle rash or hives)
- To treat or stop you feeling sick (nausea) or being sick (vomiting) such as travel sickness
- As a sedative for children aged 5 years and above
- To ease coughing or a runny nose
How does Phenergan work?
Promethazine hydrochloride (the active ingredient in Phenergan) works by blocking the receptors of histamines and dopamine to reduce the impact of allergies and nausea but it also works directly on the brain which makes you feel relaxed.
Promethazine hydrochloride also works by blocking acetylcholine receptors which help to reduce a runny nose or a cough.
Phenergan for anxiety
Phenergan tablets are sometimes taken by people when suffering from anxiety due to its sedative effect. Phenergan tablets can be taken in the short term to treat adults with sleeping difficulties that may be caused by anxiety.
Although Phenergan can be used short-term to aid sleep during situational anxiety, Phenergan is not licensed to be used to treat anxiety or other mental health conditions.
How long does Phenergan take to work?
You will notice that Phenergan tablets should start to take effect around 20 minutes after they are taken and the effect can last for 12 - 24 hours.
Phenergan is a long-acting antihistamine and, as such, only usually needs to be taken once daily, normally at night.
Sources
Patient Information Leaflet
Phenergan 10mg Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.5587.pdf
Phenergan 25mg Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.5588.pdf
How should I take this product?
Phenergan can be used for many different medical conditions, but you’ll need to follow different doses depending on what you wish to treat. If you want to use Phenergan promethazine hydrochloride tablets to treat allergies, use the following amounts:
- Children aged 5 – 10 – take 1 – 2 x 10mg tablets at night, or 1 x 10mg tablet twice a day
- Children over 10, adults, & the elderly — Begin treatment with 1 x 10mg tablet twice a day. If necessary, you can increase the amount to a maximum of 2 x 10mg tablets, three times a day.
If you want to use these tablets to treat or prevent nausea or travel sickness, use the following amounts:
- Children aged 5 – 10 – Take 1 x 10mg tablet the night before you travel. If you need to, you can repeat this dose after 6 – 8 hours
- Children over 10, adults, & the elderly — Take 2 x 10mg tablets the night before you travel. Repeat this dose after 6 – 8 hours if needed.
If you want to use these tablets as a short-term sedative or to treat short-term insomnia, or as a short-term sedative for children aged 5 and over, use the following amounts:
- Children aged 5 – 10 – Take 2 x 10mg tablets at night time
- Children over 10, adults, & the elderly – Take 2 – 5 x 10mg tablets at night time
Do not take more than the recommended daily dose of this product. If you think the dosage isn’t right for you, do not change it by yourself, speak to your doctor instead.
How long can I take these tablets for?
Do not take Phenergan tablets for longer than 7 days at a time. If your symptoms get worse or don’t improve after 7 days, speak to your doctor or Chemist 4 U pharmacist right away.
Promethazine Hydrochloride 25mg
Safety notes
As with other medications, please store Phenergan tablets out of sight and reach of children. Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Do not use this product if the expiry date on the packaging has passed.
Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicine you no longer need. Disposing of medication properly, rather than through household waste, can help to protect the environment and the people around you.
