Promethazine+paracetamol
About
Promethazine+paracetamol belongs to the class of medications called ‘antihistamines’ used in the treatment of allergic reactions, common cold, insomnia and travel sickness. Allergy or hypersensitivity is an immune system response to foreign elements typically not harmful to your body. Insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep. Travel sickness is an illness caused by motion during travel characterized by nausea and vomiting.
Promethazine+paracetamol contains ‘promethazine’ which acts as an antihistamine. It blocks the action of histamines (chemicals causing allergic symptoms) and reduces the allergic reaction like runny nose, watery eyes and sneezing.. It also acts on the brain directly and produces the calming and anti-nausea effect. On the other side, Paracetamol is used to treat pain and reduce fever. Paracetamol works by inhibiting the production of certain chemical messengers in the brain known as prostaglandins that are responsible for pain and fever.
Take Promethazine+paracetamol as prescribed by your doctor. You are advised to take Promethazine+paracetamol for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you depending on your medical condition. Common side effects of Promethazine+paracetamol are dry mouth, blurred vision, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, tiredness, disorientation, having nightmares, confusion, restlessness, loss of appetite, indigestion, low blood pressure (hypotension), photosensitivity (redness or rashes on sun-exposed skin) and an uncontrollable urge to move the legs (Restless Legs Syndrome). Seek medical attention immediately if these side-effects persist or worsen.
Do not take Promethazine+paracetamol if you are allergic to promethazine or any contents of it. Promethazine+paracetamol should not be given to children below 2 years of age due to the risk of potential respiratory depression (slow and ineffective breathing). Do not consume alcohol while taking this medicine. Promethazine+paracetamol should be used with caution in pregnant or breastfeeding females. Promethazine+paracetamol should be used with utmost care in elderly persons as they are more sensitive to side effects of the medicine such as drowsiness and confusion.
Uses of Promethazine+paracetamol
Medicinal Benefits
Promethazine+paracetamol contains ‘promethazine’ which belongs to the class of ‘phenothiazines’. It is an antihistamine and blocks the action of histamines (chemicals causing allergic symptoms). It can effectively treat allergic symptoms such as itching, watery eyes, hives, runny nose and sneezing. It also acts on the brain directly and produces a calming and anti-nausea effect. For short-term use, it is used in the treatment of insomnia. It can treat symptoms such as feeling sick (nausea) and fall sick (vomiting) occurring due to travel or motion sickness. Paracetamol is a painkiller, which is used to treat pain associated with different medical conditions like headache, toothache, osteoarthritis, cold or flu pain.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Promethazine+paracetamol
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Tiredness
- Disorientation
- Having nightmares
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Promethazine+paracetamol may cause skin photosensitivity (rashes and redness on sun-exposed skin). So, avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Promethazine+paracetamol may cause dizziness, so you should not drive or operate heavy machinery. Inform your doctor if you have sleep apnea (sleeping disorder) or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (a lung disease) as this medicine may cause respiratory depression or excessive drowsiness. Inform your doctor if you have difficulty breathing, asthma or bronchitis (lung problems), epilepsy (fits), serious heart problems, liver or kidney problems, a stomach blockage, hearing problems, increased pressure in the eye (glaucoma) and Reye’s Syndrome (swelling in the liver and brain in children). Promethazine+paracetamol contains Paracetamol so it should not be used for more than 3 days unless suggested by the doctor. In adult individuals, this medicine should not be used for more than 10 days and in children, not more than 5 days, unless suggested by the doctor. However, if this medicine is used in children who have a sore throat or have a high fever, headache, vomiting then it should be used after the doctor's advice.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Promethazine+paracetamol may interact with anticholinergic medicines, antidepressants, sedatives (diazepam and zolpidem), pain killers (aspirin), antifungals (ketoconazole), antidiabetics (metformin), anticonvulsant (carbamazepine), anti-gout (sulfinpyrazone).
Drug-Food Interactions: Alcohol may alter the effect of Promethazine+paracetamol.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Promethazine+paracetamol should be used with caution in patients with respiratory diseases (asthma), liver or kidney problems, serious heart problems, sleep disorders, seizures, hearing problems, glaucoma (eye problems) and Reye’s Syndrome (swelling in the liver and brain in children).
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionPromethazine+paracetamol increases the drowsiness when alcohol is consumed. So, do not take alcohol while using Promethazine+paracetamol.
Pregnancy
cautionPromethazine+paracetamol is a category C medicine. It may cause toxic effects to the fetus. It should be used in pregnant women only if needed. Please consult your doctor. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you.
Breast Feeding
cautionPromethazine+paracetamol may pass into breast milk and cause harmful effects to the baby. So, do not use Promethazine+paracetamol in breastfeeding mothers unless prescribed by your doctor.
Driving
cautionPromethazine+paracetamol may cause drowsiness and dizziness. So, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery while using Promethazine+paracetamol.
Liver
cautionPromethazine+paracetamol should be used with caution in patients with liver diseases. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
Kidney
cautionPromethazine+paracetamol should be used with caution in patients with kidney diseases. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
Children
cautionPromethazine+paracetamol is not recommended for use in children below 5 years of age. For children above 5 years of age, dose adjustments may be necessary if prescribed by a child specialist.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
Allergy:
- Stay hydrated as it is vital for those with a cough or cold. Drinking liquids at room temperature can alleviate cough, runny nose and sneezing.
- Avoid stress as the immune system is affected by stress and raises the risk of being sick. An individual can exercise regularly, meditate, do deep breathing and try progressive muscle relaxation techniques to relieve stress.
- Stay fit and safe and try to sleep 7-9 hours each night.
- Avoid contact with known allergens (allergy-causing agents) such as pollen, dust, etc. Certain food items are known to cause allergies to you.
- Maintain personal hygiene and keep your surroundings clean.
Insomnia:
- Maintain a sleep schedule. Wake up at the same time every day, including on weekends. Make a comfortable sleeping environment.
- Stay active.
- Avoid naps.
- Do not eat large meals before going to bed.
- Limit alcohol intake and quit smoking.
Travel sickness:
- Avoid spicy, greasy and acidic foods before traveling. Opt for cereals, apples, bananas or bread.
- Reduce speed if required.
- Position yourself where motion is least, like in the front in a car, center in a boat or ship and over the wings in an airplane.
- Breathe fresh air if possible by opening the window.
- Avoid alcohol 24 hours before travel and during the travel.
Special Advise
- Promethazine+paracetamol makes your skin sensitive, So, try to avoid going into sun for long time, avoid going under sun lamps, use effective sunblock and wear protective clothing while going out.
- Inform your doctor before undergoing any allergy test that you are using Promethazine+paracetamol.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Allergy: An allergy (hypersensitivity) is an immune system response to foreign elements typically not harmful to your body. These foreign elements are known as ‘allergens’. Symptoms include itching, watery eyes, hives, runny nose and sneezing. Allergic condition varies from person to person. Some might be allergic to certain foods and seasonal allergies like hay fever. At the same time, others might be allergic to pollen or pet dander.
Insomnia: Insomnia is a sleep disorder that causes frequent difficulty to fall or stay asleep. It occurs due to poor sleeping habits, depression, lack of physical activity, or long-term illnesses. It can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term) depending on the underlying cause.
Travel sickness: It is an illness caused by motion during travel. The illness usually goes away when the motion stops. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, dizziness and tiredness.
FAQs
Promethazine+paracetamol contains ‘promethazine’ which belongs to the class of ‘phenothiazines’. It is an antihistamine and blocks the action of histamines (chemicals causing allergic symptoms). It can effectively treat allergic symptoms such as itching, watery eyes, hives, runny nose and sneezing. It also acts on the brain directly and produces a calming and anti-nausea effect. For short-term use, it is used in the treatment of insomnia. It can treat symptoms such as feeling sick (nausea) and fall sick (vomiting) occurring due to travel or motion sickness. Paracetamol is a painkiller, which is used to treat pain associated with different medical conditions like headache, toothache, osteoarthritis, cold or flu pain.
Promethazine+paracetamol is usually recommended for short-term use. Do not take longer than prescribed unless advised by your doctor.
Promethazine+paracetamol is not recommended for use in children below 5 years of age as it can cause respiratory depression (slow and ineffective breathing). In children above 5 years of age, use only prescribed by a child specialist.
Do not drive or consume alcohol as Promethazine+paracetamol can cause drowsiness. Do not go into the sunlight directly as it can cause photosensitivity leading to rashes on sun-exposed skin.
You can take the missed dose as soon as you remember, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose as usual at the fixed time. Do not double your dose or do not take more than prescribed.
Promethazine+paracetamol may cause harmful effects to the unborn baby if used in pregnancy. So, do not take Promethazine+paracetamol unless prescribed by your doctor.
Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a condition that causes an uncontrollable urge to move your legs, usually because of an uncomfortable sensation. It typically happens in the evening or nighttime hours when you're sitting or lying down. Moving eases the unpleasant feeling temporarily.
