Q: What is promethazine HCl?
A: Promethazine hydrochloride (HCl) (marketed as Phenergan) is an antihistamine used to treat symptoms associated with allergic reactions. Promethazine was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1951.

Q: Has there been any recent news about promethazine?
A: In April 2006, the FDA issued an alert notifying healthcare professionals and the public that promethazine HCl should not be given to children less than two years old, because of possible breathing problems. This warning pertains to promethazine in any form: syrups, suppositories, tablets, or injectables. The FDA has received reports of breathing problems (some fatal) when promethazine was given to children less than two years old. Click here to read more from the FDA.

Q: Who should not use promethazine?
A: Promethazine should not be given to children under two years of age; patients who are unconscious; patients who are allergic to promethazine, any of the ingredients in promethazine, or to other phenothiazines; patients with lung symptoms including asthma; and children who are vomiting, unless the vomiting is prolonged and there is a known cause.

Q: Are there any serious health risks associated with promethazine?
A: Promethazine may cause any of the following conditions: severe drowsiness and reduced mental alertness; serious breathing problems; increased risk of seizures; bone-marrow problems and changes in blood cell production; and neuroleptic malignant syndrome.

Q: What should I tell my healthcare professional before he or she prescribes Promethazine?
A: Before you start taking promethazine, tell your healthcare professional if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, have an enlarged prostate, have a stomach ulcer, have an intestinal blockage, have a bladder blockage, have heart problems, have liver problems, have breathing or lung problems, have sleep apnea (breathing problems when sleeping), have seizures, drink alcohol, are trying to become pregnant, are already pregnant, or are breast-feeding.