14/07/2025
Why Promethazine Is More Than Just a Vomiting Drug
If you've ever been so nauseous you couldn’t keep anything down maybe from typhoid, malaria treatment, food poisoning, or even after a long road trip, there’s a good chance a health professional gave you Promethazine.
But do you really know what it does and how to use it safely?
Let’s break it down.
What is it used for?
Promethazine is a multi-purpose medicine often used to:
– Relieve allergy symptoms like sneezing, itching, and rashes
– Prevent and manage nausea or vomiting (including from malaria, typhoid, food poisoning, or after surgery)
– Prevent motion sickness
– Act as a mild sedative or sleep aid in some cases
How does it work?
It works in two main ways:
* As an antihistamine – It blocks histamine, a chemical in the body that causes allergic reactions.
* In the brain – It calms areas that control nausea and vomiting, making it useful for treating those symptoms.
When is the best time to take it?
– For nausea or vomiting: as prescribed, usually before or after meals or at bedtime
– For motion sickness: 30 to 60 minutes before travelling
– For allergy symptoms: usually at bedtime or as directed
Always follow the doctor’s or pharmacist’s instructions.
Dosage (General Guidance – Not a substitute for prescription):
Adults: Usually 12.5–25 mg taken once or twice daily, depending on the condition
Children above 2 years: Dose is based on weight, so speak with your doctor or pharmacist
Important safety tips:
– Do not give to children under 2 years. It can cause serious breathing problems and may be life-threatening.
– Avoid in pregnancy unless advised by a doctor. Not enough is known about its safety in unborn babies.
– Do not use while breastfeeding as it may pass into breast milk and harm the baby.
– Avoid alcohol and be careful when driving or operating machines. It can cause drowsiness or make you feel light-headed.
– Be extra cautious if you have asthma, glaucoma, high blood pressure, liver disease, or history of seizures. Always inform your healthcare provider.
Common side effects may include:
– Drowsiness, dry mouth, dizziness, blurred vision, or ringing in the ears.
– In rare cases: confusion, breathing difficulty, or unusual movements of the face or limbs.
Advice 👇
Promethazine can be very helpful when used correctly. Always use it under the supervision of a qualified health professional.
If this helped you, share with someone who might need it.
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