Medications and Drugs

Brand Names: Adgan, Anergan 50, Phenergan

Generic Name: promethazine (injection) (Pronunciation: pro METH a zeen)

What is promethazine injection (Adgan, Anergan 50, Phenergan)?

Promethazine is in a group of drugs called phenothiazines (feen-oh-THYE-oh-zeens).

Promethazine is used to treat or prevent nausea and vomiting caused by anesthesia or surgery, certain types of allergic reactions, pain caused by surgery or childbirth, and to sedate patients before surgery or medical procedures.

Promethazine injection is usually given when a person cannot take the medication orally (by mouth).

Promethazine injection may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of promethazine injection (Adgan, Anergan 50, Phenergan)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

twitching, or uncontrollable movements of your eyes, lips, tongue, face, arms, or legs;
tremor (uncontrolled shaking), drooling, trouble swallowing, problems with balance or walking;
feeling restless, jittery, or agitated;
slow, shallow breathing, feeling like you might pass out;
increased blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision, trouble concentrating, chest pain, numbness, seizure);
pain, burning, severe irritation, muscle weakness, or skin changes where the injection was given;
confusion, hallucinations, hysteria, seizure (black-out or convulsions);
fast or slow heartbeats;
fever, chills, body aches, flu symptoms;
urinating less than usual or not at all;
easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness; or
jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).

Less serious side effects may include:

drowsiness, dizziness, tired feeling;
ringing in your ears;
problems with balance or coordination;
blurred vision;
feeling nervous or shaky;
sleep problems (insomnia);
skin rash or itching; or
dry mouth, stuffy nose.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about promethazine injection (Adgan, Anergan 50, Phenergan)?

Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have twitching or uncontrollable movements of your eyes, lips, tongue, face, arms, or legs. These could be early signs of dangerous side effects.

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to promethazine or to similar medicines such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), fluphenazine (Prolixin), mesoridazine (Serentil), perphenazine (Trilafon), prochlorperazine (Compazine), thioridazine (Mellaril), or trifluperazine (Stelazine).

This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Tell your doctor right away if you have serious side effects while receiving promethazine injection, such as slow, shallow breathing, feeling light-headed, fainting, severe burning or skin irritation where the injection was given, confusion, hallucinations, muscle twitching, or muscle movements you cannot control.

What should I discuss with my health care provider before I receive promethazine injection (Adgan, Anergan 50, Phenergan)?»

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Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.