Promethazine DM: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Alcohol Content
What is Promethazine DM?
Promethazine DM is a brand of medication containing dextromethorphan and promethazine as active ingredients. Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant. Promethazine is an antihistamine.
This combination medication is used to treat cough, stuffy nose, runny nose, and sneezing caused by colds or allergies. Promethazine DM is for use in adults and children at least 2 years old.
The common Promethazine DM are:
- Ml Of Syrup 6.25mg/15mg/5ml
- Bottle 118ML of 6.25-15MG/5ML
- Bottle 473ML of 6.25-15MG/5ML
Does Promethazine DM have codeine in it?
No, Promethazine DM does not contain codeine, but dextromethorphan a d-isomer of the codeine analog, methorphan. It affects the signals in the brain that trigger cough reflex. Dextromethorphan will relieve a cough but will not treat the cause of the cough or speed recovery. Dextromethorphan is in a class of medications called antitussives. It works by decreasing activity in the part of the brain that causes coughing.
Does Promethazine DM have alcohol in it?
Yes, Promethazine DM contains 7% alcohol per 5ML of this medication. Alcohol in pharmaceutical products acts as a preservative and/or promotes sedation depending on the agents listed and the responsibility lies with the consumer of knowing what is in medications that are taken. Cough syrups normally contain up to 40 percent of alcohol. It is therefore advised to take the dosage according to doctor’s advice.
How to take Promethazine DM
Take Promethazine DM by mouth as directed by your doctor, with or without food, usually every 4-6 hours as needed. Since dosing recommendations may vary, carefully follow your doctor’s directions for taking this medication.
The dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. Carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device or spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. Drink plenty of fluids while you are using this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor. The fluid will help loosen the mucus in your lungs.
Improper use of this medication (abuse) may result in serious harm (such as brain damage, seizure, and death). Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or use it for a longer time than directed.
Tell your doctor if your cough persists, returns, or worsens after 7 days or if it is accompanied by fever, severe sore throat, rash, or persistent headache.
What are the side effects of Promethazine DM?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Stop using this medicine and call your doctor at once if you have:
• weak or shallow breathing, breathing that stops during sleep;
• unusual restlessness or excitement;
• uncontrolled muscle movements in your neck, tongue, or eyes;
• fast, slow, or uneven heart rate;
• hallucinations, ringing in your ears;
• a seizure;
• fever, chills, weakness;
• easy bruising, unusual bleeding;
• yellowing of your skin or eyes; or
• severe nervous system reaction–very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, feeling like you might pass out.
Common side effects may include:
• drowsiness, dizziness;
• dry mouth, nose, or throat;
• blurred vision;
• nausea, vomiting; or
• loss of coordination.
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 drugs can interact with Promethazine DM?
In general, children are more sensitive to Promethazine DM than adults, especially if they take too much medicine. Always read medicine labels carefully and give your child the right amount. Ask your pharmacist if you are not sure how much medicine to use.
Call your doctor if your symptoms get worse after 2 or 3 days of treatment, or if they do not improve after 7 days. Also, call if you develop a severe sore throat or fever; or cough up thick yellow mucus.
This medicine may make you drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
Do not use any other medicines that make you sleepy. These include sleeping pills, narcotic pain relievers, and sedatives.
Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:
- an antidepressant;
- a barbiturate such as phenobarbital;
- bronchodilator asthma medication;
- cold or allergy medicine (Benadryl and others);
- medicine to treat Parkinson’s disease;
- medicine to treat overactive bladder; or
- medicine to treat stomach problems, motion sickness, or irritable bowel syndrome.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect Promethazine DM, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.
Make sure your doctor knows if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, glaucoma, an enlarged prostate, seizure disorder, asthma, emphysema, or an overactive thyroid.
This medicine might contain phenylalanine (aspartame). This is only a concern if you have a disorder called phenylketonuria (a problem with amino acids). Talk to your doctor before using this medicine.
