What Is Phenergan?

Phenergan is used in the treatment of motion sickness and is an anti-histamine, anti-nausea and sedative medication. Phenergan belongs to a family of drugs that are normally used as anti-psychotic drugs. It is in the same family as Thorazine. 

Phenergan is a drug with many uses:

• It is often given in conjunction with antibiotics to combat side effects such as itching, dizziness and blurred vision.
• It is often given with some chemotherapy drugs to combat side effects of nausea during the administration.
• It is used as a sleep aid.
• It is an anti-histamine for allergies. Seasonal allergies are the most common allergies that Phenergan is helpful with. Phenergan is an H1 binding site inhibitor and the H1 binding site in cells is where histamine binds when the body is exposed to a substance to which the body is allergic.
• It is used in a number of cases as a preoperative sedative.
• It is used to lessen morning sickness during pregnancy.
• It is useful for the treatment of motion sickness, both as a prophylactic and as a treatment.
• If combined with codeine and dextromethorphan, Phenergan can even be used as a good cough remedy.

Regardless of the purpose for which it was given, phenergan usually makes the patient very sleepy.

Administering the Drug

Phenergan is typically given in one of three methods. It can be given orally, as a suppository or as an injection to an IV bag.

The drug is relatively fast acting, especially when administered in an IV or as a suppository, and brings relatively quick relief from the nausea.

Drug Interactions with Phenergan

Because of Phenergan's chemical properties, some drugs interact with Phenergan and serve to intensify its effects. Since Phenergan is used as a sedative in some cases, it is not advisable to drink alcohol, drive or operate machinery when taking it.

Other drugs that cause interactions with Phenergan include:

• Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors
• Central Nervous System (CNS) depressants
• Epinephrine

The CNS depressants will have their effect intensified by the Phenergan.

Side Effects of Phenergan

Side effects of Phenergan include:

• Confusion
• Dry mouth
• Fatigue
• Drowsiness
• Restless legs
• Constipation
• Short temper

These are all relatively mild side effects; however, for those patients with severely compromised pulmonary functions, the CNS depression can be dangerous. In rare situations, extremely severe side effects can include seizures.

Severe side effects can include rash, itching, swelling, fever or trouble breathing.

If you are taking this drug and notice any symptoms, contact your physician immediately and seek medical attention. Because of the CNS depressive nature of this drug, don’t dismiss any symptoms that may indicate that it is effecting your ability to breath.

Dangers of Phenergan

There are many drugs that are involved in class action suits today. Phenergan is one that is involved in one of these suits as of 2010.

In early 2010, the Supreme Court mandated that manufacturers of Phenergan (and its generic equivalent, promethazine) place a black box warning on the drug and in the warning literature included with the drug indicating the possibility of tissue damage if administered incorrectly. The drug should be administered as a deep tissue injection rather than by subcutaneous injections or directly into the vein.

If the drug is injected just under the skin or into the vein, it can leach out and damage tissue in the area of the injection. Improper injection of the drug can lead to severe tissue damage, gangrene and can lead in some cases to amputation of effected limbs.