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PROMETHAZINE HCI

Prescription ANDA TE AP RLD Official labelling
Informational index, not medical advice. Content is reproduced from public FDA and NLM data. Always confirm against the manufacturer's current prescribing information. Report adverse events to FDA MedWatch.

Overview

Brand name
PROMETHAZINE HCI
Generic name
Promethazine Hci
Dosage form
Injection
Route
Intramuscular
Marketing category
ANDA · ANDA
Labeler
HF Acquisition Co. LLC, DBA HealthFirst
Product type
Human Prescription Drug
DEA schedule
Not scheduled
Active ingredients
2
NDC product codes
2
Packages
4
Data completeness
76% of corroborating sources present

Active ingredients

Source: NDC Directory
Active ingredients and strengths as listed in the NDC Directory.
Ingredient Strength RxCUI Monograph
Promethazine Hydrochloride 25 mg/mL 992460 View
Promethazine Hydrochloride 50 mg/mL 992460 View

Forms, strengths and routes

Source: NDC Directory
Dosage form
Injection
Route of administration
Intramuscular
Presentations
6

Pharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.

Pharmacologic class

Source: NDC Directory
Established pharmacologic classes (EPC), mechanisms of action (MoA), chemical structures (CS) and physiologic effects (PE).
Class Type Browse
Phenothiazine [EPC] EPC All 35 members
Phenothiazines [CS] CS All 35 members

Regulatory status

Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory
Application number
083312
Application type
ANDA · Abbreviated New Drug Application
Approval date
September 19, 1973
Sponsor
HIKMA
Products on application
2
Submissions recorded
21
Products approved under application 083312.
Product Trade name Form Strength Ingredient Status TE Flags
083312-001 PROMETHAZINE HYDROCHLORIDE INJECTABLE PROMETHAZINE HYDROCHLORIDE Prescription AP RLD RS
083312-002 PROMETHAZINE HYDROCHLORIDE INJECTABLE PROMETHAZINE HYDROCHLORIDE Prescription AP RLD RS

Therapeutic equivalence

Source: Orange Book
TE code
AP
Reference Listed Drug
Yes
Reference Standard
Yes

What this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated (parenteral aqueous solutions)

Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.

Approval history

Source: Drugs@FDA
Most recent submissions on application 083312.
Type No. Action Status Date Review
Supplement 64 Labeling Approved June 24, 2025 Standard
Supplement 61 Labeling Approved December 27, 2023 Standard
Supplement 45 Labeling Approved November 19, 2009 —
Supplement 41 Labeling Approved March 13, 2006 —
Supplement 38 Labeling Approved June 21, 2005 —
Supplement 35 Labeling Approved April 19, 2004 —
Supplement 32 Labeling Approved April 19, 2004 —
Supplement 30 Labeling Approved November 27, 2002 —
Supplement 29 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved November 27, 2002 —
Supplement 28 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved March 12, 2002 —
Supplement 27 Labeling Approved August 9, 2001 —
Supplement 26 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved November 19, 1999 —
Supplement 25 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved February 11, 1999 —
Supplement 24 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved December 27, 1994 —
Supplement 23 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved June 16, 1993 —
Supplement 22 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved October 30, 1992 —
Supplement 21 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved March 12, 1992 —
Supplement 20 Labeling Approved November 9, 1990 —
Supplement 19 Labeling Approved August 23, 1990 —
Supplement 18 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved March 30, 1990 —
Original application 1 Approved September 19, 1973 —

Prescribing information

Source: openFDA Drug Labeling

Reproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20240222). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.

HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20240222 HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20240222

Boxed Warning

openFDA Drug Labeling

Boxed Warning Boxed Warming

Indications and Usage

openFDA Drug Labeling

Indications And Usage Promethazine hydrochloride injection is indicated for the following conditions: Amelioration of allergic reactions to blood or plasma. In anaphylaxis as an adjunct to epinephrine and other standard measures after the acute symptoms have been controlled. For other uncomplicated allergic conditions of the immediate type when oral therapy is impossible or contraindicated. For sedation and relief of apprehension and to produce light sleep from which the patient can be easily aroused. Active treatment of motion sickness. Prevention and control of nausea and vomiting associated with certain types of anesthesia and surgery. As an adjunct to analgesics for the control of postoperative pain. Preoperative, postoperative, and obstetric (during labor) sedation. Intravenously in special surgical situations, such as repeated bronchoscopy, ophthalmic surgery, and poor-risk patients, with reduced amounts of meperidine or other narcotic analgesic as an adjunct to anesthesia and analgesia.

Dosage and Administration

openFDA Drug Labeling

Dosage and Administration Important Notes on Administration Promethazine hydrochloride injection can cause severe chemical irritation and damage to tissues regardless of the route of administration. Irritation and damage can result from perivascular extravasation, unintentional intra-arterial injection, and intraneuronal or perineuronal infiltration (see Warnings - Severe Tissue Injury, Including Gangrene). The preferred parenteral route of administration for promethazine hydrochloride injection is by deep intramuscular injection. Under no circumstances should promethazine hydrochloride injection be given by intra-arterial injection due to the likelihood of severe arteriospasm and the possibility of resultant gangrene (see Warnings - Severe Tissue Injury, Including Gangrene). Subcutaneous injection is contraindicated as it may result in tissue necrosis. When administered intravenously, promethazine hydrochloride injection should be given in a concentration no greater than 25 mg per mL and at a rate not to exceed 25 mg per minute. It is preferable to inject through the tubing of an intravenous infusion set that is known to be functioning satisfactorily. In the event that a patient complains of pain during intravenous injection of promethazine hydrochloride injection, the injection should be stopped immediately to evaluate for possible arterial injection or perivascular extravasation. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit. Do not use promethazine hydrochloride injection if solution has developed color or contains precipitate. To avoid the possibility of physical and/or chemical incompatibility, consult specialized literature before diluting with any injectable solution or combining with any other medication. Do not use if there is a precipitate or any sign of incompatibility. Allergic Conditions The average adult dose is 25 mg. This dose may be repeated within two hours if necessary, but continued therapy, if indicated, should be via the oral route as soon as existing circumstances permit. After initiation of treatment, dosage should be adjusted to the smallest amount adequate to relieve symptoms. The average adult dose for amelioration of allergic reactions to blood or plasma is 25 mg. Sedation In hospitalized adult patients, nighttime sedation may be achieved by a dose of 25 to 50 mg of promethazine hydrochloride injection. Nausea and Vomiting For control of nausea and vomiting, the usual adult dose is 12.5 to 25 mg, not to be repeated more frequently than every four hours. When used for control of postoperative nausea and vomiting, the dosage of analgesics and barbiturates should be reduced accordingly (see Precautions - Drug Interactions). Antiemetics should not be used in vomiting of unknown etiology in children and adolescents (see Precautions - Pediatric Use). Preoperative and Postoperative Use As an adjunct to preoperative or postoperative medication, 25 to 50 mg of promethazine hydrochloride injection in adults may be combined with appropriately reduced doses of analgesics and atropine-like drugs as desired. Dosage of concomitant analgesic or hypnotic medication should be reduced accordingly (see Precautions - Drug Interactions). Promethazine hydrochloride is contraindicated for use in pediatric patients less than two years of age. Obstetrics Promethazine hydrochloride injection in doses of 50 mg will provide sedation and relieve apprehension in the early stages of labor. When labor is definitely established, 25 to 75 mg (average dose, 50 mg) promethazine hydrochloride injection may be given with an appropriately reduced dose of any desired narcotic (see Precautions - Drug Interactions). If necessary, promethazine hydrochloride injection with a reduced dose of analgesic may be repeated once or twice at four-hour intervals in the course of a normal labor. A maximum total dose of 100 mg of promethazine …

Contraindications

openFDA Drug Labeling

Contraindications Children Less Than 2 Years of Age Promethazine hydrochloride injection is contraindicated for use in pediatric patients less than two years of age due to the risk of respiratory depression (see Warnings - Respiratory Depression). Comatose State Promethazine hydrochloride injection is contraindicated in comatose states. Intra-Arterial Injection Under no circumstances should promethazine hydrochloride injection be given by intra-arterial injection due to the likelihood of severe arteriospasm and the possibility of resultant gangrene (see Warnings - Severe Tissue Injury, Including Gangrene). Subcutaneous Injection Promethazine hydrochloride injection should not be given by the subcutaneous route because evidence of chemical irritation has been noted, and necrotic lesions have resulted following subcutaneous injection. The preferred parenteral route of administration is by deep intramuscular injection. Idiosyncratic Reaction or Hypersensitivity Promethazine hydrochloride injection is contraindicated in patients who have demonstrated an idiosyncratic reaction or hypersensitivity to promethazine or other phenothiazines.

Warnings Respiratory Depression Pediatrics Promethazine hydrochloride injection should not be used in pediatric patients less than 2 years of age because of the potential for fatal respiratory depression. Postmarketing cases of respiratory depression, including fatalities, have been reported with use of promethazine in pediatric patients less than 2 years of age. A wide range of weight-based doses of promethazine hydrochloride injection have resulted in respiratory depression in these patients. Caution should be exercised when administering promethazine hydrochloride injection to pediatric patients 2 years of age and older. It is recommended that the lowest effective dose of promethazine hydrochloride injection be used in pediatric patients 2 years of age and older. Avoid concomitant administration of other drugs with respiratory depressant effects because of an association with respiratory depression, and sometimes death, in pediatric patients. Other Because of the risk of potentially fatal respiratory depression, use of promethazine hydrochloride injection in patients with compromised respiratory function or patients at risk for respiratory failure (e.g. COPD, sleep apnea) should be avoided. Severe Tissue Injury, Including Gangrene Promethazine hydrochloride injection can cause severe chemical irritation and damage to tissues regardless of the route of administration. Irritation and damage can result from perivascular extravasation, unintentional intra-arterial injection, and intraneuronal or perineuronal infiltration. Adverse event reports include burning, pain, erythema, swelling, sensory loss, palsies, paralysis, severe spasm of distal vessels, thrombophlebitis, venous thrombosis, phlebitis, abscesses, tissue necrosis, and gangrene. In some cases, surgical intervention, including fasciotomy, skin graft, and/or amputation have been required. Because of the risks of intravenous injection, the preferred route of administration of promethazine hydrochloride injection is deep intramuscular injection (see Dosage and Administration ). Subcutaneous injection is contraindicated. Due to the close proximity of arteries and veins in the areas most commonly used for intravenous injection, extreme care should be exercised to avoid perivascular extravasation or unintentional intra-arterial injection as pain, severe chemical irritation, severe spasm of distal vessels, and resultant gangrene requiring amputation are likely under such circumstances. Aspiration of dark blood does not preclude intra-arterial needle placement because blood is discolored upon contact with promethazine hydrochloride injection. Use of syringes with rigid plungers or of small-bore needles might obscure typical arterial backflow if this is relied upon alone. In the event that a patient complains of pain during intravenous injection of promethazine hydrochloride injection, the injection should be stopped immediately to evaluate for possible arterial injection or perivascular extravasation. There is no proven successful management of unintentional intra-arterial injection or perivascular extravasation after it occurs. Sympathetic block and heparinization have been employed during the acute management of unintentional intra-arterial injection, because of the results of animal experiments with other known arteriolar irritants. CNS Depression Promethazine hydrochloride injection may impair the mental and/or physical abilities required for the performance of potentially hazardous tasks, such as driving a vehicle or operating machinery. The impairment may be amplified by concomitant use of other central-nervous-system depressants such as alcohol, sedative/hypnotics (including barbiturates), general anesthetics, narcotics, narcotic analgesics, tricyclic antidepressants, and tranquilizers; therefore such agents should either be eliminated or given in reduced dosage in the presence of promethazine hydrochloride (see Precautions - Information for Patients and Precautions- Dr …

Adverse Reactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

Adverse Reactions Respiratory Depression Promethazine hydrochloride injection is contraindicated in pediatric patients less than 2 years of age, because of the potential for fatal respiratory depression. Promethazine hydrochloride injection should be used with caution in pediatric patients 2 years of age and older (see Warnings - Respiratory Depression). Severe Tissue Injury, Including Gangrene Promethazine hydrochloride injection can cause severe chemical irritation and damage to tissues regardless of the route of administration. Irritation and damage can result from perivascular extravasation, unintentional intra-arterial injection and intraneuronal or perineuronal infiltration. Adverse reactions include burning, pain, erythema, swelling, sensory loss, palsies, paralysis, severe spasm of distal vessels, thrombophlebitis, venous thrombosis, phlebitis, abscesses, tissue necrosis, and gangrene. In some cases, surgical intervention, including fasciotomy, skin graft, and/or amputation have been required (see Warnings - Severe Tissue Injury, Including Gangrene; and Dosage and Administration ). Central Nervous System Drowsiness is the most prominent CNS effect of this drug. Sedation, somnolence, blurred vision, dizziness, confusion, disorientation, and extrapyramidal symptoms such as oculogyric crisis, torticollis, and tongue protrusion; lassitude, tinnitus, incoordination, fatigue, euphoria, nervousness, diplopia, insomnia, tremors, convulsive seizures, excitation, catatonic-like states, hysteria. Hallucinations have also been reported. Cardiovascular Increased or decreased blood pressure, tachycardia, bradycardia, faintness. Dermatologic Dermatitis, photosensitivity, urticaria. Hematologic Leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, thrombocytopenic purpura, agranulocytosis. Gastrointestinal Dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, jaundice. Respiratory Asthma, nasal stuffiness, respiratory depression (potentially fatal) and apnea (potentially fatal). (See Warnings - Respiratory Depression.) Other Angioneurotic edema. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (potentially fatal) has also been reported. (See Warnings - Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome.) Paradoxical Reactions Hyperexcitability and abnormal movements have been reported in patients following a single administration of promethazine hydrochloride injection. Consideration should be given to the discontinuation of promethazine hydrochloride injection and to the use of other drugs if these reactions occur. Respiratory depression, nightmares, delirium, and agitated behavior have also been reported in some of these patients.

Description

openFDA Drug Labeling

Description Promethazine hydrochloride injection, USP is a sterile, pyrogen-free solution for deep intramuscular or intravenous administration. Promethazine hydrochloride (10H-Phenothiazine-10-ethanamine,N,N,α-trimethyl-, monohydrochloride, (±)-) is a racemic compound and has the following structural formula: C17H21ClN2S MW 320.88 Each mL contains promethazine hydrochloride, either 25 mg or 50 mg, edetate disodium 0.1 mg, calcium chloride 0.04 mg, sodium metabisulfite 0.25 mg and phenol 5 mg in Water for Injection. pH 4.0 to 5.5; buffered with acetic acid-sodium acetate. Promethazine hydrochloride injection is a clear, colorless solution. The product is light sensitive. It should be inspected before use and discarded if either color or particulate is observed. Structure

Overdosage Signs and symptoms of overdosage range from mild depression of the central nervous system and cardiovascular system to profound hypotension, respiratory depression, unconsciousness and sudden death. Other reported reactions include hyperreflexia, hypertonia, ataxia, athetosis, and extensor-plantar reflexes (Babinski reflex). Stimulation may be evident, especially in pediatric patients and geriatric patients. Convulsions may rarely occur. A paradoxical-type reaction has been reported in pediatric patients receiving single doses of 75 mg to 125 mg orally, characterized by hyperexcitability and nightmares. Atropine-like signs and symptoms-dry mouth; fixed, dilated pupils; flushing; etc., as well as gastrointestinal symptoms, may occur. Treatment Treatment of overdosage is essentially symptomatic and supportive. Only in cases of extreme overdosage or individual sensitivity do vital signs, including respiration, pulse, blood pressure, temperature, and EKG, need to be monitored. Attention should be given to the reestablishment of adequate respiratory exchange through provision of a patent airway and institution of assisted or controlled ventilation. Diazepam may be used to control convulsions. Acidosis and electrolyte losses should be corrected. Note that any depressant effects of promethazine hydrochloride injection are not reversed by naloxone. Avoid analeptics, which may cause convulsions. The treatment of choice for resulting hypotension is administration of intravenous fluids, accompanied by repositioning if indicated. In the event that vasopressors are considered for the management of severe hypotension which does not respond to intravenous fluids and repositioning, the administration of norepinephrine or phenylephrine should be considered. EPINEPHRINE SHOULD NOT BE USED, since its use in a patient with partial adrenergic blockade may further lower the blood pressure. Extrapyramidal reactions may be treated with anticholinergic antiparkinson agents, diphenhydramine, or barbiturates. Oxygen may also be administered. Limited experience with dialysis indicates that it is not helpful.

How Supplied / Storage and Handling

openFDA Drug Labeling

How Supplied PROMETHAZINE HCI INJECTION, USP is supplied in the following dosage forms. NDC 51662-1247-1 PROMETHAZINE HCI INJECTION, USP 25mg/mL 1mL VIAL NDC 51662-1247-2 Pouch containing a single PROMETHAZINE HCI INJECTION, USP 25mg/mL 1mL VIAL NDC 51662-1247-3 Case of 25 pouches - PROMETHAZINE HCI INJECTION, USP 25mg/mL 1mL VIAL HF Acquisition Co LLC, DBA HealthFirst Mukilteo, WA 98275 Also supplied in the following manufacture supplied dosage forms Promethazine Hydrochloride Injection, USP is available as follows: 25 mg/mL 1 mL vials packaged in 25s (NDC 0641-0928-25) 50 mg/mL 1 mL vials packaged in 25s (NDC 0641-0929-25) Storage Store at 20°-25°C (68°-77°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Protect from light. Keep covered in carton until time of use. Do not use if solution has developed color or contains a precipitate. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact West-Ward Pharmaceutical Corp. at 1-877-845-0689, or the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. For Product Inquiry call 1-877-845-0689. Manufactured by: WEST-WARD PHARMACEUTICALS Eatontown, NJ 07724 USA Revised August 2012 462-232-05 Logo

Adverse event reports

Source: openFDA FAERS
22,615
FAERS reports mentioning this drug
as of 2026-09-25T03:42:24+00:00
A report count is not a risk measure. FAERS accepts voluntary and mandatory reports without establishing causation, and reporting is influenced by how widely a drug is used, how long it has been marketed, and media attention. FDA states that reports “do not prove that the drug caused the event”. Compare rates, not totals.

Attributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: PROMETHAZINE HYDROCHLORIDE. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.

Packaging and NDCs

Source: NDC Directory
Every National Drug Code package associated with this medication. The NDC is the identifier used for dispensing, billing and pharmacovigilance in the United States.
Package NDC Product NDC Labeler Description Marketing start
51662-1247-1 51662-1247 HF Acquisition Co. LLC, DBA HealthFirst 1 mL in 1 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE (51662-1247-1) August 26, 2018
51662-1247-3 51662-1247 HF Acquisition Co. LLC, DBA HealthFirst 25 POUCH in 1 CASE (51662-1247-3) / 1 mL in 1 POUCH (51662-1247-2) October 27, 2020
51662-1248-1 51662-1248 HF Acquisition Co. LLC, DBA HealthFirst 1 mL in 1 AMPULE (51662-1248-1) August 26, 2018
51662-1248-3 51662-1248 HF Acquisition Co. LLC, DBA HealthFirst 25 POUCH in 1 CASE (51662-1248-3) / 1 AMPULE in 1 POUCH (51662-1248-2) / 1 mL in 1 AMPULE August 26, 2018
51662-1247 51662-1247 HF Acquisition Co. LLC, DBA HealthFirst — August 26, 2018
51662-1248 51662-1248 HF Acquisition Co. LLC, DBA HealthFirst — August 26, 2018

Sources for this page

Every dataset that contributed a fact to this page.
Dataset Agency Used for
NDC Directory FDA Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages
Drugs@FDA FDA Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status
Orange Book FDA Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity
Drug Labeling FDA / NLM Prescribing information reproduced above
FAERS FDA Adverse event report counts

Generated September 25, 2026 · 11 sections on this page.