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Promethazine Hydrochloride and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride
Promethazine and Phenylephrine · Solution
Overview
Active ingredients
Source: NDC DirectoryForms, strengths and routes
Source: NDC DirectoryPharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.
Pharmacologic class
Source: NDC Directory| Class | Type | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| Adrenergic alpha1-Agonists [MoA] | MoA | 9 members — no class page |
| Phenothiazine [EPC] | EPC | All 35 members |
| Phenothiazines [CS] | CS | All 35 members |
| alpha-1 Adrenergic Agonist [EPC] | EPC | 9 members — no class page |
Regulatory status
Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory| Product | Trade name | Form | Strength | Ingredient | Status | TE | Flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 040902-001 | PROMETHAZINE HYDROCHLORIDE AND PHENYLEPHRINE HYDROCHLORIDE | SYRUP | PHENYLEPHRINE HYDROCHLORIDE; PROMETHAZINE HYDROCHLORIDE | Prescription | AA |
Therapeutic equivalence
Source: Orange BookWhat this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — no known or suspected bioequivalence problems (conventional dosage forms)
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| Type | No. | Action | Status | Date | Review |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Supplement | 3 | Labeling | Approved | May 12, 2015 | Standard |
| Original application | 1 | Approved | August 25, 2009 | — |
Prescribing information
Source: openFDA Drug LabelingReproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20241030). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.
Indications and Usage
openFDA Drug LabelingINDICATIONS AND USAGE Promethazine hydrochloride and phenylephrine hydrochloride oral solution, USP is indicated for the temporary relief of upper respiratory symptoms, including nasal congestion, associated with allergy or the common cold.
Dosage and Administration
openFDA Drug LabelingDOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION It is important that promethazine hydrochloride and phenylephrine hydrochloride oral solution, USP is measured with an accurate measuring device (see Precautions-Information for Patients ). A household teaspoon is not an accurate measuring device and could lead to overdosage, especially when half a teaspoon is to be measured. It is strongly recommended that an accurate measuring device be used. A pharmacist can provide instructions for measuring the correct dose. Promethazine hydrochloride and phenylephrine hydrochloride oral solution, USP is contraindicated for children under 2 years of age (see WARNINGS –Black Box Warning and Use in Pediatric Patients ). The recommended doses are given in the following table: Adults and Children 12 Years and Over 1 teaspoonful (5 mL) every 4 to 6 hours, not to exceed 6 teaspoonfuls (30 mL) in 24 hours. Children 6 to Under 12 Years of Age 1⁄2 to 1 teaspoonful (2.5 to 5 mL) every 4 to 6 hours, not to exceed 6 teaspoonfuls (30 mL) in 24 hours. Children 2 to Under 6 Years of Age 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 teaspoonful (1.25 to 2.5 mL) every 4 to 6 hours.
Contraindications
openFDA Drug LabelingCONTRAINDICATIONS Promethazine is contraindicated in comatose states, and in individuals known to be hypersensitive or to have had an idiosyncratic reaction to promethazine or to other phenothiazines. Antihistamines are contraindicated for use in the treatment of lower respiratory tract symptoms, including asthma. Phenylephrine is contraindicated in patients with hypertension or with peripheral vascular insufficiency (ischemia may result with risk of gangrene or thrombosis of compromised vascular beds). Phenylephrine should not be used in patients known to be hypersensitive to the drug or in those receiving a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI).
Warnings
openFDA Drug LabelingWARNINGS Promethazine hydrochloride 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 hydrochloride in pediatric patients less than 2 years of age. A wide range of weight-based doses of promethazine hydrochloride have results in respiratory depression in these patients. Caution should be exercised when administering promethazine hydrochloride to pediatric patients 2 years of age and older. It is recommended that the lowest effective dose of promethazine hydrochloride be used in pediatric patients 2 years of age and older and concomitant administration of other drugs with respiratory depressant effects be avoided. Sulfite Sensitivity: Promethazine Hydrochloride and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride Oral Solution contains sodium metabisulfite, a sulfite that may cause allergic-type reactions including anaphylactic symptoms and life-threatening or less severe asthmatic episodes in certain susceptible people. The overall prevalence of sulfite sensitivity in the general population is unknown and probably low. Sulfite sensitivity is seen more frequently in asthmatic than in nonasthmatic people. Promethazine: CNS Depression- Promethazine 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, sedatives/hypnotics (including barbiturates), narcotics, narcotic analgesics, general anesthetics, tricyclic antidepressants, and tranquilizers; therefore such agents should either be eliminated or given in reduced dosage in the presence of promethazine HCl (see PRECAUTIONS-Information for Patients and Drug Interactions ). Respiratory Depression - Promethazine may lead to potentially fatal respiratory depression. Use of Promethazine in patients with compromised respiratory function (e.g., COPD, sleep apnea) should be avoided. Lower Seizure Threshold - Promethazine may lower seizure threshold. It should be used with caution in persons with seizure disorders or in persons who are using concomitant medications, such as narcotics or local anesthetics, which may also affect seizure threshold. Bone-Marrow Depression - Promethazine should be used with caution in patients with bone-marrow depression. Leukopenia and agranulocytosis have been reported, usually when promethazine HCl has been used in association with other known marrow-toxic agents. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome - A potentially fatal symptom complex sometimes referred to as Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) has been reported in association with promethazine HCl alone or in combination with antipsychotic drugs. Clinical manifestations of NMS are hyperpyrexia, muscle rigidity, altered mental status and evidence of autonomic instability (irregular pulse or blood pressure, tachycardia, diaphoresis and cardiac dysrhythmias). The diagnostic evaluation of patients with this syndrome is complicated. In arriving at a diagnosis, it is important to identify cases where the clinical presentation includes both serious medical illness (e.g. pneumonia, systemic infection, etc.) and untreated or inadequately treated extrapyramidal signs and symptoms (EPS). Other important considerations in the differential diagnosis include central anticholinergic toxicity, heat stroke, drug fever and primary central nervous system (CNS) pathology. The management of NMS should include 1) immediate discontinuation of promethazine HCl, antipsychotic drugs, if any, and other drugs not essential to concurrent therapy, 2) intensive symptomatic treatment and medical monitoring, and 3) treatment of any concomitant serious medical problems for which specific treatments are available. There is no general agreement about specific pharmacol …
Adverse Reactions
openFDA Drug LabelingADVERSE REACTIONS Promethazine: 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-Promethazine; Respiratory Depression .) Other - Angioneurotic edema. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (potentially fatal) has also been reported. (See WARNINGS - Promethazine; Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome .) Paradoxical Reactions - Hyperexcitability and abnormal movements have been reported in patients following a single administration of promethazine HCl. Consideration should be given to the discontinuation of promethazine HCl 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. Phenylephrine: Nervous System - Restlessness, anxiety, nervousness and dizziness. Cardiovascular - Hypertension (see " WARNINGS "). Other - Precordial pain, respiratory distress, tremor, and weakness.
Description
openFDA Drug LabelingDESCRIPTION Each 5 mL (one teaspoonful), for oral administration contains: Promethazine hydrochloride, USP 6.25 mg; phenylephrine hydrochloride, USP 5 mg. Alcohol 7%. Inactive Ingredients: alcohol, ascorbic acid, caramel color, citric acid, edetate disodium, glycerin, methylparaben, natural & artificial citrus flavor, purified water, saccharin sodium, sodium benzoate, sodium citrate, sodium metabisulfite and sucrose. Promethazine hydrochloride, USP, a phenothiazine derivative, is chemically designated as (±)-10-[2-(Dimethylamino)propyl] phenothiazine monohydrochloride. Promethazine hydrochloride, USP occurs as a white to faint yellow, practically odorless, crystalline powder which slowly oxidizes and turns blue on prolonged exposure to air. It is soluble in water and freely soluble in alcohol. It has a molecular weight of 320.88, a molecular formula of C 17 H 20 N 2 S•HCl and the following structural formula: Phenylephrine hydrochloride, USP is a sympathomimetic amine salt which is chemically designated as (-)- m -Hydroxy-α-[(methylamino)methyl]benzyl alcohol hydrochloride. It occurs as white or nearly white crystals, having a bitter taste. It is freely soluble in water and alcohol. Phenylephrine hydrochloride, USP is subject to oxidation and must be protected from light and air. It has a molecular weight of 203.67, a molecular formula of C 9 H 13 NO 2 •HCl, and the following structural formula: ee90bcbe-figure-01 ee90bcbe-figure-02
Overdosage
openFDA Drug LabelingOVERDOSAGE Promethazine: Signs and symptoms of overdosage with promethazine HCl 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 children and geriatric patients. Convulsions may rarely occur. A paradoxical reaction has been reported in children 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, as well as gastrointestinal symptoms, may occur. Phenylephrine: Signs and symptoms of overdosage with phenylephrine include hypertension, headache, convulsions, cerebral hemorrhage, and vomiting. Ventricular premature beats and short-paroxysms of ventricular tachycardia may also occur. Headache may be a symptom of hypertension. Bradycardia may also be seen early in phenylephrine overdosage through stimulation of baroreceptors. Treatment: The treatment of overdosage with promethazine and phenylephrine 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. Activated charcoal orally or by lavage may be given, or sodium or magnesium sulfate orally as a cathartic. 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 are not reversed by naloxone. Avoid analeptics which may cause convulsions. Severe hypotension usually responds to the administration of norepinephrine or phenylephrine. EPINEPHRINE SHOULD NOT BE USED, since its use in a patient with partial adrenergic blockade may further lower the blood pressure. Limited experience with dialysis indicates that it is not helpful.
How Supplied / Storage and Handling
openFDA Drug LabelingHOW SUPPLIED Promethazine Hydrochloride and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride Oral Solution, USP is a clear, pale yellow to yellow colored, citrus-flavored solution containing 6.25 mg Promethazine Hydrochloride, USP, 5 mg Phenylephrine Hydrochloride, USP and 7 percent alcohol in each teaspoonful (5 mL) Available as: 4 fl. oz (118 mL) NDC 65162-679-86 16 fl. oz (473 mL) NDC 65162-679-90 Dispense in a tight, light-resistant container as defined in the USP. Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. KEEP THIS AND ALL DRUGS OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN. Rx Only Manufactured by: Amneal Pharmaceuticals Branchburg, NJ 08876 Distributed by: Amneal Pharmaceuticals Glasgow, KY 42141 Rev. 05-2015-01
Adverse event reports
Source: openFDA FAERSAttributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: PHENYLEPHRINE 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| Package NDC | Product NDC | Labeler | Description | Marketing start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 65162-679-86 | 65162-679 | Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC | 118 mL in 1 BOTTLE (65162-679-86) | August 25, 2009 |
| 65162-679-90 | 65162-679 | Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC | 473 mL in 1 BOTTLE (65162-679-90) | August 25, 2009 |
| 64950-345-16 | 64950-345 | Genus Lifesciences Inc. | 473 mL in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (64950-345-16) | July 15, 2024 |
| 65162-679 | 65162-679 | Amneal Pharmaceuticals LLC | — | August 25, 2009 |
| 64950-345 | 64950-345 | Genus Lifesciences Inc. | — | July 15, 2024 |
Sources for 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.