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PROMETHAZINE HYDROCHLORIDE
Overview
Active ingredients
Source: NDC Directory| Ingredient | Strength | RxCUI | Monograph |
|---|---|---|---|
| Promethazine Hydrochloride | 6.25 mg/5mL | 992460 | View |
Forms, strengths and routes
Source: NDC DirectoryPharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.
Pharmacologic class
Source: NDC Directory| Class | Type | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| Phenothiazine [EPC] | EPC | All 35 members |
| Phenothiazines [CS] | CS | All 35 members |
Regulatory status
Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory| Product | Trade name | Form | Strength | Ingredient | Status | TE | Flags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 213890-001 | PROMETHAZINE HYDROCHLORIDE | SYRUP | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original application | 1 | Approved | July 12, 2021 | Standard |
Prescribing information
Source: openFDA Drug LabelingReproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20260130). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.
Boxed Warning
openFDA Drug LabelingBOXED WARNING Promethazine HCl Oral Solution 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 have resulted in respiratory depression in these patients. Caution should be exercised when administering promethazine to pediatric patients 2 years of age and older. It is recommended that the lowest effective dose of promethazine be used in pediatric patients 2 years of age and older and concomitant administration of other drugs with respiratory depressant effects be avoided.
Indications and Usage
openFDA Drug LabelingINDICATIONS AND USAGE Promethazine HCl Oral Solution is useful for: Perennial and seasonal allergic rhinitis. Vasomotor rhinitis. Allergic conjunctivitis due to inhalant allergens and foods. Mild, uncomplicated allergic skin manifestations of urticaria and angioedema. Amelioration of allergic reactions to blood or plasma. Dermographism. Anaphylactic reactions, as adjunctive therapy to epinephrine and other standard measures, after the acute manifestations have been controlled. Preoperative, postoperative, or obstetric sedation. Prevention and control of nausea and vomiting associated with certain types of anesthesia and surgery. Therapy adjunctive to meperidine or other analgesics for control of postoperative pain. Sedation in both children and adults, as well as relief of apprehension and production of light sleep from which the patient can be easily aroused. Active and prophylactic treatment of motion sickness. Antiemetic therapy in postoperative patients.
Dosage and Administration
openFDA Drug LabelingDOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION It is important that Promethazine HCl Oral Solution 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 an appropriate device and can provide instructions for measuring the correct dose. Promethazine HCl Oral Solution is contraindicated for children under 2 years of age ( see WARNINGS – Boxed Warning and Use in Pediatric Patients ). Allergy The average oral dose is 25 mg taken before retiring; however, 12.5 mg may be taken before meals and on retiring, if necessary. Single 25 mg doses at bedtime or 6.25 to 12.5 mg taken three times daily will usually suffice. After initiation of treatment in children or adults, dosage should be adjusted to the smallest amount adequate to relieve symptoms. The administration of promethazine HCl in 25 mg doses will control minor transfusion reactions of an allergic nature. Motion Sickness The average adult dose is 25 mg taken twice daily. The initial dose should be taken one-half to one hour before anticipated travel and be repeated 8 to 12 hours later, if necessary. On succeeding days of travel, it is recommended that 25 mg be taken on arising and again before the evening meal. For children, 12.5 to 25 mg, twice daily, may be administered. Nausea and Vomiting Antiemetics should not be used in vomiting of unknown etiology in children and adolescents (see WARNINGS- Use in Pediatric Patients ). The average effective dose of Promethazine HCl Oral Solution for the active therapy of nausea and vomiting in children or adults is 25 mg. When oral medication cannot be tolerated, the dose should be given parenterally (cf. Promethazine Hydrochloride Injection) or by rectal suppository. 12.5 to 25 mg doses may be repeated, as necessary, at 4 to 6 hour intervals. For nausea and vomiting in children, the usual dose is 0.5 mg per pound of body weight, and the dose should be adjusted to the age and weight of the patient and the severity of the condition being treated. For prophylaxis of nausea and vomiting, as during surgery and the postoperative period, the average dose is 25 mg repeated at 4 to 6 hour intervals, as necessary. Sedation This product relieves apprehension and induces a quiet sleep from which the patient can be easily aroused. Administration of 12.5 to 25 mg Promethazine HCl Oral Solution by the oral route at bedtime will provide sedation in children. Adults usually require 25 to 50 mg for nighttime, presurgical, or obstetrical sedation. Pre- and Postoperative Use Promethazine HCl Oral Solution in 12.5 to 25 mg doses for children and 50 mg doses for adults the night before surgery relieves apprehension and produces a quiet sleep. For preoperative medication children require doses of 0.5 mg per pound of body weight in combination with an appropriately reduced dose of narcotic or barbiturate and the appropriate dose of an atropine-like drug. Usual adult dosage is 50 mg Promethazine HCl Oral Solution with an appropriately reduced dose of narcotic or barbiturate and the required amount of a belladonna alkaloid. Postoperative sedation and adjunctive use with analgesics may be obtained by the administration of 12.5 to 25 mg in children and 25 to 50 mg doses in adults. Promethazine HCl Oral Solution is contraindicated for children under 2 years of age.
Contraindications
openFDA Drug LabelingCONTRAINDICATIONS Promethazine plain oral solution is contraindicated for use in pediatric patients less than 2 years of age. Promethazine plain oral solution 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.
Warnings
openFDA Drug LabelingWARNINGS Promethazine 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 have resulted in respiratory depression in these patients. Caution should be exercised when administering Promethazine to pediatric patients 2 years of age and older. It is recommended that the lowest effective dose of Promethazine be used in pediatric patients 2 years of age and older and concomitant administration of other drugs with respiratory depressant effects be avoided.
CNS Depression Promethazine HCl Oral Solution 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 HCl Oral Solution may lead to potentially fatal respiratory depression. Use of Promethazine HCl Oral Solution in patients with compromised respiratory function (e.g., COPD, sleep apnea) should be avoided. Lower Seizure Threshold Promethazine HCl Oral Solution 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 HCl Oral Solution should be used with caution in patients with bone-marrow depression. Leukopenia and agranulocytosis have been reported, usually when Promethazine (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 pharmacological treatment regimens for uncomplicated NMS. Since recurrences of NMS have been reported with phenothiazines, the reintroduction of Promethazine HCl should be carefully considered. Use in Pediatric Patients Promethazine HCl Oral Solution is contraindicated for use in pediatric patients less than two years of age. Caution should be exercised when administering Promethazine HCl Oral Solution to pediatric patients 2 years of age and older because of the potent …
Adverse Reactions
openFDA Drug LabelingADVERSE REACTIONS To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Chartwell Governmental & Specialty RX, LLC. at 1-845-232-1683 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 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 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.
Drug Interactions
openFDA Drug LabelingDrug Interactions CNS Depressants Promethazine HCl Oral Solution may increase, prolong, or intensify the sedative action 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 be avoided or administered in reduced dosage to patients receiving Promethazine HCl. When given concomitantly with Promethazine HCl Oral Solution, the dose of barbiturates should be reduced by at least one-half, and the dose of narcotics should be reduced by one-quarter to one-half. Dosage must be individualized. Excessive amounts of Promethazine HCl relative to a narcotic may lead to restlessness and motor hyperactivity in the patient with pain; these symptoms usually disappear with adequate control of the pain. Epinephrine Because of the potential for Promethazine to reverse epinephrine's vasopressor effect, epinephrine should NOT be used to treat hypotension associated with Promethazine HCl Oral Solution overdose. Anticholinergics Concomitant use of other agents with anticholinergic properties should be undertaken with caution. Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI) Drug interactions, including an increased incidence of extrapyramidal effects, have been reported when some MAOI and phenothiazines are used concomitantly. This possibility should be considered with Promethazine HCl Oral Solution. Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions The following laboratory tests may be affected in patients who are receiving therapy with Promethazine HCl: Pregnancy Tests Diagnostic pregnancy tests based on immunological reactions between HCG and anti-HCG may result in false-negative or false-positive interpretations. Glucose Tolerance Test An increase in blood glucose has been reported in patients receiving Promethazine HCl.
Description
openFDA Drug LabelingDESCRIPTION Each 5 mL (teaspoonful) of Promethazine Hydrochloride Oral Solution, USP contains: 6.25 mg of Promethazine Hydrochloride, USP. The inactive ingredients present are alcohol 7%, ascorbic acid, citric acid anhydrous, D&C Yellow No. 10, FD&C Red No. 40, FD&C Blue No. 1, FD&C Yellow No. 6, methylparaben, natural cherry flavor, propylene glycol, propylparaben, purified water, saccharin sodium, sodium benzoate, sodium citrate dihydrate, and sucrose. Citric acid anhydrous or sodium citrate dihydrate is used to adjust the pH to 4.6 to 5.0. Promethazine Hydrochloride, USP is a racemic compound; the empirical formula is C 17 H 20 N 2 S•HCl and its molecular weight is 320.88. Promethazine Hydrochloride, USP, a phenothiazine derivative, is designated chemically as 10H-Phenothiazine-10-ethanamine,N,N,á-trimethyl-, monohydrochloride,(±)-, with the following structural formula: 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 freely soluble in water and soluble in alcohol. image description
Overdosage
openFDA Drug LabelingOVERDOSAGE 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-type 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. 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. Activated charcoal orally or by lavage may be given, or sodium or magnesium sulfate orally as a cathartic. Attention should be given to the re-establishment 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 HCl 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 patients with partial adrenergic blockade may further lower the blood pressure. Extrapyramidal reactions may be treated with anticholinergic antiparkinsonian 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 LabelingHOW SUPPLIED Promethazine Hydrochloride Oral Solution, USP 6.25 mg/ 5mL is a green colored viscous syrup with a light cherry odor is supplied as follows: Bottle of 120 mL – NDC 62135-774-41 Bottle of 473 mL – NDC 62135-774-47 Unit Dose Cup of 5 mL – NDC 62135-774-05 20 Unit Dose Cups of 5 mL – NDC 62135-774-24 Unit Dose Cup of 10 mL – NDC 62135-774-10 20 Unit Dose Cups of 10 mL – NDC 62135-774-23 Keep tightly closed. Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Protect from light. Dispense in light-resistant, tight container. Manufactured for: Chartwell RX, LLC. Congers, NY 10920 Rev: 01/2026 L71724
Adverse event reports
Source: openFDA FAERSAttributed 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| Package NDC | Product NDC | Labeler | Description | Marketing start |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 72162-2071-2 | 72162-2071 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | 473 mL in 1 BOTTLE (72162-2071-2) | August 15, 2023 |
| 72162-2377-2 | 72162-2377 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | 473 mL in 1 BOTTLE (72162-2377-2) | July 30, 2024 |
| 68999-774-23 | 68999-774 | Chartwell Governmental & Specialty RX, LLC. | 2 TRAY in 1 BOX (68999-774-23) / 10 CUP in 1 TRAY / 10 mL in 1 CUP (68999-774-10) | November 20, 2025 |
| 68999-774-24 | 68999-774 | Chartwell Governmental & Specialty RX, LLC. | 2 TRAY in 1 BOX (68999-774-24) / 10 CUP in 1 TRAY / 5 mL in 1 CUP (68999-774-05) | November 20, 2025 |
| 62135-774-23 | 62135-774 | Chartwell RX, LLC | 2 TRAY in 1 BOX (62135-774-23) / 10 CUP in 1 TRAY / 10 mL in 1 CUP (62135-774-10) | February 10, 2025 |
| 62135-774-24 | 62135-774 | Chartwell RX, LLC | 2 TRAY in 1 BOX (62135-774-24) / 10 CUP in 1 TRAY / 5 mL in 1 CUP (62135-774-05) | February 10, 2025 |
| 62135-774-41 | 62135-774 | Chartwell RX, LLC | 120 mL in 1 BOTTLE (62135-774-41) | November 27, 2023 |
| 62135-774-47 | 62135-774 | Chartwell RX, LLC | 473 mL in 1 BOTTLE (62135-774-47) | November 27, 2023 |
| 81033-016-50 | 81033-016 | Kesin Pharma Corporation | 50 CUP, UNIT-DOSE in 1 CARTON (81033-016-50) / 5 mL in 1 CUP, UNIT-DOSE (81033-016-05) | December 31, 2024 |
| 0121-1854-16 | 0121-1854 | PAI Holdings, LLC dba PAI Pharma | 473 mL in 1 BOTTLE (0121-1854-16) | August 7, 2025 |
| 70752-138-06 | 70752-138 | QUAGEN PHARMACEUTICALS LLC | 118 mL in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (70752-138-06) | July 12, 2021 |
| 70752-138-12 | 70752-138 | QUAGEN PHARMACEUTICALS LLC | 473 mL in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (70752-138-12) | July 12, 2021 |
| 72162-2071 | 72162-2071 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | — | July 12, 2021 |
| 72162-2377 | 72162-2377 | Bryant Ranch Prepack | — | February 20, 2024 |
| 68999-774 | 68999-774 | Chartwell Governmental & Specialty RX, LLC. | — | September 25, 1998 |
| 62135-774 | 62135-774 | Chartwell RX, LLC | — | September 25, 1998 |
| 81033-016 | 81033-016 | Kesin Pharma Corporation | — | December 31, 2024 |
| 0121-1854 | 0121-1854 | PAI Holdings, LLC dba PAI Pharma | — | August 7, 2025 |
| 70752-138 | 70752-138 | QUAGEN PHARMACEUTICALS LLC | — | July 12, 2021 |
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 · 12 sections on this page.