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PROMETHEGAN
Promethazine Hydrochloride · Suppository
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 040428-001 | PROMETHAZINE HYDROCHLORIDE | SUPPOSITORY | PROMETHAZINE HYDROCHLORIDE | Prescription | AB | RS | |
| 040428-002 | PROMETHAZINE HYDROCHLORIDE | SUPPOSITORY | PROMETHAZINE HYDROCHLORIDE | Prescription | AB |
Therapeutic equivalence
Source: Orange BookWhat this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated by in vivo or in vitro testing
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 | 31 | Labeling | Approved | September 2, 2016 | Standard |
| Supplement | 26 | Labeling | Approved | December 18, 2012 | — |
| Supplement | 25 | Labeling | Approved | December 18, 2012 | — |
| Supplement | 24 | Labeling | Approved | May 26, 2010 | — |
| Supplement | 23 | Labeling | Approved | April 26, 2010 | — |
| Supplement | 19 | Labeling | Approved | October 13, 2005 | — |
| Supplement | 8 | Labeling | Approved | October 6, 2004 | — |
| Supplement | 5 | Labeling | Approved | June 18, 2004 | — |
| Supplement | 4 | Labeling | Approved | March 31, 2003 | — |
| Supplement | 2 | Manufacturing (CMC) | Approved | March 31, 2003 | — |
| Supplement | 1 | Labeling | Approved | November 20, 2002 | — |
| Original application | 1 | Approved | February 5, 2002 | — |
Review documents
- 0 · Original application · December 8, 2004
Prescribing information
Source: openFDA Drug LabelingReproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20231130). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.
Boxed Warning
openFDA Drug LabelingWARNINGS WARNING: PROMETHAZINE HCL SUPPOSITORIES 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 HCL SUPPOSITORIES IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS LESS THAN 2 YEARS OF AGE. A WIDE RANGE OF WEIGHT-BASED DOSES OF PROMETHAZINE HCl SUPPOSITORIES HAVE RESULTED IN RESPIRATORY DEPRESSION IN THESE PATIENTS. CAUTION SHOULD BE EXERCISED WHEN ADMINISTERING PROMETHAZINE HCL TO PEDIATRIC PATIENTS 2 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER. IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT THE LOWEST EFFECTIVE DOSE OF PROMETHAZINE HCL 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 Suppositories, USP are 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 Promethazine HCl Rectal Suppositories are contraindicated for children under 2 years of age ( see WARNINGS–Black Box Warning and Use in Pediatric Patients ). Promethazine HCl Suppositories are for rectal administration only. Allergy The average 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 hydrochloride 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 given on arising and again before the evening meal. For children, Promethazine HCl Rectal Suppositories, 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 for the active therapy of nausea and vomiting in children or adults is 25 mg. 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 by rectal suppository 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 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 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 Rectal Suppositories are not recommended for children under 2 years of age.
Contraindications
openFDA Drug LabelingCONTRAINDICATIONS Promethazine HCl Suppositories are contraindicated for use in pediatric patients less than two years of age. Promethazine HCl Suppositories are 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.
Adverse Reactions
openFDA Drug LabelingADVERSE REACTIONS 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. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Cosette Pharmaceuticals, Inc. at 1-800-922-1038 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch .
Drug Interactions
openFDA Drug LabelingDrug Interactions CNS Depressants – Promethazine HCl Suppositories 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 Suppositories, 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 HCl to reverse epinephrine’s vasopressor effect, epinephrine should NOT be used to treat hypotension associated with Promethazine HCl Suppositories 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 Suppositories.
Use in Specific Populations
openFDA Drug LabelingCNS Depression Promethazine HCl Suppositories 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 Suppositories may lead to potentially fatal respiratory depression. Use of Promethazine HCl Suppositories in patients with compromised respiratory function (e.g., COPD, sleep apnea) should be avoided. Lower Seizure Threshold Promethazine HCl Suppositories 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 Suppositories 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 illnesses (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 SUPPOSITORIES ARE CONTRAINDICATED FOR THE USE IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS LESS THAN TWO YEARS OF AGE. CAUTION SHOULD BE EXERCISED WHEN ADMINISTERING PROMETHAZINE HCL SUPPOSITORIES TO PEDIATRIC PATIENTS 2 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER BECAUSE OF THE POTENTIAL FOR FATAL RESPIRATORY DEPRESSION. RESPIRATORY DEPRESSION AND APNEA, SOMETIMES ASSOCIATED WITH DEATH, ARE STRONGLY ASSOCIATED WITH PROMETHAZINE PRODUCTS AND ARE NOT DIRECTLY RELATED TO INDIVIDUALIZED WEIGHT-BASED DOSING, WHICH MIGHT OTHERWISE PERMIT SAFE ADMINISTRATION. CONCOMITANT ADMINISTRATION OF PROMETHAZINE PRODUCTS WITH OTHER RESPIRATORY DEPRESSANTS HAS AN ASSOCIATION WITH RESPIRATORY DEPRESSION, AND SOMETIMES DEATH, IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS. ANTIEMETICS ARE NOT RECOMMENDED FOR TREATMENT OF UNCOMPLICATED VOMITING IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS, AND THEIR USE SHOULD BE LIMITED TO PROLONGED VOMITING OF KNOWN ETIOLOGY. THE EXTRAPYRAMIDAL SYMPTOMS WHICH CAN OCCUR SECONDARY TO PROMETHAZINE HCL SUPPOSITORIES ADMINISTRATION MAY BE CONFUSED WITH T …
Description
openFDA Drug LabelingDESCRIPTION Each rectal suppository contains 12.5 mg or 25 mg promethazine HCl with ascorbyl palmitate, colloidal silicon dioxide, white wax, hard fat, and glyceryl monostearate. Promethazine HCl Suppositories, USP are for rectal administration only. Promethazine HCl is a racemic compound; the empirical formula is C 17 H 20 N 2 S•HCl and its molecular weight is 320.88. Promethazine HCl, a phenothiazine derivative, is designated chemically as 10 H -Phenothiazine, 10-ethanamine, N,N, α -trimethyl-, monohydrochloride, (±)- with the following structural formula: Promethazine HCl 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. structural formula
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, and 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 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 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 that 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 HCl Rectal Suppositories, USP are available in boxes of 12 and 1000 as follows: 12.5 mg, white, bullet-shaped suppository wrapped in silver foil. Box of 12 NDC 0713-0536-12 12.5 mg, white, bullet-shaped suppository wrapped in silver foil. Box of 1000 NDC 0713-0536-10 25 mg, white, bullet-shaped suppository wrapped in silver foil. Box of 12 NDC 0713-0526-12 25 mg, white, bullet-shaped suppository wrapped in silver foil. Box of 1000 NDC 0713-0526-10 Store refrigerated between 2°-8°C (36°-46°F). Dispense in well-closed container. Distributed by: Cosette Pharmaceuticals, Inc. South Plainfield, NJ 07080 8-PROMCPLNC1 Iss. 03/2020 VC7409
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0713-0132-10 | 0713-0132 | Cosette Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | 1000 SUPPOSITORY in 1 BOX (0713-0132-10) | August 31, 1987 |
| 0713-0132-12 | 0713-0132 | Cosette Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | 12 SUPPOSITORY in 1 BOX (0713-0132-12) | August 31, 1987 |
| 0713-0526-10 | 0713-0526 | Cosette Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | 1000 SUPPOSITORY in 1 BOX (0713-0526-10) | February 28, 2002 |
| 0713-0526-12 | 0713-0526 | Cosette Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | 12 SUPPOSITORY in 1 BOX (0713-0526-12) | February 28, 2002 |
| 0713-0536-10 | 0713-0536 | Cosette Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | 1000 SUPPOSITORY in 1 BOX (0713-0536-10) | February 28, 2004 |
| 0713-0536-12 | 0713-0536 | Cosette Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | 12 SUPPOSITORY in 1 BOX (0713-0536-12) | February 28, 2004 |
| 55289-928-02 | 55289-928 | PD-Rx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | 2 SUPPOSITORY in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (55289-928-02) | July 13, 2011 |
| 55289-928-04 | 55289-928 | PD-Rx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | 4 SUPPOSITORY in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (55289-928-04) | July 13, 2011 |
| 55289-928-06 | 55289-928 | PD-Rx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | 6 SUPPOSITORY in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (55289-928-06) | July 13, 2011 |
| 55289-928-79 | 55289-928 | PD-Rx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | 1 SUPPOSITORY in 1 BOTTLE, PLASTIC (55289-928-79) | July 13, 2011 |
| 0713-0132 | 0713-0132 | Cosette Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | — | August 31, 1987 |
| 0713-0526 | 0713-0526 | Cosette Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | — | February 28, 2002 |
| 0713-0536 | 0713-0536 | Cosette Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | — | February 28, 2004 |
| 55289-928 | 55289-928 | PD-Rx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. | — | February 28, 2002 |
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.