Phenergan

Also Known As: Phenergan, Promethegan, Romergan, Fargan, Farganesse, Prothiazine, Avomine, Atosil, Receptozine, Lergigan

Promethazine is a first-generation antihistamine of the phenothiazine family. The drug has anti-motion sickness, antiemetic, and anticholinergic effects, as well as a strong sedative effect and in some countries is prescribed for insomnia when benzodiazepines are contraindicated. It is available over-the-counter in the United Kingdom, Australia, Switzerland, and many other countries, but by prescription in the United States (brand names Phenergan, Promethegan, Romergan, Fargan, Farganesse, Prothiazine, Avomine, Atosil, Receptozine, Lergigan, and Sominex in the UK).

Indications

As a sedative^[4]
For preoperative sedation and to counteract postnarcotic nausea^[4]
As antiallergic medication to combat hay fever (allergic rhinitis), etc. To treat allergic reactions it can be given alone or in combination with oral decongestants like pseudoephedrine.^[4]
As an adjunct treatment for anaphylactoid conditions (IM/IV route preferred)^[4]
Together with codeine or dextromethorphan against cough
As a motion sickness or seasickness remedy when used with Ephedrine or Pseudoephedrine^[4]
To combat moderate to severe morning sickness and hyperemesis gravidarum. In the UK promethazine is drug of first choice, being preferred as an older drug with which there is a greater experience of use in pregnancy (second line being metoclopramide or prochlorperazine).^[5]
Previously it was used as an antipsychotic,^[6] although it is generally not administered for this purpose now; promethazine has only approximately 1/10 of the antipsychotic strength of chlorpromazine.
Also used to potentiate any opiates. Commonly combined with pethidine (AKA, meperidine, or Demerol) in a brand called Mepergan, a meperidine/promethazine combination. Also frequently used in conjunction with codeine, in a syrup form. The combination leads to more powerful euphoric effects than with codeine alone.