Promethazine Contraindicated in Children Younger than Two

In 2005, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals notified health care professionals that Phenergan brand promethazine hydrochloride was contraindicated in children under the age of two because the drug could cause fatal respiratory depression. Now, the labeling on all products containing promethazine HCl, both brand name and generic, has been changed to reflect these strengthened warnings. Promethazine has a number of uses, including as an antihistamine, a perioperative sedative and antiemetic, and to help control postoperative pain. It is available in several formulations, including syrups, suppositories, tablets or injectables.

Practitioners should also be cautious when using promethazine in older children because respiratory depression can also occur in this age group, even when the dose has been calculated according to the child's weight. This risk may increase when promethazine is used along with other drugs that can cause respiratory depression.

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• Promethazine
• HCl
• Hydrochloride
• Phenergan
• FDA
• Fatal
• Respiratory
• Depression
• Children
• Patient
• Safety
• Drug
• Reaction