Promethazine Hydrochloride – 56 x 25mg Tablets (Brand May Vary)
£9.89
In Stock
Promethazine hydrochloride is an antihistamine medicine used to relieve allergy symptoms such as hay fever, hives, and itching, as well as to treat short-term sleeping difficulties and help prevent and relieve travel sickness.
Description
Promethazine Hydrochloride – 56 x 25mg Tablets (Brand May Vary)
Promethazine hydrochloride is an antihistamine medicine used to relieve allergy symptoms such as hay fever, hives, and itching, as well as to treat short-term sleeping difficulties and help prevent and relieve travel sickness.
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How It Works
Promethazine works by blocking histamine receptors in the body, which reduces allergic reactions such as itching, sneezing, and a runny nose. It also has a sedative (sleep-inducing) effect by acting on certain receptors in the brain, which is why it can help with short-term insomnia and motion sickness.
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Directions for Use
The recommended dose depends on what you are treating. For allergies in adults and children aged 10 and over, the usual dose is 10mg to 20mg taken once or twice daily (up to a maximum of 40mg per day). For short-term sleep problems in adults and children aged 16 and over, 25mg is taken at bedtime. For travel sickness in adults and children aged 10 and over, 25mg is taken the night before travel and again on the morning of travel if needed. Tablets should be swallowed whole with water and can be taken with or without food. Always read the patient information leaflet before use. If you are unsure about the correct dose, speak to your PillSorted pharmacist.
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Active Ingredients
• Promethazine hydrochloride 25mg per tablet
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Possible Side Effects
• Drowsiness or sedation
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Dry mouth, nose, or throat
• Blurred vision
• Constipation
• Difficulty passing urine
• Headache
• Restlessness or confusion (more common in elderly patients)
If you experience any serious side effects, stop taking this medicine and seek medical advice immediately.
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Who Should Not Take This Medicine
• Children under 10 years of age (under 16 for sleep-related use)
• People who are allergic to promethazine or any other phenothiazines
• People with certain types of glaucoma (raised pressure in the eye)
• People with an enlarged prostate or difficulty passing urine
• People with epilepsy
• People with severe liver disease
• Those taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or having taken them within the last 14 days
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Interactions
Promethazine can interact with several medicines, increasing the risk of side effects. These include other sedatives, sleeping tablets, anxiolytics, antidepressants (including MAOIs and tricyclics), antipsychotics, opioid painkillers, certain antihistamines, and medicines for epilepsy. It may also interact with some medicines for heart rhythm problems, as promethazine can affect the electrical activity of the heart. Tell your PillSorted pharmacist or doctor about all medicines you are currently taking, including herbal remedies and supplements.
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Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Promethazine is not recommended during the last two weeks of pregnancy as it may affect the newborn baby. It should also be used with caution during breastfeeding, as small amounts may pass into breast milk and could cause excessive sleepiness in the infant. Speak to your doctor or PillSorted pharmacist before use if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding.
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Alcohol
You should avoid drinking alcohol while taking promethazine. Alcohol increases the sedative (drowsy) effect of this medicine, which can impair your judgement, coordination, and reaction times, and may be dangerous.
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Driving and Operating Machinery
Promethazine causes significant drowsiness and sedation, and you should not drive, cycle, or operate heavy machinery while taking it. Even the following day, you may still feel drowsy — check that you are fully alert before undertaking any activity that requires concentration or quick reactions.
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Storage
Store below 25°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of sight and reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date shown on the packaging.
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Important Information
• This product is a medicine. Speak to your doctor or PillSorted pharmacist before taking this product if you have an underlying medical condition or are taking any other medication or complementary therapy.
• If symptoms worsen or persist, contact your doctor.
• If pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding, seek medical advice before use.
• If you suffer from allergies, confirm suitability with your PillSorted pharmacist before use.
• Store out of sight and reach of children.
• Read the enclosed patient information leaflet carefully before use.
• Contact your GP where appropriate.
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Patient Information Leaflet
For the full Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) for this medicine, visit the electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). For further information about this medicine, visit NHS.uk.
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This content has been medically reviewed and approved by Zeinab Ardeshir (GPhC 2075730), Superintendent Pharmacist at PillSorted (GPhC-registered online pharmacy 9011258). Last reviewed: March 2026.
| Brand | Generic |
|---|---|
| Class | Pharmacy Medicine |
