Description

Phenergan 10mg – 56 Tablets

Phenergan 10mg tablets contain promethazine hydrochloride, a first-generation antihistamine used to relieve allergic conditions such as hay fever, hives, and allergic skin reactions, as well as to help with travel sickness, nausea, vomiting, and short-term sleep difficulties (insomnia).

How It Works

Promethazine hydrochloride works by blocking histamine receptors in the body. Histamine is a natural chemical released during allergic reactions that causes symptoms like itching, sneezing, and a runny nose. By blocking histamine, promethazine reduces these symptoms. It also acts on areas of the brain that control nausea and wakefulness, which is why it helps with travel sickness and sleep.

Directions for Use

Dosage varies depending on the condition being treated:

Allergies (adults and children over 10): 10mg to 20mg, up to three times daily.
Travel sickness (adults): 20mg to 25mg taken 1–2 hours before travel; a further dose may be taken after 6–8 hours if needed.
Travel sickness (children 5–10 years): 10mg taken 1–2 hours before travel.
Short-term insomnia (adults): 20mg to 50mg at bedtime.
Short-term insomnia (children 5–10 years): 15mg to 20mg at bedtime.

Phenergan 10mg tablets are not suitable for children under 5 years of age. Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water. Always read the patient information leaflet before use. If you are unsure about the correct dose, speak to your PillSorted pharmacist.

Active Ingredients

• Promethazine hydrochloride 10mg per tablet

Possible Side Effects

• Drowsiness or sedation (very common)
• Dizziness or impaired coordination
• Dry mouth, nose, or throat
• Blurred vision
• Constipation or difficulty passing urine
• Headache
• Restlessness or excitability (more common in children)
• Skin sensitivity to sunlight (photosensitivity)

If you experience any serious side effects, stop taking this medicine and seek medical advice immediately.

Who Should Not Take This Medicine

• Children under 5 years of age
• People who are allergic to promethazine hydrochloride or any other ingredient in the tablet
• People taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or who have taken them in the last 14 days
• People with severe liver problems
• People with epilepsy or a history of seizures (unless advised by a doctor)
• People with glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
• People with an enlarged prostate or difficulty urinating
• Patients in a coma or those who are very drowsy

Interactions

Promethazine may interact with a number of medicines, including sedatives, sleeping tablets, antidepressants (especially MAOIs and tricyclics), antipsychotics, anxiety medicines, painkillers such as codeine or morphine, anticholinergic medicines (e.g., those used for bladder problems), and some heart medicines. Taking these together can increase the risk of drowsiness or other serious side effects. Tell your PillSorted pharmacist or doctor about all medicines you are currently taking, including herbal remedies and supplements.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Phenergan is generally not recommended during pregnancy, particularly near the time of delivery, as it may affect the newborn baby. Promethazine passes into breast milk and may cause drowsiness in a breastfed infant, so it is not recommended whilst breastfeeding. Speak to your doctor or PillSorted pharmacist before use if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding.

Alcohol

You should avoid drinking alcohol whilst taking Phenergan. Alcohol significantly increases the sedative (drowsiness-causing) effects of promethazine, which can be dangerous — particularly if you need to drive, operate machinery, or carry out tasks that require alertness.

Driving and Operating Machinery

Phenergan commonly causes drowsiness and may impair your ability to drive or operate machinery safely. You should not drive, cycle, or use tools or machinery after taking this medicine until you know how it affects you. This sedative effect can persist into the following day, particularly if a dose is taken at night.

Storage

Store below 25°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep the tablets in their original packaging. Keep out of sight and reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date shown on the packaging.

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.

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.

This content has been medically reviewed and approved by Zeinab Ardeshir (GPhC 2075730), Superintendent Pharmacist at PillSorted (GPhC-registered online pharmacy 9011258). Last reviewed: February 2026.

Brand

Phenergan