Patient/caregiver was educated on the side-effects of using Promethazine as follows:
Respiratory side-effects
- Promethazine intake, secondary to the calming down action on the brain, can result in suppressing the action of respiratory center in the brain. This can result in difficulty breathing, slow and shallow breathing pattern, and increased shortness of breath. Individuals with history of breathing problems such as asthma, and COPD can be at increased risk for breathing difficulty with promethazine.
Cardiovascular side-effects
- Promethazine carries the risk of lowering the blood pressure. Hypotension, secondary to promethazine intake, can lead to episodes of confusion and dizziness, thus increasing the risk for fall and accidents.
- Promethazine also may aggravate some underlying cardiac arrhythmias leading to severe debility and death. Individuals can present with signs and symptoms of cardiac arrhythmias, such as, episodes of chest pain, rapid heart rate, palpitations, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
Central nervous system side-effects
- Promethazine can induce some dizziness and promote sleep. Starting the medication at a low dose, watching for the therapeutic response, and gradually changing the dose, to help optimum control of your symptoms, can contribute to controlling/reducing the risk for drowsiness and dizziness due to the medication. Stay away from activities, such as, driving and operating heavy machinery, until you are used to the side effects caused by promethazine intake. If the dizziness becomes bothersome, report it to your physician and other health care personnel, for any change in plan of care to be considered.
- Promethazine use can result in confusion, hallucinations, nightmares with disturbed sleep pattern, restlessness, and fatigue.
- Promethazine has potential to reduce the seizure threshold and cause or aggravate seizure episodes, especially in individuals with seizure history. Discuss with your physician regarding your status on seizures, if any, and your safety with using promethazine.
- Promethazine use carries risk of deterioration of mood and worsening of clinical symptoms of mood disorders. Individuals can present with complaints such as, feeling low and depressed, anxiety, impulsiveness, agitation, and aggression.
