What is Promethazine VC (Phenylephrine Promethazine)?

Phenylephrine is a decongestant. It works by constricting (shrinking) blood vessels (veins and arteries) in the sinuses and nose to decrease congestion.
Promethazine is an antihistamine. It blocks the effects of the naturally occurring chemical histamine in the body.
Phenylephrine and promethazine is used to treat symptoms such as itching, runny nose; sneezing; and congestion due to allergies or the common cold.
Phenylephrine and promethazine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What is the most important information I should know about Promethazine VC (Phenylephrine Promethazine)?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Phenylephrine and promethazine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking phenylephrine and promethazine.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Promethazine VC (Phenylephrine Promethazine)?

Do not take phenylephrine and promethazine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate), or selegiline (Eldepryl) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.
Before taking phenylephrine and promethazine, tell your doctor if you have

• epilepsy or a seizure disorder
• been diagnosed with sleep apnea (periods of not breathing during sleep)
• thyroid problems
• diabetes
• glaucoma
• an ulcer or an obstruction in the stomach
• bladder problems or difficulty urinating
• an enlarged prostate
• high blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, or heart disease
• kidney problems; or
• liver problems

You may not be able to take phenylephrine and promethazine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Phenylephrine and promethazine is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether phenylephrine and promethazine will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take phenylephrine and promethazine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
It is not known whether phenylephrine and promethazine passes into breast milk. Do not take phenylephrine and promethazine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from phenylephrine and promethazine. Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose of this medication.

Promethazine VC Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Promethazine VC (Phenylephrine Promethazine)?
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking phenylephrine and promethazine and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:
* an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or
* uncontrollable movements of the eyes, lips, tongue, face, arms, or legs
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take phenylephrine and promethazine and talk to your doctor if you experience
* dizziness, drowsiness, sleepiness, or confusion
* restlessness or irritability
* blurred vision or a dry mouth
* nausea or vomiting; or
* increased skin sensitivity to sunlight
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Promethazine VC Interactions

What other drugs affect Promethazine VC (Phenylephrine Promethazine)?

Do not take phenylephrine and promethazine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate), or selegiline (Eldepryl) in the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur, leading to serious side effects.
Phenylephrine and promethazine may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine unless your doctor approves.
Do not take other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, diet, pain, fever, or sleep medicines while taking phenylephrine and promethazine without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist. Other medications may also contain phenylephrine, promethazine or other similar drugs, and you may accidentally take too much, which could be harmful.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with phenylephrine and promethazine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

What should I avoid while taking Promethazine VC (Phenylephrine Promethazine)?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Phenylephrine and promethazine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while taking phenylephrine and promethazine.
Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Phenylephrine and promethazine may increase the sensitivity of the skin to sunlight. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when exposure to the sun is unavoidable.
Do not take other over-the-counter cough, cold, allergy, diet, pain, fever, or sleep medicines while taking phenylephrine and promethazine without first talking to your doctor or pharmacist. Other medications may also contain phenylephrine, promethazine or other similar drugs, and you may accidentally take too much, which could be harmful.

Promethazine VC Dosage

How should I take Promethazine VC (Phenylephrine Promethazine)?

Take phenylephrine and promethazine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand the directions on your prescription bottle, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain the instructions to you.
Phenylephrine and promethazine can be taken with or without food.
To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid form of phenylephrine and promethazine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.
Store phenylephrine and promethazine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I overdose on Promethazine VC (Phenylephrine Promethazine)?

Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
Symptoms of a phenylephrine and promethazine overdose include severe drowsiness, dizziness, headache, seizures, dry mouth, large pupils, flushing, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and unconsciousness.

What happens if I miss a dose of Promethazine VC (Phenylephrine Promethazine)?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
Sourced from everydayhealth.com