PRAZINE

This medicine contains the active ingredient promazine which belongs to a group of medicines called phenothiazines. These medicines affect the chemical balance in the brain. Promazine has a powerful sedative and anticholinergic effect. It is prescribed for the treatment of acute psychomotor conditions in schizophrenia, delirium tremens, acute alcoholic hallucination and abstinence syndrome. It is also used in irritability, tension, anxiety and pain in patients with chronic diseases and in patients with no clearly determined disorders; nausea, vomiting and hiccups caused by uremia, antineoplastic and radiation; preoperative preparation of patients and premedication for general and local anesthesia (enhances anesthesia and reduces postoperative hiccups, nausea and vomiting).

Is Promazine suitable for me?

Promazine is not suitable for everyone. Do not use it

• if you have an allergy to promazine, other phenothiazine medicines, or any other ingredient of this medicine
• if you are pregnant or breast-feeding
• if you have bone marrow depression
• if you have a tumor of your adrenal gland that causes high blood pressure (phaeochromocytoma)
• if you have dulled senses such as feeling sleepy or uncoordinated, having blurred vision, slurred speech or being less aware of your surroundings (CNS depression)
• if you have severe liver disease
• if you have severe hematological disease
• if you have narrow-angle glaucoma
• if it is meant for children under 12 years of age

In particular, you must tell the doctor if you:

• have asthma, a lung infection, or other lung or breathing problems or increased pressure in the eyes or glaucoma
• have dementia, Parkinson disease, or depression
• have a heart problems or blood vessel disease
• have liver, kidney, or prostate problems
• are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding
• have epilepsy, or myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness)
• have a blood disorder
• you have had a stroke
• have ever had jaundice
• have diabetes
• you have an underactive thyroid
• you have an enlarged prostate gland
• are alcoholic
• are elderly

Promazine interacts with other medicines. It is most important that you tell the doctor all the medications and herbal supplements that you are currently taking.

See the package leaflet for a complete list of possible contraindications and warnings.

How should I take Promazine?

This medicine is available in form of a film-coated tablet.

You should take promazine exactly as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist.

• The usual starting dose is between 10 to 200 mg every 4 to 6 hours.
• The usual dose for chronic patients, patients who have undergone radiation therapy, is 10 to 100 mg three to four times a day.

Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, or do not use it for a longer time than your doctor instructed. Also, this medicine works best if there is a constant amount in the blood. To help keep this amount constant, do not miss any doses and take the medicine at the same time each day. Do not take two doses together if you miss a dose.

Read the information leaflet provided with your medication for additional information. Talk to your doctor if you have any additional questions.

What are Promazine side effects?

Like all medicines promazine can cause side effects, including:        

Common:

• sleepiness
• dry mouth
• confusion
• nasal congestion
• constipation
• hypotension
• blurred vision

Uncommon:

• tiredness
• dizziness
• restlessness
• uncontrolled muscle movements
• constipation
• changes to the heartbeat
• urination problems
• increased skin sensitivity to the sun
• skin rash
• contact dermatitis, other allergic reactions
• jaundice
• swelling of the breasts (particularly in men)
• breast milk production
• sexual impotence
• headache
• upset stomach
• light periods or absence of periods
• weight gain

 Consult a doctor if the side effects are severe. See the package leaflet for a complete list of side effects.