Think carefully (Phenergan)

Name: star500

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Product:	Phenergan
Date:	18/09/00 (10155 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good antihistamine if used properly.

Disadvantages: Causes drowsiness and people misuse it.

I have read many opinions about Phenergan and felt that, as someone who works in a pharmacy, I may be able to add a different perspective on the pros and cons of it.

For those of you who are not familiar with the product, Phenergan contains an antihistamine called Promethazine Hydrochloride. This is one of the older antihistamines which causes drowsiness in a lot of people, especially children.

Because of this, over the years, it has gained the reputation of being an ideal sedative for children. This probably stems from the fact that doctors used to prescribe it to mothers who found it difficult to settle their children down at night. For the majority of children, a spoonful of Phenergan was enough to give them, and the rest of the family, a decent night’s sleep.

Using it in this way used to be fine if prescribed by a doctor but Phenergan is not supposed to be sold over the counter in chemists for putting children to sleep. If you read the list of indications of use, it lists travel sickness and allergies and while it lists drowsiness and sedation as a side effect, it doesn’t necessarily mean it should be used as a sedative without medical advice. In fact, it isn’t even recommended for children under 2 years old yet lots of people keep on buying it.

I have to admit that it is very difficult when someone, usually with a young child and looking very tired and worn out, asks to buy Phenergan as we have to refuse the sale if there is any doubt to it’s uses.

But what I find even more difficult and frustrating is when someone comes in and knows all of the "correct answers" to the questions that we have to ask regarding who it is for and what they are using it for: eg, "it is for my 10 year olds travel sickness" when it is obvious what they are really using it for.

It is not as if we refuse the sale because we are being mean and spiteful (most chemists would not want
to turn away customers) but believe it or not we are keeping in line with medical advice and trying to help in the long run.

Firstly, by using Phenergan you may be covering up a problem which is preventing the child from getting a good sleep. This could be anything from an annoying cough to an uncomfortable bed or even hyperactivity. (Note: Phenergan doesn’t always have an effect in hyperactive children).

Secondly, Phenergan isn’t indicated for use in children under 2 as possibly hasn’t been tested in this age group and no one knows if it will have any other effects in children of this age. I’m not saying that this is the definitive reason but there is always some sort of reason why the manufacturers do not recommend something (eg. Aspirin is unsuitable for under 12’s because of the risk of Reye’s Syndrome).

Perhaps it would be advisable to listen to them as they are the ones that carry out all of the tests and monitoring. The suitability and indications of this product is even listed in the British National Formulary (BNF) which is a reference book used by both Doctors and Pharmacists.

Of course, if someone really wants to buy Phenergan then if they go around enough pharmacies and answer all the questions correctly then they will eventually get it. However, less pharmacies are stocking the elixir (which is used for 2-5yrs) and people are instead buying the tablets which only have a dosage for 5 years and upwards listed. This can thus cause even more confusion and problems.

Now I don’t want you to think that I hate Phenergan, when I actually believe it to be a really good antihistamine for allergies, hayfever and travel sickness. I am just urging everyone to be extra careful and to read the instructions and ensure that the correct dosage is being given for the correct indication.

I know that there will be many of you who disagree with me but it is a subject that I
feel strongly about as every day I encounter the same problems with it.

However, what I have noticed is that people who have been refused Phenergan are taking Medised instead. This has the same antihistamine but also contains paracetamol and is allowed for children under 2. But, to get a good night’s sleep, a child ends up getting unnecessary paracetamol.

But I’ll leave that rant to another review...if I don’t get too much hate mail about this one!

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