PROMETHAZINE VC

Promethazine Hydrochloride 6.25mg/5mL, Phenylephrine Hydrochloride 5mg/5mL, Oral solution

Alcohol

· Severity: Major

· Notes for Consumers: It is recommended that you avoid Alcoholic drinks while you are taking this medication. Alcohol can increase the risk of side effects, such as drowsiness and dizziness. Do not drive or operate machinery if you are drinking alcohol-containing beverages. If you notice slurred speech, confusion, severe weakness, or difficulty breathing, contact your health care provider immediately.

· Notes for Professionals: Patients should generally be counseled to avoid alcohol use during phenothiazine therapy, due to additive central nervous system (CNS) depression and the potential to increase psychomotor impairment. Phenothiazines may increase, prolong, or intensify the sedative action of other CNS depressants, such as alcohol.

Promethazine Hydrochloride 6.25mg/5mL, Phenylephrine Hydrochloride 5mg/5mL, Oral solution

Tobacco

· Severity: Moderate

· Notes for Consumers: Tobacco smoking may reduce the effectiveness of this drug in treating your condition; Tobacco smoke contains substances that speed the removal of this drug from the body. Alternatively, if you take this drug and suddenly stop Tobacco smoking, you may feel more drowsy or tired, or may experience confusion, dizziness, difficulty in movement or other side effects. If you will stop smoking, use care in driving or operating machinery until you know how this drug will affect you. Make sure your prescriber is aware that you smoke Tobacco or if you plan to stop smoking. Report any unusual side effects promptly.

· Notes for Professionals: Tobacco smoke may accelerate the metabolism of phenothiazines. Because the effect on hepatic microsomal enzymes is not related to the nicotine component of tobacco, the sudden cessation of tobacco smoking may result in a reduced clearance of these antipsychotics, despite the initiation of a nicotine replacement product. Monitor patients carefully when changes in smoking status occur.

Promethazine Hydrochloride 6.25mg/5mL, Phenylephrine Hydrochloride 5mg/5mL, Oral solution

Caffeine-containing Foods/Beverages

· Severity: Moderate

· Notes for Consumers: Limit caffeine intake (examples: coffee, teas, colas, chocolate and some herbal supplements) while taking Phenylephrine. Also avoid medicines containing additional Caffeine whenever possible. Side effects from Phenylephrine may get worse if you take excessive Caffeine. Taking a high amount of Caffeine can increase the risk of nausea, nervousness, palpitations, problems with sleep, rapid heartbeat, tremor, or other side effects.

· Notes for Professionals: Caffeine is a CNS-stimulant and such actions are expected to be additive when coadministered with other CNS stimulants or psychostimulants.

Promethazine Hydrochloride 6.25mg/5mL, Phenylephrine Hydrochloride 5mg/5mL, Oral solution

Marijuana

· Severity: Major

· Notes for Consumers: Avoid combining Phenothiazines and marijuana. This combination may cause your condition to get worse. Marijuana may also decrease the efficacy of this medicine, making it not work as well for you. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this combination will affect you. Contact your health care provider right away if you notice unusual changes in moods or behaviors of any type.

· Notes for Professionals: It is recommended that patients avoid the use of marijuana, by any route, if they are treated for a psychiatric history, including psychosis and bipolar disorder, as the cannabinoids (the psychoactive ingredients, such as THC) in marijuana can produce psychotoxic effects and may exacerbate psychiatric disorders. A high frequency of use and use of products with high-potency of THC are potential risk factors for psychiatric effects. Additionally, additive CNS effects, such as sedation or CNS depression are possible. Clinical studies suggest that cannabis use may reduce the efficacy of some antipsychotic drugs. In addition, several cannabinoids in marijuana appear to influence the activity of CYP enzymes and P-glycoprotein, which may alter the concentrations of antipsychotics and influence either safety or efficacy.

<b>DISCLAIMER:</b><em> This drug information content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients should always consult their physician with any questions regarding a medical condition and to obtain medical advice and treatment. Drug information is sourced from GSDD (Gold Standard Drug Database ) provided by Elsevier.</em>