Promethazine HCl (Phenergan®)

(Optional medication – not required in every BioTel agency)

Indications: Persistent vomiting due to gastrointestinal problems

Contraindications:

• Elderly >65 years of age
• Debilitated patients (signs of dehydration and weakness)
• Trauma
• Altered level of consciousness
• Pregnancy - only with BioTel authorization
• Known sulfa allergy
• Hypersensitivity

Precautions:

• Monitor LOC
• Avoid intra-arterial or subcutaneous administration
• Give slowly–rapid administration can cause vein irritation, phlebitis and sclerosis
• Watch for signs/symptoms of excessive sedation and dystonic reaction

Side Effects:

• Marked drowsiness/sedation
• Allergic reaction
• Dysrhythmia
• Nausea and vomiting
• Hyperexcitability
• Dystonic reaction
• Use in children may cause hallucinations, convulsions, and sudden death
  

Adult Dose: Titrate doses of 12.5 mg to achieve the desired effect, up to a maximum of 25 mg - standing order

Pediatric Dose: Do not administer to pediatric patients

Route: • IM - deep into muscle

Drug Action: Potent antiemetic

Class:

• Antiemetic
• Phenothiazine
• Antihistamine

Onset: 20 minutes after IM administration

Duration: 4 hours - 6 hours

Antidote: For dystonic reactions give diphenhydramine (Benadryl®)