Basic Phenergan Information

• INN (International Nonproprietary Name): Promethazine hydrochloride
• Brand names available in Canada: Phenergan, Phenergan elixir, Phenergan syrup, and Phenergan cream
• ATC Code: R06AD02
• Forms & dosages: Tablets: 10mg, 25mg; Elixir: 1mg/mL; Cream: available in various concentrations
• Manufacturers in Canada: Various, including generic options
• Registration status in Canada: Prescription medication
• OTC / Rx classification: Typically prescription only

Latest Research Highlights

Recent clinical trials in Canada and studies from around the globe spanning 2022–2025 underscore the effectiveness of Phenergan (promethazine hydrochloride) in treating allergic conditions, managing motion sickness, and providing sedation. A notable Canadian study found that a single 25mg dose can significantly alleviate motion sickness symptoms for up to 24 hours. This finding highlights Phenergan's potential as a first-line treatment option for those subjected to travel-induced nausea. Research conducted internationally complements these findings, affirming the drug’s overall safety profile when administered correctly, especially in adults and older children. Caution, however, is recommended for younger patients due to potential side effects associated with their developing systems. Furthermore, the drug's sedative properties have been shown to support its use in preoperative settings, reinforcing the current recommendations from Health Canada. Integrating these insights into clinical practice helps ensure that healthcare professionals can leverage Phenergan effectively while prioritizing patient safety.

Clinical Effectiveness in Canada

Phenergan's clinical profile is well-documented in Health Canada monographs, detailing its role as both an antihistamine and antiemetic. In Canada, this medicine is available only through prescription, ensuring compliance with established Health Canada guidelines. For adults experiencing allergic reactions, the recommended dosage ranges from 10mg to 25mg, generally advised for nighttime use or 10mg taken 2-3 times daily to manage symptoms. For children over the age of six, the dosage varies from 5mg to 15mg, depending on the severity of their condition. Phenergan is recognized by its Drug Identification Number (DIN), facilitating its inclusion within provincial drug formularies, such as the Ontario Drug Benefit and BC PharmaCare. These listings not only promote accessibility for eligible Canadians but also highlight the medication’s cost-effectiveness. Physicians, alongside pharmacists, serve integral roles, guiding patients through their treatment plans and emphasizing adherence to established guidelines. Following these recommendations is crucial for achieving optimal health outcomes when using Phenergan.

Indications & Expanded Uses

Primarily, Phenergan is indicated for treating allergic conditions, nausea, and motion sickness. Recently, off-label uses have gained attention, especially in managing anxiety and insomnia among Canadian patients. Although the sedative effects of Phenergan can be beneficial, healthcare professionals often recommend limiting its use to short durations to prevent dependency in patients seeking sleep aids. Health Canada’s official documentation outlines the medicine’s approved indications, yet clinicians may explore expanded uses based on individual patient profiles and clinical judgment. Approaching off-label usage with caution is essential, particularly for vulnerable populations like kids and seniors, who may react differently to medications. In Canada, the monitoring of off-label prescriptions is strictly administered by regulatory bodies, underscoring the importance of cautious and informed clinical decision-making. Given recent discussions in clinical forums, it is clear that many practitioners are interested in the adaptability of Phenergan, moving beyond traditional applications to address diverse patient needs effectively.

Composition & Brand Landscape

Phenergan is a renowned medication in Canada, primarily composed of promethazine hydrochloride, a derivative of phenothiazine. Available in several forms including tablets (10mg, 25mg), elixir (1mg/mL), and less frequently, suppositories (12.5mg, 25mg, 50mg), it caters to various patient needs and ensures adherence through flexibility in treatment options.

The brand name Phenergan is commonly associated with effective allergy relief, sedation, and motion sickness management. In Canada, the presence of generic variants of promethazine provides cost-effective alternatives without compromising quality. Patients often gravitate towards well-recognized names, but the availability of generics reveals substantial market demand.

Health Canada's rigorous approval process ensures that generic formulations meet the same safety and quality standards as their brand-name counterparts. Accessibility of Phenergan varies across provinces, with major chains like Shoppers Drug Mart and Rexall ensuring that both forms are readily available. Additionally, the emphasis on bilingual labelling enhances patient understanding, facilitating proper usage and maximising therapeutic outcomes.

In essence, Phenergan’s presence in Canada's medication landscape showcases its adaptability, affordability, and commitment to patient safety through compliance and accessibility.

Contraindications & Special Precautions

Phenergan comes with vital contraindications and precautions that healthcare practitioners must communicate to patients. Absolute contraindications include hypersensitivity to promethazine, severe respiratory depression, and a strict advisory against use in children under two due to life-threatening consequences. Patients with pre-existing conditions that could exacerbate central nervous system (CNS) depression, such as severe liver or kidney impairment, should avoid this medication.

For elderly patients or those on multiple medications, close monitoring is essential due to heightened risks of side effects like confusion and sedation.

• **Indigenous populations** may exhibit increased sensitivity to sedative medications, requiring tailored dosages and vigilant monitoring.
• Common adverse effects such as drowsiness and dizziness should be highlighted, along with warnings against operating heavy machinery.

Public health campaigns can educate patients on the safe use of Phenergan, particularly in rural areas where access to immediate medical advice may be limited. This aims to enhance awareness about side effects, providing essential information to ensure responsible use of this medication.

Dosage Guidelines

Health Canada outlines specific dosage recommendations for Phenergan that vary based on age and indications for use. Adults dealing with allergies are typically prescribed 10–25mg at nighttime, which maximizes the medication's effectiveness. For motion sickness, a 25mg dose taken before travel or sleep is recommended.

Pediatric dosing requires careful adjustment based on age and weight, usually ranging between 5–15mg at night for children over six. It's crucial to adhere to recommendations against usage in children younger than two due to severe respiratory risks.

Furthermore, dosage adjustments are necessary for populations with medical conditions. Elderly patients and those with hepatic or renal impairments may require lower doses to prevent unwanted reactions.

Important points include:

• **Missed doses:** Patients should not double up if a dose is forgotten.
• **Consultation:** Encouraging a discussion with healthcare providers for personalized dosage recommendations fosters adherence to guidelines and enhances safety.

Ongoing consultations with healthcare professionals can help refine dosage regimes, ensuring clarity and improving overall patient outcomes within Canada’s healthcare context. This proactive approach to medication management highlights how Phenergan can be effectively integrated into treatment plans while maintaining patient safety.

Interactions Overview

Phenergan, known generically as promethazine, can interact with several medications and substances that are part of everyday Canadian life. These interactions are crucial for practitioners to discuss in consultations.

Interactions are particularly notable with other central nervous system (CNS) depressants. Common examples include:

• Other antihistamines
• Alcohol
• Opioid-containing medications, such as codeine

It's essential for healthcare professionals to conduct a thorough medication review to avoid risks of additive sedation.

Additionally, certain foods and beverages can impact Phenergan's effectiveness. For instance, caffeine might counteract its sedative properties, especially when treating insomnia. In contrast, alcohol can heighten side effects like dizziness and drowsiness, raising serious safety concerns.

Health Canada has officially flagged specific drug interactions. Educating patients about potential side effects and contraindications is paramount. Collaboration among healthcare providers can significantly mitigate risks, particularly for vulnerable populations like the elderly, who often take multiple medications. Regular medication reviews and maintaining open communication channels between patients and providers help optimize treatment and minimize adverse outcomes.

Cultural Perceptions & Patient Habits

In Canada, cultural perceptions and patient habits around Phenergan often mirror broader societal attitudes towards medications. Online discussions within Canadian patient forums, such as Reddit Canada, highlight varied experiences regarding the medication's effectiveness and safety. Many share positive experiences using Phenergan for allergies and motion sickness.

Concerns often arise about its use in children and the elderly. Access to healthcare and medications can vary significantly. Urban patients typically enjoy easier access to pharmacists for advice, while those in rural areas often rely on limited pharmacy resources. This disparity emphasizes the importance of proactive patient education and clear communication from healthcare providers, ensuring everyone gets the information they need.

Canada's universal healthcare system shapes perceptions about Phenergan. While some see it as essential for managing allergies and motion sickness, others question the accessibility of prescription medications and the consultation processes required. Addressing these cultural aspects can bolster patient understanding of Phenergan’s benefits and potential risks, fostering a collaborative healthcare environment.

Availability & Pricing Patterns

Phenergan is primarily available through prescription channels in Canada, classified as a prescription medication by Health Canada. Major pharmacies, including Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, Jean Coutu, and London Drugs, are common stockists of both the brand and generics.

Pricing can fluctuate significantly across provinces due to varying insurance plans and provincial health programs like Ontario Drug Benefit and BC PharmaCare. This results in differing out-of-pocket costs for patients, highlighting the importance of understanding provincial formulary eligibility for affordability.

When comparing prices, Canadians often find Phenergan to be more expensive than in the U.S., where some versions can be purchased over-the-counter. To manage costs, especially in rural areas with limited pharmacy access, Canadian patients may depend on online pharmacies or government-supported health plans.

City	Region	Delivery Time
Toronto	Ontario	5–7 days
Vancouver	British Columbia	5–7 days
Montreal	Quebec	5–7 days
Calgary	Alberta	5–7 days
Ottawa	Ontario	5–7 days
Edmonton	Alberta	5–7 days
Winnipeg	Manitoba	5–7 days
Halifax	Nova Scotia	5–9 days
Victoria	British Columbia	5–9 days
Quebec City	Quebec	5–9 days
Saskatoon	Saskatchewan	5–9 days
Richmond	British Columbia	5–9 days
St. John's	Newfoundland and Labrador	5–9 days