Promethazine
Promethazine is a first-generation antihistamine with potent sedative, antiemetic, and anticholinergic properties. It is commonly used to treat allergic reactions, nausea, vomiting, motion sickness, and as a sedative or sleep aid. Its broad pharmacological effects make it valuable in both acute and chronic medical settings for symptom relief and prevention
Primary Uses
Allergy Treatment
Used to relieve symptoms of allergic conditions such as hay fever, urticaria, and rhinitis.
Provides relief from itching, swelling, and rashes.
Antiemetic Therapy
Prevents and treats nausea and vomiting caused by motion sickness, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.
Sedation and Sleep Aid
Utilized for its sedative effects to manage anxiety, insomnia, and preoperative sedation.
Motion Sickness
Administered to prevent and alleviate motion sickness symptoms.
Secondary Uses
Anaphylaxis Adjunct
Used as part of emergency treatment to control allergic symptoms alongside epinephrine.
Postoperative Nausea
Employed to control nausea and vomiting following surgery.
Adjunct in Pain Management
Sometimes combined with analgesics to enhance pain relief and reduce nausea.
Basic Identification Attributes
Chemical Name (IUPAC): N,N-dimethyl-1-(10H-phenothiazin-10-yl)propan-2-amine
Common/Trade Name: Promethazine
CAS Number: 58-33-3
HS Code: 2933.99
Synonyms: Phenergan, Promethazine hydrochloride
Physical & Chemical Properties
Physical State: White to off-white crystalline powder
Color & Odor: Odorless to faint odor
Solubility: Slightly soluble in water; soluble in alcohol and chloroform
Melting Point: Approximately 214–217°C
Safety & Hazard Attributes
GHS Classification: May cause sedation and dizziness; irritant to eyes and skin
Toxicity: Moderate; use under medical supervision
Exposure Limits: Follow occupational safety guidelines
Storage & Handling Attributes
Storage Conditions: Store in a cool, dry place, protected from light
Container Type: Sealed glass or plastic containers
Shelf Life: Typically 2–3 years
Handling Precautions: Avoid inhalation and skin contact
Regulatory & Compliance Attributes
Approved by major pharmacopeias (USP, BP)
Regulated as a prescription medication
Environmental & Health Impact
Biodegradability: Readily biodegradable under environmental conditions
Ecotoxicity: Low when disposed properly
Bioaccumulation: Not significant
Safety Handling Precautions
PPE Required: Gloves recommended when handling powder or solutions
Handling Guidelines: Use in well-ventilated areas; avoid direct contact
Storage Measures: Keep containers tightly closed and protected from moisture
First Aid Measures
Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if respiratory symptoms develop
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water; seek medical advice if irritation persists
Eye Contact: Rinse with water for 15 minutes; seek medical help if irritation continues
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; seek emergency medical care immediately
Firefighting Measures
Fire Hazards: Combustible under fire conditions
Extinguishing Media: Water spray, foam, dry chemical, COâ‚‚
Special Precautions: Use protective equipment and breathing apparatus
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon oxides and nitrogen oxides