Meperidine/promethazine (By mouth)

Meperidine (me-PER-i-deen), Promethazine (proe-METH-a-zeen)

Treats pain and calms patients before and during surgery.

Brand Name(s):

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to promethazine, meperidine or to any phenothiazine medicine (such as Thorazine® or Mellaril®). You should not take this medicine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor medicine, such as Nardil®, Eldepryl®,or Parnate® in the past 14 days.

How to Use This Medicine:

Capsule

Your doctor will tell you how much to take and how often.
May be taken with food to avoid stomach upset.
Drink plenty of liquids to help avoid constipation.

If a dose is missed:

Take the missed dose as soon as possible.
If it is almost time for next dose, skip the missed dose and take your medicine at your usual times.
You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Avoid drinking alcohol.
Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking any other medicine that could make you drowsy, such as sleeping pills, cold or allergy medicines, tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, antidepressants, or strong pain killers.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

Check with your doctor before taking this medicine if you have asthma, epilepsy, heart, liver, or kidney disease, gallbladder problems, an overactive thyroid, or problems urinating.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.
This medicine can be habit-forming. You should not use more than your doctor ordered or use it for longer periods of time.
If you have taken this medicine for several weeks, talk to your doctor before stopping. You may need to take smaller and smaller amounts before you stop taking the medicine completely.
This medicine may cause dizziness or blurred vision. Be careful if driving a car or using machinery.
This medicine may cause constipation, especially with long-term use. Ask your doctor if you should use a laxative to prevent and treat constipation.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Fast or slowed heartbeat
Trouble breathing
Hives, skin rash, or intense itching
Severe confusion or tiredness
Tremors or seizures
Trouble going to the bathroom (urinating)

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Drowsiness, dizziness, or weakness
Dry mouth, nausea or vomiting
Constipation
Nervousness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017