I AM still here - just not writing as much now for various reasons. But I'm still reading the odd o...
I AM still here - just not writing as much now for various reasons. But I'm still reading the odd opinion y'know!! :)
Member since:04.10.2000
Reviews:55
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Phenergan is a product which is available for purchase over the counter in most pharmacies and it has an infamous reputation among mothers for use as a sedative for their young children as it causes drowsiness.
For any of you who are not familiar with the product, Phenergan contains an antihistamine called Promethazine Hydrochloride. As it is one of the older type antihistamines it causes drowsiness in both adults and children. Obviously children are more susceptible to its effects (but every person is different).
Because of this drowsiness side effect, over the years, it has gained the reputation of being an ideal sedative for children. This probably stems from the fact that doctors used to prescribe it to mothers who found it difficult to settle their children down at night. For the majority of children, one spoonful of Phenergan elixir was enough to give them, and the rest of the family, a decent night’s sleep.
Using it to put a child to sleep used to be fine if prescribed by a GP but Phenergan is not supposed to be sold over the counter in chemists for putting children or babies to sleep. You can give it to children for allergies, itching and travel sickness, however it is not really recommended to be used as a sedative without medical advice and it certainly is not suitable for children under two years old (the most common age group that it is bought for).
Working in a pharmacy, I have to admit that it is very difficult when someone, usually with a young child and looking very tired and worn out, asks to buy Phenergan as I have to refuse the sale if there is any doubt to it’s uses.
But what I find even more difficult and frustrating is when someone comes in and knows all of the "correct answers" to the questions that we have to ask regarding its use and who will be taking it eg, "it is for my 12 year old’s allergies when it is obvious what they are really using it for.
It is not as if we refuse the sale because we are being mean and spiteful (most chemists would not want to turn away customers) but believe it or not we are keeping in line with medical advice and trying to help in the long run.
Firstly, by using Phenergan to send a child to sleep you may be covering up a problem which is preventing the child from getting a good night’s sleep in the first place. This could be anything from an annoying cough to an uncomfortable bed or even hyperactivity. (Note: Phenergan doesn’t always have an effect in hyperactive children).
Secondly, as I have mentioned before, Phenergan isn’t indicated for use in children under two years old. This could be because it hasn’t been properly tested in this age group and no one knows if it will have any other effects in children of this age. I am not saying that this is the definitive reason but there is always some sort of reason why the manufacturers do not recommend something (eg. Aspirin is unsuitable for under 12’s because of the risk of Reye’s Syndrome).
Of course, if someone really wants to buy Phenergan then if they go around enough pharmacies and answer all the questions correctly then they will eventually get a hold of it and use it in whatever way they wish.
However, less pharmacies seem to be stocking the elixir (which is used for 2-5yrs) and people are instead buying the tablets which only have a dosage for 5 years and upwards listed. This can cause even more confusion and problems as desperate mothers (and fathers) resort to halving tablets to give their child a dose.
Now I don’t want you to think that I hate Phenergan, when I actually believe it to be a really good antihistamine for allergies, hayfever and travel sickness. It is particularly good for itching and swelling due to a wasp or a bee sting. Instead I am just urging everyone to be extra careful and to read the instructions and ensure that the correct dosage is being given for the correct indication especially when you are giving it to children.
I know that there will be many of you who disagree with me but it is a subject that I feel strongly about as every day I encounter the same problems with it. I hope you have found this advice helpful and please feel free to comment.
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Excellent comprehensive op - I am prescribed phenergan when I go into hospital for treatment for my eczema - and it leaves me with a permanent hangover type feeling and totally walloped (which I suppose is their intention when in hospital) - and I am a slightly larger than average female in her 30's, imagine how grotty it could make a tiny baby feel, and they can't tell anyone. I guess it does affect everyone differently - but I do not like it.
Sue
Dizz 23.02.2001 16:37
Thanks for that very helpful information
anneyo 02.02.2001 11:45
Excellent op on one of my one-time-favourite drugs! Both my children were given Phenergan - on prescription from our GP- to get them off to sleep, at least for a time. It worked a treat on my daughter, but not on my son who is 'sugar sensitive' and can go 'hyper' if he has sugar or refined carbs in his diet. Your article has made me cringe at my use of this stuff - but, as I said, we got it on prescription and the GP recommended it to us for the purpose of getting them off to sleep! Makes you wonder, doesn't it?
Dec 29th, 2000
very helpful by (96%):
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