Who can and cannot take promethazine

Most adults can take promethazine.

Children aged 2 to 5 years may be able to take promethazine liquid if it has been prescribed for them. Children aged 6 years or over can take promethazine liquid without a prescription.

Most children aged 5 years or over can take promethazine tablets for allergies or sickness.

Some types of promethazine are only suitable for older children.

Some promethazine products for cold symptoms can be taken from the age of 12 years and some can only be taken from the age of 16 years.

Your doctor or pharmacist will advise which are the safest types for your child.

Do not give children aged 5 years or under cough and cold medicines containing promethazine.

Promethazine is not suitable for some people. To make sure it's safe for you, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you:

• have ever had an allergic reaction to promethazine or any other medicine
• have an eye problem called primary angle closure glaucoma
• have problems peeing or emptying your bladder
• have epilepsy or any other health problem that causes seizures or fits
• have breathing difficulties, such as asthma
• have an enlarged prostate
• have heart problems
• have liver or kidney problems
• are due to have an allergy test, as taking promethazine can affect your results, so you may need to stop taking it a few days before your test – ask the clinic where you are due to have your allergy test
• are unable to have any alcohol – some liquid promethazine products contain a very small amount of alcohol, so check the ingredients and the packaging carefully
• are trying to get pregnant, as taking promethazine can affect home pregnancy tests – if you think you're pregnant, speak to your doctor so they can arrange a blood test instead