promethazine hydrochloride 25 MG Rectal Suppository [Phenadoz]

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Promethazine hydrochloride injection is indicated for the following conditions: • Amelioration of allergic reactions to blood or plasma. • In anaphylaxis as an adjunct to epinephrine and other standard measures after the acute symptoms have been controlled. • For other uncomplicated allergic conditions of the immediate type when oral therapy is impossible or contraindicated. • For sedation and relief of apprehension and to produce light sleep from which the patient can be easily aroused. • Active treatment of motion sickness. • Prevention and control of nausea and vomiting associated with certain types of anesthesia and surgery. • As an adjunct to analgesics for the control of postoperative pain. • Preoperative, postoperative, and obstetric (during labor) sedation. • Intravenously in special surgical situations, such as repeated bronchoscopy, ophthalmic surgery, and poor-risk patients, with reduced amounts of meperidine or other narcotic analgesic as an adjunct to anesthesia and analgesia.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Important Administration Information for Adult and Pediatric Patients 2 Years of Age and Older • The preferred route of administration of promethazine hydrochloride injection is by deep intramuscular administration (see WARNINGS - Severe Tissue Injury, Including Gangrene ). • Promethazine hydrochloride injection may be administered intravenously after dilution as recommended below (see Preparation and Administration ). If pain occurs at the injection site during intravenous infusion, immediately discontinue the infusion, and evaluate for possible arterial injection or perivascular extravasation. Allergic Conditions The average adult dose is 25 mg. This dose may be repeated within two hours if necessary, but continued therapy, if indicated, should be via the oral route as soon as existing circumstances permit. After initiation of treatment, dosage should be adjusted to the smallest amount adequate to relieve symptoms. The average adult dose for amelioration of allergic reactions to blood or plasma is 25 mg. Sedation In hospitalized adult patients, nighttime sedation may be achieved by a dose of 25 to 50 mg of promethazine hydrochloride injection. Nausea and Vomiting For control of nausea and vomiting, the usual adult dose is 12.5 to 25 mg, not to be repeated more frequently than every four hours. When used for control of postoperative nausea and vomiting, the dosage of analgesics and barbiturates should be reduced accordingly (see PRECAUTIONS - Drug Interactions ). Antiemetics should not be used in vomiting of unknown etiology in children and adolescents (see PRECAUTIONS - Pediatric Use ). Preoperative and Postoperative Use As an adjunct to preoperative or postoperative medication, 25 to 50 mg of promethazine hydrochloride injection in adults may be combined with appropriately reduced doses of analgesics and atropine-like drugs as desired. Dosage of concomitant analgesic or hypnotic medication should be reduced accordingly (see PRECAUTIONS - Drug Interactions ). Promethazine hydrochloride is contraindicated for use in pediatric patients less than two years of age. Obstetrics Promethazine hydrochloride injection in doses of 50 mg will provide sedation and relieve apprehension in the early stages of labor. When labor is definitely established, 25 to 75 mg (average dose, 50 mg) promethazine hydrochloride injection may be given with an appropriately reduced dose of any desired narcotic (see PRECAUTIONS - Drug Interactions ). If necessary, promethazine hydrochloride injection with a reduced dose of analgesic may be repeated once or twice at four-hour intervals in the course of a normal labor. A maximum total dose of 100 mg of promethazine hydrochloride injection may be administered during a 24-hour period to patients in labor. Pediatric Patients Promethazine hydrochloride injection is contraindicated for use in pediatric patients less than 2 years of age (see WARNINGS - Respiratory Depression ). Caution should be exercised when administering promethazine hydrochloride to pediatric patients 2 years of age or older. It is recommended that the lowest effective dose of promethazine hydrochloride be used in pediatric patients 2 years of age and older and concomitant administration of other drugs with respiratory depressant effects be avoided (see WARNINGS - Respiratory Depression ). In pediatric patients 2 years of age and older, the dosage should not exceed half that of the suggested adult dose. As an adjunct to premedication, the suggested dose is 1.1 mg per kg of body weight in combination with an appropriately reduced dose of narcotic or barbiturate and the appropriate dose of an atropine-like drug (see PRECAUTIONS - Drug Interactions ). Antiemetics should not be used in vomiting of unknown etiology in pediatric patients. Preparation and Administration Instructions for Diluted Intravenous Infusion in Adults Inspect the solution for particulate matter and discoloration, before dilution, after dilution, and before administration. Discard the vial, ampule, or bag if particulates and/or discoloration are observed. 1. Determine the recommended dose of promethazine hydrochloride injection. 2. Aseptically withdraw the required volume from the vial or ampule and transfer it into an infusion bag. • Use a filter needle when withdrawing promethazine hydrochloride injection from the ampule. 3. Dilute with the recommended volume of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, see Table 1. Avoid mixing and/or diluting with any other drugs or solutions other than 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection. 4. Gently invert the infusion bag. 5. Check patency of the access site before administration. 6. Administer the diluted solution through an intravenous catheter, inserted in a large vein (preferably through a central venous catheter), over 20 to 40 minutes; for maximum infusion rates, see Table 1. • Do NOT administer via an intravenous catheter in the hand or wrist. 7. If pain occurs at the injection site during intravenous infusion, immediately discontinue the infusion and evaluate for possible arterial injection or perivascular extravasation. Table 1. Preparation and Infusion Information by Adult Dose of Promethazine Hydrochloride Injection Dose of Promethazine Hydrochloride Injection Volume of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection for Dilution Maximum Concentration of the Diluted Promethazine Hydrochloride Injection Solution Maximum Rate of Infusion 12.5 mg 50 mL 1 mg/mL 2.5 mL/minute 25 mg 50 mL 2.5 mL/minute 50 mg 50 mL 2.5 mL/minute 75 mg 100 mL 5 mL/minute Preparation and Administration Instructions for Diluted Intravenous Infusion to Pediatric Patients 2 Years of Age and Older Inspect the solution for particulate matter and discoloration, before dilution, after dilution, and before administration. Discard the vial, ampule, syringe or bag if particulates and/or discoloration are observed. 1. Determine the recommended dose of promethazine hydrochloride injection for pediatric patients 2 years of age and older. 2. Aseptically withdraw the required volume from the vial or ampule and transfer it into an appropriately sized syringe or bag for use with an infusion pump. • Use a filter needle when withdrawing promethazine hydrochloride injection from the ampule. 3. Dilute with the recommended volume of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection, see Table 2. Avoid mixing and/or diluting with any other drugs or solutions other than 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection. 4. Gently invert the syringe or bag. 5. Check patency of the access site before administration. 6. Administer the diluted solution through an intravenous catheter, inserted in a large vein (preferably through a central venous catheter) with a maximum infusion rate of 1.25 mL/minute. • Do NOT administer via an intravenous catheter in the hand or wrist. 7. If pain occurs at the injection site during intravenous infusion, immediately discontinue the infusion and evaluate for possible arterial injection or perivascular extravasation. Table 2. Preparation and Infusion Information by Pediatric Dose of Promethazine Hydrochloride Injection Avoid mixing and/or diluting with any other drugs or solutions besides 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection Dose of Promethazine Hydrochloride Injection Volume of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection for Dilution Maximum Concentration of the Diluted Promethazine Hydrochloride Injection Solution Maximum Rate of Infusion Up to 25 mg 25 mL 1 mg/mL 1.25 mL/minute 25 mg to 50 mg 50 mL Storage of Diluted Promethazine Hydrochloride Injection Diluted solution may be stored up to 4 hours at room temperature, 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), or refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C (36° to 46°F), up to 24 hours.

WARNINGS Promethazine should not be used in pediatric patients less than 2 years of age because of the potential for fatal respiratory depression. Postmarketing cases of respiratory depression, including fatalities, have been reported with use of Promethazine in pediatric patients less than 2 years of age. A wide range of weight-based doses of Promethazine have resulted in respiratory depression in these patients. Caution should be exercised when administering Promethazine to pediatric patients 2 years of age and older. It is recommended that the lowest effective dose of Promethazine be used in pediatric patients 2 years of age and older and concomitant administration of other drugs with respiratory depressant effects be avoided. CNS Depression Promethazine HCl Oral Solution may impair the mental and/or physical abilities required for the performance of potentially hazardous tasks, such as driving a vehicle or operating machinery. The impairment may be amplified by concomitant use of other central-nervous-system depressants such as alcohol, sedatives/hypnotics (including barbiturates), narcotics, narcotic analgesics, general anesthetics, tricyclic antidepressants, and tranquilizers; therefore such agents should either be eliminated or given in reduced dosage in the presence of Promethazine HCl (see PRECAUTIONS-Information for Patients and Drug Interactions ). Respiratory Depression Promethazine HCl Oral Solution may lead to potentially fatal respiratory depression. Use of Promethazine HCl Oral Solution in patients with compromised respiratory function (e.g., COPD, sleep apnea) should be avoided. Lower Seizure Threshold Promethazine HCl Oral Solution may lower seizure threshold. It should be used with caution in persons with seizure disorders or in persons who are using concomitant medications, such as narcotics or local anesthetics, which may also affect seizure threshold. Bone-Marrow Depression Promethazine HCl Oral Solution should be used with caution in patients with bone-marrow depression. Leukopenia and agranulocytosis have been reported, usually when Promethazine (Promethazine HCl) has been used in association with other known marrow-toxic agents. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome A potentially fatal symptom complex sometimes referred to as Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) has been reported in association with Promethazine HCl alone or in combination with antipsychotic drugs. Clinical manifestations of NMS are hyperpyrexia, muscle rigidity, altered mental status and evidence of autonomic instability (irregular pulse or blood pressure, tachycardia, diaphoresis and cardiac dysrhythmias). The diagnostic evaluation of patients with this syndrome is complicated. In arriving at a diagnosis, it is important to identify cases where the clinical presentation includes both serious medical illness (e.g. pneumonia, systemic infection, etc.) and untreated or inadequately treated extrapyramidal signs and symptoms (EPS). Other important considerations in the differential diagnosis include central anticholinergic toxicity, heat stroke, drug fever and primary central nervous system (CNS) pathology. The management of NMS should include 1) immediate discontinuation of Promethazine HCl, antipsychotic drugs, if any, and other drugs not essential to concurrent therapy, 2) intensive symptomatic treatment and medical monitoring, and 3) treatment of any concomitant serious medical problems for which specific treatments are available. There is no general agreement about specific pharmacological treatment regimens for uncomplicated NMS. Since recurrences of NMS have been reported with phenothiazines, the reintroduction of Promethazine HCl should be carefully considered. Use in Pediatric Patients Promethazine HCl Oral Solution is contraindicated for use in pediatric patients less than two years of age. Caution should be exercised when administering Promethazine HCl Oral Solution to pediatric patients 2 years of age and older because of the potential for fatal respiratory depression. Respiratory depression and apnea, sometimes associated with death, are strongly associated with Promethazine products and are not directly related to individualized weight-based dosing, which might otherwise permit safe administration. Concomitant administration of Promethazine products with other respiratory depressants has an association with respiratory depression, and sometimes death, in pediatric patients. Antiemetics are not recommended for treatment of uncomplicated vomiting in pediatric patients, and their use should be limited to prolonged vomiting of known etiology. The extrapyramidal symptoms which can occur secondary to Promethazine HCl Oral Solution administration may be confused with the CNS signs of undiagnosed primary disease, e.g., encephalopathy or Reye's syndrome. The use of Promethazine HCl Oral Solution should be avoided in pediatric patients whose signs and symptoms may suggest Reye's syndrome or other hepatic diseases. Excessively large dosages of antihistamines, including Promethazine HCl Oral Solution, in pediatric patients may cause sudden death (see OVERDOSAGE ). Hallucinations and convulsions have occurred with therapeutic doses and overdoses of Promethazine in pediatric patients. In pediatric patients who are acutely ill associated with dehydration, there is an increased susceptibility to dystonias with the use of Promethazine HCl. Other Considerations Administration of Promethazine HCl has been associated with reported cholestatic jaundice. CNS Depression Promethazine HCl Oral Solution may impair the mental and/or physical abilities required for the performance of potentially hazardous tasks, such as driving a vehicle or operating machinery. The impairment may be amplified by concomitant use of other central-nervous-system depressants such as alcohol, sedatives/hypnotics (including barbiturates), narcotics, narcotic analgesics, general anesthetics, tricyclic antidepressants, and tranquilizers; therefore such agents should either be eliminated or given in reduced dosage in the presence of Promethazine HCl (see PRECAUTIONS-Information for Patients and Drug Interactions ). Respiratory Depression Promethazine HCl Oral Solution may lead to potentially fatal respiratory depression. Use of Promethazine HCl Oral Solution in patients with compromised respiratory function (e.g., COPD, sleep apnea) should be avoided. Lower Seizure Threshold Promethazine HCl Oral Solution may lower seizure threshold. It should be used with caution in persons with seizure disorders or in persons who are using concomitant medications, such as narcotics or local anesthetics, which may also affect seizure threshold. Bone-Marrow Depression Promethazine HCl Oral Solution should be used with caution in patients with bone-marrow depression. Leukopenia and agranulocytosis have been reported, usually when Promethazine (Promethazine HCl) has been used in association with other known marrow-toxic agents. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome A potentially fatal symptom complex sometimes referred to as Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) has been reported in association with Promethazine HCl alone or in combination with antipsychotic drugs. Clinical manifestations of NMS are hyperpyrexia, muscle rigidity, altered mental status and evidence of autonomic instability (irregular pulse or blood pressure, tachycardia, diaphoresis and cardiac dysrhythmias). The diagnostic evaluation of patients with this syndrome is complicated. In arriving at a diagnosis, it is important to identify cases where the clinical presentation includes both serious medical illness (e.g. pneumonia, systemic infection, etc.) and untreated or inadequately treated extrapyramidal signs and symptoms (EPS). Other important considerations in the differential diagnosis include central anticholinergic toxicity, heat stroke, drug fever and primary central nervous system (CNS) pathology. The management of NMS should include 1) immediate discontinuat

CONTRAINDICATIONS Children Less Than 2 Years of Age Promethazine hydrochloride injection is contraindicated for use in pediatric patients less than two years of age due to the risk of respiratory depression ( see WARNINGS - Respiratory Depression ) . Comatose State Promethazine hydrochloride injection is contraindicated in comatose states. Intra-Arterial Injection Under no circumstances should promethazine hydrochloride injection be given by intra-arterial injection due to the likelihood of severe arteriospasm and the possibility of resultant gangrene (see WARNINGS - Severe Tissue Injury, Including Gangrene ). Subcutaneous Injection Promethazine hydrochloride injection should not be given by the subcutaneous route because evidence of chemical irritation has been noted, and necrotic lesions have resulted following subcutaneous injection. The preferred parenteral route of administration is by deep intramuscular injection. Idiosyncratic Reaction or Hypersensitivity Promethazine hydrochloride injection is contraindicated in patients who have demonstrated an idiosyncratic reaction or hypersensitivity to promethazine or other phenothiazines.

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY Promethazine hydrochloride is a phenothiazine derivative which possesses antihistaminic, sedative, antimotion-sickness, antiemetic, and anticholinergic effects. Promethazine is a competitive H 1 receptor antagonist, but does not block the release of histamine. Structural differences from the neuroleptic phenothiazines result in its relative lack (1 / 10 that of chlorpromazine) of dopamine antagonist properties. Clinical effects are generally apparent within 5 minutes of an intravenous injection and within 20 minutes of an intramuscular injection. Duration of action is four to six hours, although effects may persist up to 12 hours. Promethazine hydrochloride is metabolized in the liver, with the sulfoxides of promethazine and N-desmethylpromethazine being the predominant metabolites appearing in the urine. Following intravenous administration in healthy volunteers, the plasma half-life for promethazine has been reported to range from 9 to 16 hours. The mean plasma half-life for promethazine after intramuscular administration in healthy volunteers has been reported to be 9.8 ± 3.4 hours.