Phenergan warning: Why parents should not give it to young children
An over-the-counter medication popular with young families has come under a new health warning. This is what you need to know.
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Australia’s medical watchdog has issued a safety alert about the use of Phenergan, raising alarm about the use of the popular drug in kids.
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has advised that the drug and others that contain promethazine hydrochloride, should not be given to children under the ages of six.
Phenergan is easily accessible over the counter, and with hayfever conditions flaring up at this time of year, the warning is particularly timely.
Dr Tim Jones, chair of child and adolescent health at the Royal Australian College of General Practionars (RACGP) said that “we definitely endorse that the TGA has taken this step.”
An internal investigation conducted by Sanofi-Aventis Healthcare, the company which produces Phenergan, revealed that newly-uncovered information about the drug should be released to the public.
Here’s everything you need to know:
WHAT IS PHENERGAN MAINLY USED FOR?
Phenergan is an oral antihistamine.
It is used to treat various conditions such as allergies, hayfever and nausea.
It is also used for short-term sedation.
WILL PHENERGAN PUT YOU TO SLEEP?
The drug can cause drowsiness and can be used as a sleeping aid.
It can also be used for inducing sleep before and after a surgery.
It also comes with a warning that it may affect your ability to drive.
WHEN SHOULD PHENERGAN NOT BE USED?
According to the TGA, Phenergan should not be used by children under the age of six. “There is a perception that antihistamines are safe medications,” said Dr Jones.
“Effects on children are very unpredictable. Some kids can be very sensitive to it, others can require bigger doses.”
Medsafe, a New Zealand Government body, also recommended that Phenergan should not be used if you are allergic to promethazine hydrochloride.
Pregnant women are also strongly discouraged from using the drug at any point during pregnancy.
People who have any sort of underlying health condition are encouraged to seek advice from qualified medical practitioners before using the drug.
WHY HAS THE TGA ISSUED A PHENERGAN WARNING?
The TGA cites updated Product information and Consumer Medicine Information documents, which advises against using Phenergan for children under the age of 6.
The TGA mentions risks of psychiatric and central nervous system side effects for children who receive the drug. These side effects include: hyperactivity, aggression and hallucination. The TGA also warns that high doses of Phenergan can cause children to experience difficulties in learning and understanding.
Dr Jones said that Phenergan “would not be part of the best level care children can receive for hayfever or eczema … [it] has been superseded by newer antihistamines, which are safer and more affordable.”
He advised families using Phenergan for their children, “to seek up to date advice from their GP or another registered health professional.”
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