Trade name
DBL Promethazine
Presentation and preparation
25 mg/mL (volume: 2 mL)
IV administration
Not recommended. May cause severe tissue damage and blood pressure fluctuations. Use IV only when no alternative route is possible.
If IV route necessary, administer via a central line or large peripheral vein. Give preferably through the tubing of a free flowing IV infusion.
Dilute to 1 mg/mL or weaker with sodium chloride 0.9% and give over 20 to 40 minutes.
Maximum rate:
Children: 1.25 mg/minute.
Adolescents: 2.5 mg/minute.
Other routes of administration
Oral route is preferred.
IM: Suitable, deep injection into a large muscle.
SC: Contraindicated. May be given as a continuous SC infusion in palliative care settings if sufficiently diluted. Seek specialist advice.
Compatible IV fluids
Sodium chloride 0.9%
Y-site only:
Hartmann’s
Potassium chloride 20 mmol/L
Ringer’s
Additional information
Extravasation risk.
Not recommended for use in children less than 2 years of age due to the risk of severe respiratory depression.
Contains a sulfite preservative.
Monitor blood pressure; rapid IV administration can cause transient hypotension and slow IV administration can cause transient hypertension.
Concomitant use of CNS depressants (e.g. opioids, parenteral benzodiazepines, IM olanzapine) increases risk of respiratory depression, sedation, coma and death.
Protect from light during storage.