PRODUCT DETAILS

Composition

Common formulation contains:

• Promethazine hydrochloride
• Carbocisteine (in some Rhinathiol formulations)

Strengths may vary depending on country/manufacturer. (vidal.fr)

Category / Class

• Antihistamine cough/cold preparation
• Sedating H1 antihistamine
• Mucolytic/expectorant combination (in carbocisteine-containing products)

Use / Indications

Used for:

• Allergic cough
• Irritating/night cough
• Cold symptoms
• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Upper respiratory tract irritation
• Productive cough with mucus (if carbocisteine-containing formulation) (vidal.fr)

Mechanism of Action

• Promethazine blocks H1 histamine receptors, reducing allergy symptoms and causing sedation.
• Carbocisteine thins and loosens mucus, making it easier to cough out.

Direction of Use

Typical use:

• Usually taken 2–3 times daily depending on age and formulation
• Often taken at night because it can cause drowsiness

Instructions:

• Shake bottle before use
• Use proper measuring spoon/cup
• Follow age-specific dosing carefully
• Do not exceed prescribed dose

Common Side Effects

• Drowsiness/sleepiness
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Blurred vision
• Constipation
• Nausea
• Thickened respiratory secretions
• Fatigue  

Serious Side Effects

Seek urgent medical attention if patient develops:

• Difficulty breathing
• Severe allergic reaction
• Seizures
• Confusion or hallucinations
• Irregular heartbeat
• Severe drowsiness/unresponsiveness
• Extrapyramidal symptoms (abnormal movements)

Warnings

Do NOT use in:

• Children under 2 years (serious breathing risk)
• Severe respiratory disease/asthma attacks
• Coma or severe CNS depression
• Allergy to promethazine/phenothiazines

Important warnings:

• May cause dangerous respiratory depression in young children
• Strong sedative effect
• Avoid alcohol and other sedatives
• May impair mental alertness 

Drug Interactions

Use cautiously with:

• Alcohol
• Benzodiazepines
• Opioids
• Sedatives/sleeping tablets
• Antidepressants
• Anticholinergic drugs
• Antipsychotics
• Other antihistamines

Cautions

• Avoid driving or operating machinery
• Use cautiously in:
• Elderly patients
• Liver disease
• Epilepsy
• Glaucoma
• Enlarged prostate
• Monitor children closely for excessive sedation
• Do not use longer than recommended