Warning: Respiratory Depression In Pediatrics And Severe Tissue Injury, Including Gangrene
Respiratory Depression – Pediatrics
- Promethazine hydrochloride injection 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. Caution should be exercised when administering promethazine hydrochloride injection to pediatric patients 2 years of age and older (See Warning – Respiratory Depression)
- Severe chemical irritation and damage to tissues regardless of the route of parenteral administration has been reported in patients treated with promethazine hydrochloride injection including gangrene, tissue necrosis, and thrombophlebitis; and in some cases, surgical intervention including fasciotomy, skin graft, and/or amputation have been required (see WARNINGS – Severe Tissue Injury, Including Gangrene.).
- The use of promethazine hydrochloride injection by the following routes of administration is CONTRAINDICATED:
- Intravenous injection at concentrations greater than 1 mg/mL
- Intra-arterial injection
- Subcutaneous injection (see CONTRAINDICATIONS).
- The preferred route of administration is by deep intramuscular administration.
- Promethazine hydrochloride injection may be administered intravenously after dilution through an intravenous catheter inserted in a large vein. Preferably through a central venous catheter (see
DOSAGE 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, and initiate appropriate medical management.
Severe Tissue Injury, Including Gangrene