Phenergan

Phenergan is used to treat allergic conditions such as hayfever, rashes and hives. Phenergan is also sometimes used as a mild sedative in the very short term, and is also used to treat travel sickness.

The active ingredient of Phenergan is an antihistamine known as promethazine. Allergic reactions occur when the body's defence mechanisms overreact to a foreign substance, such as pollen or dust. The promethazine in Phenergan works by inhibiting some of the body's defence mechanisms, thus reducing their sensitivity to these substances (known as allergens) and thus reducing the severity of the allergic reaction. A side-effect of promethazine is drowsiness, and many people take Phenergan to help them to get to sleep. However, the use of Phenergan as a sedative can only be recommended as a temporary measure.