Romergan General Information
Romergan is used to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting related to certain conditions (such as before/after surgery, motion sickness). It is also used to treat allergy symptoms such as rash, itching, and runny nose. It may be used to help you feel sleepy/relaxed before and after surgery or to help certain narcotic pain relievers (such as meperidine) work better. It may also be used for a short time to treat a runny nose due to the common cold.
Romergan is an antihistamine and works by blocking a certain natural substance (histamine) that your body makes during an allergic reaction. Its other effects (such as anti-nausea, calming, pain relief) may work by affecting other natural substances (such as acetylcholine) and by acting directly on certain parts of the brain.
Cough-and-cold products have not been shown to be safe or effective in children younger than 6 years. Therefore, do not use Romergan to treat cold symptoms in children younger than 6 years unless specifically directed by the doctor. Some products (such as long-acting tablets/capsules) are not recommended for use in children younger than 12 years. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details about using your product safely.
These products do not cure or shorten the length of the common cold and may cause serious side effects. To decrease the risk for serious side effects, carefully follow all dosage directions. Do not give other cough-and-cold medication that might contain the same or similar ingredients (see also Drug Interactions section). Ask the doctor or pharmacist about other ways to relieve cough and cold symptoms (such as drinking enough fluids, using a humidifier or saline nose drops/spray).
How to Use Romergan
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking Romergan and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take Romergan by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 2 to 4 times daily. For motion sickness, the first dose of Romergan should be taken 30 to 60 minutes before beginning travel. For allergies, Romergan may be taken once daily at bedtime to avoid being drowsy during the day. When used before surgery, Romergan may be taken the night before or just before the procedure and may be continued afterwards as directed.
If you are using the liquid form of Romergan, carefully measure the dose using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose.
The dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. In children, the dosage may also be based on weight. Do not increase your dose or take Romergan more often than directed.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.
Romergan Possible Side Effects
Drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, blurred vision, or dry mouth may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor.
To relieve dry mouth, suck (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water, or use a saliva substitute.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed Romergan because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Romergan do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: fainting, slow heartbeat, mental/mood changes (such as hallucinations, nervousness, irritability, restlessness, confusion), unusual/uncontrolled movements (such as fixed upward stare, neck twisting, tongue movements), shaking (tremor), difficulty urinating, easy bleeding/bruising, signs of infection (such as fever, persistent sore throat), severe stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting, yellowing eyes/skin.
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: slow/shallow breathing, seizures.
Romergan may rarely cause a very serious condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). Get medical help right away if you have any of the following symptoms: fever, muscle stiffness/pain/tenderness/weakness, severe tiredness, severe confusion, sweating, fast/irregular heartbeat, dark urine, change in the amount of urine.
A very serious allergic reaction to Romergan is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
Romergan Precautions
Before taking Romergan, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to any other phenothiazines (such as prochlorperazine); or if you have any other allergies. Romergan may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using Romergan, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: breathing problems (such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD, sleep apnea), blood/immune system problems (such as bone marrow depression), high pressure in the eye (glaucoma), heart disease (such as irregular heartbeat), high blood pressure, liver disease, certain brain disorders (such as neuroleptic malignant syndrome, Reye's syndrome, seizures), stomach/intestine problems (such as blockage, ulcer), overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), difficulty urinating (for example, due to enlarged prostate).
Romergan may make you dizzy or drowsy or cause blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Romergan may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths, and sunlamps. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.
Romergan may make you sweat less, making you more likely to get heat stroke. Avoid doing things that may cause you to overheat, such as hard work or exercise in hot weather, or using hot tubs. When the weather is hot, drink a lot of fluids and dress lightly. If you overheat, quickly look for a place to cool down and rest. Get medical help right away if you have a fever that does not go away, mental/mood changes, headache, or dizziness.
Liquid products may contain sugar and/or alcohol. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, liver disease, or any other condition that requires you to limit/avoid these substances in your diet. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using Romergan safely.
Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of Romergan, especially slowed breathing (see Warning section). Romergan can often cause excitement in young children instead of drowsiness. Special care should be taken when using Romergan in children who have lost a lot of fluid (dehydration), those who have a family history of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and those who are hard to wake up from sleep.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of Romergan, especially drowsiness, confusion, constipation, or trouble urinating. Drowsiness and confusion can increase the risk of falling.
During pregnancy, Romergan should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is unknown if Romergan passes into breast milk. It may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Romergan Possible Intercations
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with Romergan include: antihistamines applied to the skin (such as diphenhydramine cream, ointment, spray), metoclopramide.
The risk of serious side effects (such as slow/shallow breathing, severe drowsiness/dizziness) may be increased if Romergan is taken with other products that may also affect breathing or cause drowsiness. Therefore, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products such as alcohol, drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants, and narcotic pain relievers (such as codeine).
Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.
Romergan may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including some pregnancy tests, glucose tolerance test, allergy skin testing), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use Romergan.