# Promethazine in Nigeria

Promethazine has 9 active NAFDAC registrations in our October 2026 copy of the register, from 9 registration holders; 14 further listings have lapsed.

- Source: https://ogbogwu.com/drugs/promethazine/
- Drug class: First-generation antihistamine (phenothiazine derivative) (Allergy)
- Also known as: Phenergan, Avomine
- Prescription required: no
- Last updated: October 2026

## Price in Nigeria

As of October 2026, Promethazine tablets sell for about ₦450 per tablet online in Nigeria (packs ₦9,750–₦25,200) at MedPlus; syrup ₦4,800–₦17,250. The online price is roughly unchanged since July 2026. Open-market prices (e.g. Idumota, Ogbogwu) are often lower.

## What is Promethazine?

Promethazine is one of the most versatile and widely used medications in Nigeria, functioning as an antihistamine, anti-nausea agent, cough suppressant, and sedative all in one. It belongs to the phenothiazine class of first-generation antihistamines and works by blocking histamine H1 receptors throughout the body, which is responsible for its anti-allergy effects. Unlike newer second-generation antihistamines such as cetirizine and loratadine, promethazine readily crosses the blood-brain barrier, which accounts for its pronounced sedative effect. This sedation, while considered a side effect in many contexts, is actually one of the primary reasons promethazine is so popular in Nigeria — it is frequently used as a sleep aid and calming agent. Best known by its brand names Phenergan and Avomine, promethazine is stocked in virtually every pharmacy and patent medicine store from the busy Idumota market area in Lagos to neighbourhood chemists in Enugu, Kaduna, and Maiduguri.

In Nigeria, promethazine occupies a unique position in everyday healthcare. It is a key ingredient in many popular cough syrups sold across the country, where it serves as both a cough suppressant and antihistamine to reduce the runny nose and sneezing that accompany upper respiratory infections. Promethazine cough syrups — often combined with other active ingredients such as dextromethorphan or pseudoephedrine — are among the most frequently purchased over-the-counter medications in Nigerian pharmacies. The drug is also widely used for nausea and vomiting, making it invaluable for pregnant women suffering from morning sickness (though use requires medical supervision) and for travellers preparing for Nigeria's notoriously long and often bumpy road journeys between cities like Lagos and Abuja, Benin and Onitsha, or Kano and Jos. Avomine, the Sanofi brand marketed specifically for travel sickness, is a trusted companion for many Nigerian travellers.

Despite its widespread legitimate use, promethazine has also been at the centre of substance abuse concerns in Nigeria. Codeine-promethazine cough syrups became a major public health issue, with young Nigerians mixing these syrups into drinks for their euphoric and sedative effects. This crisis led to NAFDAC banning the sale of codeine-containing cough syrups in pharmacies and patent medicine stores in 2018, restricting them to hospitals only. While promethazine alone does not produce the same euphoric effects as codeine, it is still sometimes misused for its strong sedative properties. Promethazine is available in Nigeria as tablets (10mg and 25mg), oral syrup (5mg/5ml), and injection for hospital use. It remains an over-the-counter medication when sold in tablet and syrup form without codeine, and it continues to be an important and effective medication when used responsibly for its intended purposes.

## What is Promethazine used for?

- Allergic conditions — hay fever, allergic rhinitis, urticaria (hives), itching, and other allergic reactions where an antihistamine with sedative properties may be beneficial
- Nausea and vomiting — effective for motion sickness, morning sickness in pregnancy (with medical supervision), post-operative nausea, and drug-induced nausea
- Cough suppression — as a component of cough syrup formulations, promethazine reduces cough reflex and manages associated allergic symptoms like runny nose and sneezing
- Sedation and sleep aid — used short-term for insomnia and anxiety-related sleep difficulties, and as a pre-operative or pre-procedural sedative in hospitals
- Motion sickness prevention — taken before long journeys to prevent nausea, vomiting, and dizziness associated with road, sea, or air travel
- Adjunct to pain management — sometimes used alongside analgesics in hospital settings to enhance pain relief and reduce nausea from opioid pain medications

## Dosage

Always follow a doctor's or pharmacist's instructions; this is general reference information.

- Adults: For allergies (rhinitis, urticaria, itching): 25mg at bedtime, or 10mg to 25mg two to three times daily. Due to drowsiness, bedtime dosing is often preferred. For nausea and vomiting: 25mg at onset, then 10mg to 25mg every four to six hours as needed. For motion sickness prevention: 25mg taken the night before travel, then 25mg on the morning of travel. For long journeys, an additional 25mg may be taken after six to eight hours. As a short-term sleep aid: 25mg to 50mg taken 30 minutes to one hour before bedtime. For cough: Follow the dosage instructions on the specific cough syrup formulation being used, as the concentration of promethazine varies between products.
- Children: Children aged 5 to 10 years: 10mg to 25mg daily in divided doses for allergies, or a single dose of 10mg to 25mg at bedtime. Children aged 2 to 5 years: 5mg to 15mg daily in divided doses, or as directed by a doctor. Promethazine syrup (5mg/5ml) is the preferred formulation for children. IMPORTANT: Promethazine should NOT be used in children under 2 years of age due to the risk of fatal respiratory depression. Always use the measuring device provided with the syrup — never estimate doses with household spoons. Consult a doctor or pharmacist for appropriate paediatric dosing.
- Elderly: Elderly patients are more sensitive to the sedative and anticholinergic effects of promethazine. Start with the lowest effective dose, typically 10mg to 25mg once daily, preferably at bedtime. Monitor for excessive drowsiness, confusion, dizziness, and falls. Promethazine may worsen urinary retention in elderly men with prostate enlargement and may increase the risk of constipation.

Promethazine causes significant drowsiness in most people. Do not drive, operate machinery, or perform tasks requiring alertness after taking promethazine. The sedative effect is enhanced by alcohol — avoid alcohol completely while using promethazine. Take motion sickness doses at least 30 minutes to one hour before travel for best effect. If using promethazine as a sleep aid, allow at least eight hours for sleep to avoid morning grogginess. Promethazine tablets should be swallowed whole with water and can be taken with or without food, though taking them with food may reduce stomach upset.

## Side effects

Common: Drowsiness and sedation — the most prominent side effect, experienced by the majority of users. Can persist into the following day as a 'hangover' effect.; Dry mouth — caused by the anticholinergic properties of promethazine; Dizziness and lightheadedness, especially when standing up quickly; Blurred vision; Constipation; Difficulty passing urine (urinary hesitancy).

Serious (seek medical help immediately): Severe respiratory depression — particularly dangerous in children under 2 years of age and can be fatal. This is why promethazine is contraindicated in this age group.; Neuroleptic malignant syndrome — a rare but potentially fatal reaction characterised by high fever, muscle rigidity, confusion, and rapid heartbeat; Severe low blood pressure (hypotension) — particularly with injectable forms or when combined with other sedating medications; Seizures — rare, but promethazine can lower the seizure threshold in susceptible individuals; Blood disorders — very rare cases of agranulocytosis (dangerously low white blood cell count) and thrombocytopenia (low platelet count); Severe allergic reaction — paradoxical allergic reaction to promethazine itself, including skin rash, swelling, and difficulty breathing.

When to see a doctor: Seek immediate medical attention if you or your child experiences difficulty breathing, unusually slow or shallow breathing, severe drowsiness that you cannot be woken from, high fever with muscle stiffness and confusion, seizures, or signs of a severe allergic reaction such as facial swelling or difficulty breathing. See a doctor if you experience persistent confusion, hallucinations, severe constipation, inability to pass urine, or irregular heartbeat. In Nigeria, the emergency departments of teaching hospitals and general hospitals can manage these serious reactions. If a child under 2 years accidentally takes promethazine, treat it as a medical emergency and go to the nearest hospital immediately.

## Warnings

Do not take if: Do NOT use in children under 2 years of age — risk of fatal respiratory depression; Do not use if you have a known allergy to promethazine or other phenothiazine medications; Do not use if you have severe liver disease — promethazine is metabolised by the liver and can accumulate to toxic levels; Use with extreme caution in patients with epilepsy — promethazine can lower the seizure threshold; Do not use in patients who are deeply sedated, in a coma, or who have central nervous system depression from any cause.

Interactions: Alcohol — significantly enhances the sedative effect of promethazine, potentially causing dangerous levels of drowsiness, respiratory depression, and loss of consciousness. Avoid all alcohol including beer, palm wine, and ogogoro.; Other sedating medications (sleeping pills, benzodiazepines, opioids, other antihistamines) — additive sedation can lead to excessive drowsiness and respiratory depression. This combination is particularly dangerous.; Codeine and other opioids — promethazine enhances the sedative and respiratory depressant effects of opioids. This combination was the basis of the codeine-promethazine cough syrup abuse crisis in Nigeria.; Anticholinergic drugs (e.g., hyoscine, some antidepressants) — increased risk of dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, blurred vision, and confusion; Blood pressure medications — promethazine can cause low blood pressure, which may be worsened by antihypertensive drugs; Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) — can prolong and intensify the anticholinergic and sedative effects of promethazine.

Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Promethazine has a long history of use in pregnancy for the management of nausea and vomiting (morning sickness and hyperemesis gravidarum), and it is considered relatively safe when used under medical supervision. It is sometimes given in Nigerian hospitals to pregnant women with severe vomiting that does not respond to simpler measures. However, it should be used at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest possible time, particularly in the first trimester. Promethazine used near the time of delivery may cause sedation and respiratory depression in the newborn. Promethazine passes into breast milk and can cause drowsiness and other side effects in the breastfed infant. If you are breastfeeding, consult your doctor before taking promethazine. If use is necessary, the lowest effective dose should be used and the baby should be monitored for excessive sleepiness, feeding difficulties, and irritability.

## Brands in Nigeria

Well-known NAFDAC-registered brands: Phenergan (Sanofi, made in France); Avomine (Sanofi, made in France); Emzor Promethazine (Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries, made in Nigeria); Rophegan (May & Baker, made in Nigeria).
Full searchable brand list: https://ogbogwu.com/drugs/promethazine/brands/

## How to verify it is genuine

1. Check for a valid NAFDAC registration number on the packaging — all genuine promethazine products sold in Nigeria must be registered with NAFDAC.
2. Verify the NAFDAC registration number using the NAFDAC Green Book online portal or the NAFDAC mobile verification app available for Android and iOS devices.
3. Purchase from licensed pharmacies and registered patent medicine stores only. Avoid buying promethazine products from unregistered vendors, roadside sellers, or unlicensed online platforms.
4. For branded products like Phenergan and Avomine, check that the packaging matches the manufacturer's official design, including the Sanofi logo, colour scheme, and overall packaging quality.
5. Inspect the packaging for clear, professional printing with correct spelling, a visible batch number, manufacturing date, and expiry date. Blurred printing, misspellings, or missing information suggest a counterfeit product.
6. Be wary of promethazine cough syrups sold without proper labelling, particularly those claiming to contain codeine — the sale of codeine-containing cough syrups is restricted by NAFDAC to hospitals only.

Verify any NAFDAC number free (no login): https://ogbogwu.com/nafdac-checker/

## FAQs

### Can I use promethazine as a sleep aid? Is it safe for insomnia?

Promethazine is commonly used as a short-term sleep aid in Nigeria due to its strong sedative properties. A dose of 25mg to 50mg taken 30 minutes to one hour before bedtime can help with difficulty falling asleep. However, promethazine is not intended for long-term treatment of insomnia. Using it regularly for sleep can lead to tolerance (needing higher doses to achieve the same effect), dependence, and a persistent groggy or 'hangover' feeling the next morning. The drowsiness can last well into the following day and impair your ability to drive, work, or study. If you are experiencing chronic insomnia — difficulty sleeping most nights for more than two to three weeks — see a doctor rather than relying on promethazine. There may be underlying causes such as stress, anxiety, or sleep apnoea that need proper evaluation and treatment.

### Is promethazine safe to use during pregnancy for morning sickness?

Promethazine has been used for decades to manage nausea and vomiting in pregnancy and is considered relatively safe when used under medical supervision. It is sometimes prescribed by doctors in Nigerian hospitals for pregnant women with severe morning sickness or hyperemesis gravidarum (excessive vomiting in pregnancy) when simpler measures like dietary changes and ginger have not worked. However, you should not self-medicate with promethazine during pregnancy. Always consult your doctor or midwife first. The lowest effective dose should be used for the shortest possible time. Promethazine is generally avoided close to the time of delivery because it can cause sedation and breathing difficulties in the newborn baby. If you are pregnant and experiencing severe nausea and vomiting, visit your antenatal clinic or hospital rather than buying promethazine from a chemist on your own.

### Why was codeine-promethazine cough syrup banned in Nigeria?

In 2018, NAFDAC banned the sale of codeine-containing cough syrups in pharmacies and patent medicine stores across Nigeria, restricting them to hospitals only. This decision followed widespread reports and a landmark BBC Africa Eye documentary that exposed the scale of codeine-promethazine cough syrup abuse, particularly among young Nigerians in northern cities like Kano, Kaduna, and Jos, but also in Lagos and other parts of the country. Young people were mixing these syrups — often called 'lean' or 'purple drank' — into soft drinks for their euphoric and sedative effects. The codeine provided the euphoria and pain relief, while the promethazine enhanced the sedation and dreamlike state. This abuse led to addiction, organ damage, and deaths. While promethazine-only syrups (without codeine) remain available over the counter, any cough syrup containing codeine must now only be obtained through a hospital with a valid prescription.

### Does promethazine cause drowsiness? Can I drive after taking it?

Yes, promethazine causes significant drowsiness in the vast majority of people who take it. Unlike newer antihistamines such as cetirizine (Zyrtec) and loratadine, which are designed to minimise sedation, promethazine is a first-generation antihistamine that freely enters the brain and produces pronounced sleepiness. You should absolutely NOT drive, ride a motorcycle (okada), operate heavy machinery, or perform any task requiring full alertness after taking promethazine. The sedation can last for several hours and may persist into the following day, especially with higher doses. This drowsiness is significantly worsened by alcohol — even a small amount of alcohol combined with promethazine can cause dangerous levels of sedation. If you need an antihistamine for daytime use where you need to stay alert, ask your pharmacist for a non-sedating option like cetirizine or loratadine instead.

## Sources

- NAFDAC Greenbook (official register of approved products in Nigeria)
- British National Formulary (BNF)
- Nigerian Standard Treatment Guidelines (Federal Ministry of Health)