meperidine/promethazine - oral, Mepergan Fortis, Meprozine (cont.)
PRECAUTIONS: Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to meperidine; or to promethazine; or to any other phenothiazines (e.g., prochlorperazine); or if you have any other allergies.This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: severe breathing problems (e.g., respiratory depression, carbon dioxide retention), a certain bowel disease (paralytic ileus), severe infectious diarrhea (e.g., Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhea), intoxication with drugs that can cause drowsiness or slow/shallow breathing (e.g., alcohol or tranquilizers/sedatives).Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: abdominal problems (e.g., gallbladder disease, pancreatitis), adrenal gland problem (e.g., Addison's disease, pheochromocytoma), large blood loss (e.g., recent blood donation, stomach/intestinal bleeding), brain disorders (e.g., seizures, head injury, tumor, increased intracranial pressure), a certain eye problem (narrow-angle glaucoma), heart problems (e.g., irregular heartbeat, high/low blood pressure), kidney disease, liver disease, lung diseases (e.g., asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD, emphysema), mental/mood disorders (e.g., depression, toxic psychosis), certain nervous system problems (e.g., neuroleptic malignant syndrome, Reye's syndrome), personal or family history of regular use/abuse of drugs/alcohol, sickle cell anemia, a certain spinal problem (kyphoscoliosis), sun sensitivity with other medications, underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), trouble urinating (e.g., due to enlarged prostate or narrowing of the urethra).Meperidine is usually only used for a short time. Repeated or high doses may cause drug levels to build up in the body and cause serious side effects such as seizures and shaking. Caution is advised if this medication is used for conditions which require long-term or high-dosage treatment (e.g., sickle cell anemia, burns, cancer). Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details.This drug 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.To lower your risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.Promethazine 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.This medication can reduce sweating, making you more likely to get heat stroke. Avoid strenuous work/exercise, drink plenty of fluids, and dress lightly while in hot weather.Kidney function declines as you grow older. This medication is removed by the kidneys. Therefore, elderly people may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug, especially confusion and drowsiness.Caution is advised when using this drug in children because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug, especially slowed breathing. Special caution should be taken in children who have lost a large amount of fluid (dehydration), have liver disease, and those who are hard to wake up from sleep.During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Using it for long periods or in high doses near the expected delivery date is not recommended because of possible harm to the unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Infants born to mothers who have used this medication for an extended time may have withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, abnormal/persistent crying, vomiting, or diarrhea. Tell your doctor immediately if you notice any of these symptoms in your newborn.This drug passes into breast milk and could have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Therefore, breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
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