Trimeprazine (patient information)
IMPORTANT WARNING:
Trimeprazine is no longer available in the U.S. If you are currently taking trimeprazine, you should call your doctor to discuss switching to another treatment.
Why is this medication prescribed
Trimeprazine, an antihistamine, is used to relieve the itching caused by eczema and various skin rashes, including allergic skin rashes caused by poison ivy.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How should this medicine be used
Trimeprazine comes as a tablet, extended-release (long-acting) capsule, and syrup to take by mouth. It is usually taken four times a day or every 12 hours. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take trimeprazine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Do not open extended-release capsules; swallow them whole.
What special precautions should I follow
Before taking trimeprazine
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to trimeprazine or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially other *medications for colds or allergies, medications for depression or seizures, muscle relaxants, narcotics (pain medications), oral contraceptives, sedatives, sleeping pills, tranquilizers, and vitamins. Do not take trimeprazine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor [phenelzine (Nardil) or tranylcypromine (Parnate)] in the last 2 weeks.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had asthma or lung disease, glaucoma, ulcers, liver disease, difficulty urinating (due to an enlarged prostate gland), heart disease, high blood pressure, seizures, or an overactive thyroid gland.
- if you are giving it to a child, tell the doctor if there is a family history of sudden infant death syndrome (crib death) or if you regularly have difficulty waking the child.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking trimeprazine, call your doctor.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking trimeprazine.
- you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
- remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
What should I do if I forget a dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Side Effects
Minor Side Effects
Trimeprazine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- dry mouth, nose, and throat
- drowsiness
- upset stomach
- chest congestion
- headache
- diarrhea
Severe Side Effects
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- vision problems
- muscle weakness
- dizziness
- excitement (especially in children)
- difficulty urinating
- skin rash
What storage conditions are needed for this medicine
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
What other information should I know
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
Brand names
- Temaril®