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Sleeping pills & minor tranquillisers A-Z

Provides detailed information on all sleeping pills & minor tranquillisers currently available in the UK.

Promethazine

Promethazine is an antihistamine sometimes used as a sleeping pill. It's also known by the trade name Phenergan.

Promethazine is an ingredient in some over-the-counter cold and flu medicines, such as Night Nurse. 

Over-the-counter cold and flu medicines may also contain other medicines – including paracetemol. So always check with a pharmacist that it's suitable for you before buying it.

Most high street pharmacists have a private consulting room. You can ask to use this if you don't feel comfortable talking to them at the counter.

Our page on what to consider before taking medication has a checklist of questions to ask.

You can find detailed information about this drug in the official Patient Information Leaflet (PIL). This will explain what it can be precribed for, how to take it, possible side effects and safety information.

This leaflet should come inside the box. Or you can download a PDF version of the PIL for this drug here:

Drugs can come in different forms and doses. You should look at the PIL for the specific form and dose your doctor has prescribed for you.

These websites also have more information about this medicine:

If you have specific questions about your medication you can:

If you get any side effects from this drug, you can report them to the manufacturer using the Yellow Card scheme. This helps them give better information about it. Visit the Yellow Card scheme website to learn more.

More information about sleeping pills and minor tranquillisers

Our pages on sleeping pills and minor tranquillisers have lots more information about this type of medication. This includes how they work, what they are prescribed for and what to know before taking them. It also covers their side effects and withdrawal effects.

These pages may also help:

  • About psychiatric medication. See our pages on psychiatric medication for information on what you should know before taking any psychiatric drug, reporting side effects, receiving the right medication for you, and your right to refuse medication.

  • About coming off medication. See our pages on coming off psychiatric drugs for information on making your decision to come off medication, planning withdrawal and withdrawal symptoms. 

  • About accessing treatment. See our pages on seeking help for a mental health problem for more information on getting treatment for your mental health.

Published: November 2026

Next review planned: November 2029

References and bibliography available on request.

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