The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc), DatapharmActive substance: alimemazine tartrateOfficial document: view the original leaflet on emc →Medical disclaimer: This page is for information only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the leaflet supplied with your medicine. If you are unwell, call NHS 111; in an emergency, call 999.

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Alimemazine Tartrate 7.5mg/5ml Syrup

⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued

The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.

If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Alimemazine tartrate may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.

Active substance: Alimemazine tartrate

Equivalent medicines (same active substance, strength and form)

→ Alfresed 7.5mg/5ml Syrup brand

→ Itzenal 7.5 mg/ 5 ml Oral Solution, Sugar-Free brand

→ Alimemazine Tartrate 7.5 mg/ 5 ml Oral Solution

→ Alimemazine Tartrate 7.5mg/5mL Oral Solution Sugar Free

→ Alimemazine tartrate 7.5mg/5ml Syrup

Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc)

Official leaflet: Read the PIL on emc

What it is and what it is used for

FOR The name of your medicine is Alimemazine Tartrate 7.5 mg/5 ml Syrup or Alimemazine 30 mg/5 ml Syrup (called alimemazine throughout this leaflet). It contains the active ingredient alimemazine tartrate and belongs to a group of medicines called phenothiazines and works by blocking a natural substance (histamine) that your body makes during an allergic reaction. It also works directly on the brain to help you feel more relaxed. What alimemazine is used for

To treat itching (pruritus) or an itchy, lumpy rash (urticaria)
As a sedative for children aged between 3 and 7 years. This is a medicine given to reduce awareness or make the child feel relaxed and at ease before an operation

What you need to know before you take it

E ALIMEMAZINE

Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

Do not take alimemazine if:

You are allergic (hypersensitive) to:
alimemazine tartrate or any of the other ingredients in this medicine (listed in section 6).
any other similar medicines (phenothiazines) such as chlorpromazine. The signs of an allergic reaction include: a rash, swallowing or breathing problems, swelling of your lips, face, throat or tongue.
You have liver or kidney problems.
You have epilepsy.
You have Parkinson's disease.
You have thyroid problems (hypothyroidism).
You have a tumour on the adrenal gland (called phaeochromocytoma).
You have myasthenia gravis (a form of muscle weakness).
You have an enlarged prostate gland.
You have increased pressure in the eye (called narrow angle glaucoma).
You have a history of a blood or bone marrow disorder called agranulocytosis.

Taking this medicine

Take this medicine by mouth
Avoid the syrup touching any part of your skin. This can cause skin redness, swelling and itching (contact skin sensitisation)
If you feel the effect of your medicine is too weak or too strong, do not change the dose yourself, but ask your doctor
Do not take more than the recommended dose How much to take For itching or an itchy lumpy rash Adults
10 mg two or three times each day.
Your doctor may increase your dose depending on your illness. Elderly
10 mg once or twice each day. Children over 3 years of age Alimemazine Tartrate 7.5mg/5ml Syrup should be used:
2.5 to 5 mg three or four times each day.

Children Alimemazine should not be used in children less than 3 years old.

As a sedative before general anaesthesia Children aged between 3 and 7 years Alimemazine Tartrate 7.5mg/5ml Syrup should be used:

Your child's doctor will decide the amount to give.
The maximum dose is 2 mg per kg of bodyweight.
Alimemazine is given 1-2 hours before the operation.

Do not take this medicine if any of the above applies to you. If you are not sure, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking alimemazine. Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking alimemazine if:

You are diabetic. This medicine contains sucrose, a type of sugar.
You have heart problems.
You have fits (epilepsy).
You are elderly and are dehydrated or have been told you have a low blood volume.
You are elderly and have had constipation for some time.

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Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine because it contains important information for you.

Keep this leaflet. You may need to read it again
If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their signs of illness are the same as yours
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4.

Exposure to sunlight Alimemazine can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Keep out of direct sunlight while taking this medicine. If you take more alimemazine than you should If you take more alimemazine than you should, tell a doctor or go to a hospital casualty department

straight away. Take the medicine pack with you. This is so the doctor knows what you have taken. Also do this if a child under 3 years of age swallows some of this medicine. The following effects may happen: feeling drowsy, loss of consciousness, increased or rapid heartbeat, changes in heart beat, uneven heart beats and feeling very cold. You may also feel dizzy, lightheaded or faint (due to low blood pressure) and you may notice that you cannot control your movements (for example of the eyes, neck, arms and legs). If you forget to take alimemazine If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. If you have any further questions on the use of this product, ask your doctor or pharmacist. 4. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Stop taking alimemazine and see a doctor or go to a hospital straight away if you notice any of the following side effects:

An allergic reaction. The signs may include: a rash, swallowing or breathing problems, swelling of your lips, face, throat or tongue.
Liver problems that may cause the eyes or skin to go yellow (jaundice).
High temperature, sweating, stiff muscles, fast heartbeat, fast breathing and feel confused, drowsy or agitated. These could be signs of a serious side effect called 'neuroleptic malignant syndrome'.
Very fast, uneven or forceful heartbeat (palpitations). You may also have breathing problems such as wheezing, shortness of breath, tightness in the chest and chest pain.
Convulsions/fits and movements that you cannot control, mainly of the tongue, mouth, jaw, arms and legs.
You may get infections more easily than normal such as fever, severe chills, sore throat or mouth ulcers. These could be signs of a blood problem. Tell a pharmacist or doctor as soon as possible if you have any of the following side effects:
Breathing more slowly or less deeply than normal.
Feeling restless and not being able to keep still (akathisia).

may pass into mothers' milk. This can be harmful to your baby. If you are breast-feeding or planning to breastfeed, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine. Driving and using machines You may feel drowsy or sleepy while taking this medicine. If this happens, do not drive or use any tools or machines. Alimemazine Syrup contains sucrose, ethanol, sodium benzoate (E 211), sodium sulphite anhydrous (E 221), sodium metabisulphite (E 223) and sodium.

This medicine contains 3.40 g of sucrose per 5ml. If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicinal product. This should be taken into account in patients with diabetes mellitus.
Sodium sulphite anhydrous (E 221) and sodium metabisulphite (E 223): These may rarely cause severe hypersensitivity reactions and bronchospasms.
This medicine contains 5 mg of sodium benzoate (E211) in each 5ml dose.
This medicine contains 203 mg alcohol (ethanol) in each 5ml. The amount in this medicine is equivalent to 5ml of beer or 2ml of wine per 5ml. The alcohol in this preparation is likely to affect children. These effects may include feeling sleepy and changes in behaviour. It may also affect their ability to concentrate and take part in physical activities. The amount of alcohol in this medicine can affect your ability to drive or use machines. This is because it may affect your judgement and how fast you react. If you have epilepsy or liver problems, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine. The amount of alcohol in this medicine may alter the effects of other medicines. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other medicines. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine. If you are addicted to alcohol, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine.
The 7.5 mg/5 ml syrup contains 31.7 mg sodium (main component of cooking/table salt) in each 5 ml. This is equivalent to 8.1 %

Changes in skin or eye colour.
Problems with your eyesight.
Rigid or stiff muscles, trembling or shaking or difficulty moving.
Feeling dizzy, light-headed or faint when you stand or sit up quickly (due to low blood pressure).
Unexpected excitement or hyperactivity.
Problems passing urine. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects gets serious or lasts longer than a few days or if you notice any

How to take it

Alimemazine 4. Possible side effects 5. How to store Alimemazine 6. Contents of the pack and other information

Possible side effects

not listed in this leaflet:

Constipation
Dry mouth
Stuffy nose
Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
Feeling agitated
Dizziness
Headache
Drowsiness
Being more sensitive to the sun than usual
Unusual production of breast milk in men and women
Breast enlargement in men
Loss of menstrual periods
Difficulty in getting or maintaining an erection or in ejaculating (impotence)
Skin redness, swelling and itching (contact skin sensitisation)
Skin rashes Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

How to store it

ALIMEMAZINE

Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
Do not use alimemazine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and bottle label after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
Do not use alimemazine after the bottle has been opened for more than a month.
Store below 25°C.
Protect from light.
Do not throw away any medicines via

wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.

Contents of the pack and other information

What Alimemazine contains

Each 1ml of Alimemazine 7.5 mg/5 ml syrup contains 1.5mg of the active substance, alimemazine tartrate.
Each 1 ml of Alimemazine 30 mg/5 ml syrup contains 6 mg of the active substance, alimemazine tartrate.
The other ingredients are sucrose, apricot flavour (no. 1NS), ethanol, citric acid anhydrous, sodium citrate granules, sodium benzoate, sodium sulphite anhydrous, sodium metabisulphite powder, L (+) ascorbic acid and demineralised water. Alimemazine also contains caramel. What Alimemazine syrup looks like and contents of the pack Alimemazine Tartrate 7.5 mg/5 ml Syrup is a clear bright straw coloured syrupy liquid with a smell of apricots. It is available in glass bottles of 100 ml. Alimemazine Tartrate 30 mg/5 ml Syrup is a clear colourless to very pale yellow syrupy liquid with a smell of apricots. It is available in glass bottles of 100ml. Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer Marketing Authorisation Holder Zentiva Pharma UK Limited, 12 New Fetter Lane, London, EC4A 1JP, UK. Manufacturer Unither Liquid Manufacturing, 1-3 allée de la Neste, Z.I. d'en Sigal, 31770 Colomiers, France This leaflet does not contain all the information about your medicine. If you have any questions or are not sure about anything, ask your doctor or pharmacist. This leaflet was last revised in October 2023 305366

You are an elderly male and have problems when passing water (urine).
You are elderly and it is very hot or cold. Your body may find it harder to control its temperature when taking this medicine. If you are not sure if any of the above apply to you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking alimemazine. Other medicines and alimemazine Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. This includes medicines you can buy without prescription, including herbal medicines. This is because alimemazine can affect the way some medicines work. Also some medicines can affect the way alimemazine works. In particular, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any of the following:
Medicines to help you sleep or lower your anxiety.
Lithium – used to treat some types of mental illness.
Amfetamine – used for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Phenobarbital – used for epilepsy.
Adrenaline – used for life threatening allergic reactions.
Medicines for Parkinson's disease such as levodopa.
Medicines for depression.
Medicines for severe pain (such as codeine or morphine).
Medicines for diabetes. Your doctor may need to change the dose of your medicine.
Medicines for high blood pressure such as doxazosin, terazosin, guanethidine, clonidine.
Medicines for indigestion and heartburn (antacids).
Anticholinergic medicines – includes some medicines used for irritable bowel syndrome, asthma or incontinence. Alimemazine with alcohol Do not drink alcohol or take any medicines containing alcohol while you are taking alimemazine. This is because alcohol can increase the chances of you getting side effects. It can also cause serious breathing difficulties. Pregnancy and breast-feeding If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine. You should not take alimemazine if you are breast-feeding. This is because small amounts

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Frequently asked questions about Alimemazine Tartrate 7.5mg/5ml Syrup

How do I take Alimemazine Tartrate 7.5mg/5ml Syrup?

Alimemazine Tartrate 7.5mg/5ml Syrup comes as oral solution containing 7.5mg / 5ml. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.

What is the active substance in Alimemazine Tartrate 7.5mg/5ml Syrup?

The active substance in Alimemazine Tartrate 7.5mg/5ml Syrup is alimemazine tartrate.

Are there equivalent medicines to Alimemazine Tartrate 7.5mg/5ml Syrup?

Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: Alfresed 7.5mg/5ml Syrup, Itzenal 7.5 mg/ 5 ml Oral Solution, Sugar-Free, Alimemazine Tartrate 7.5 mg/ 5 ml Oral Solution. In total there are 5 equivalent products. They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.

Where does this information come from?

This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Alimemazine Tartrate 7.5mg/5ml Syrup, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.

Can I get Alimemazine Tartrate 7.5mg/5ml Syrup without a prescription?

Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.

About this leaflet

The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.

Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc), Datapharm
Active substance: alimemazine tartrate
Official document: view the original leaflet on emc →

Medical disclaimer: This page is for information only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the leaflet supplied with your medicine. If you are unwell, call NHS 111; in an emergency, call 999.

Medicines with the same active substance: Alimemazine tartrate (15 medicines)

See every medicine containing this substance, or browse the full A–Z of active substances.

⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+

Technical information intended for healthcare professionals (doctors and pharmacists). The Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) is the official document approved by the MHRA/EMA. It does not replace the patient leaflet or a doctor’s advice.

4.1. Therapeutic indications

Alimemazine has a central sedative effect comparable to that of chlorpromazine but largely devoid of the latter's anti adrenaline action.

In children aged 3-7 years:

• Pre-medication sedation before general anaesthesia

Adults and children aged 3 years and over:

• Second-line treatment in the symptomatic relief of urticaria and pruritus.

4.2. Posology and method of administration

Posology

Not recommended for children less than 3 years old (see also sections 4.3 and 4.4).

DO NOT exceed the recommended dose (see also section 4.9).

Urticaria and pruritus

Adults: 10 mg (approx. 6.5 ml) two or three times daily; up to 100 mg per day have been used in intractable cases.

Elderly: Dose should be reduced to 10 mg (approx. 6.5 ml) once or twice daily.

Children over 3 years of age: 2.5 – 5 mg (approx. 1.7 – 3.3 ml) three or four times daily.

Sedative premedication before general anaesthesia

Children aged 3 – 7 years: The maximum dosage recommended is 2 mg (approx. 1.3 ml) per kg bodyweight 1 – 2 hours before the operation.

Method of administration

For oral administration.

4.3. Contraindications

Alimemazine is contraindicated in patients with:

• Known hypersensitivity to phenothiazines or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.

• Hepatic or renal dysfunction

• Epilepsy

• Parkinson's disease

• Hypothyroidism

• Phaeochromocytoma

• Myasthenia gravis

• History of narrow angle glaucoma

• History of agranulocytosis

• Prostatic hypertrophy

Alimemazine is contraindicated for use in children less than 3 years of age (see section 4.4)

4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use

Patients are strongly advised not to consume alcoholic beverages or medicines containing alcohol throughout treatment (see section 4.5).

Exposure to sunlight should be avoided during treatment (see section 4.8).

Alimemazine should be used with caution in:

• Elderly or volume depleted patients who are more susceptible to orthostatic hypotension (see section 4.8).

• Elderly patients presenting chronic constipation (risk of paralytic ileus).

• Elderly patients with possible prostatic hypertrophy (see section 4.3).

• Elderly patients in hot and cold weather (risk of hyper/hypothermia) (see section 4.8).

• Patients with certain cardiovascular diseases: alimemazine may cause arrhythmias due to the tachycardia-inducing and hypotensive effects of phenothiazines (see section 4.8).

• Patients with seizures (see section 4.8).

Paediatric population

Alimemazine is contraindicated for use in children less than 3 years of age due to the risk of marked sedation and respiratory depression.

There is a risk of post-operative restlessness especially if the child is in pain.

Alimemazine Syrup contains sucrose, ethanol, sodium benzoate (E 211), sodium sulphite anhydrous (E 221), sodium metabisulphite (E 223) and sodium

• Each 5 ml contains 3.40 g of sucrose

Patients with rare hereditary problems of fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption or sucrase-isomaltase insufficiency should not take this medicine.

This should be taken into account in patients with diabetes mellitus.

• Alimemazine contains 5% ethanol (alcohol) (as 96%v/v). Each 5 ml contains up to 203 mg ethanol. This is equivalent to 5ml of beer or 2ml of wine per 5 ml.

• This medicine contains 5 mg sodium benzoate (E 211) in each 5 ml

• Each 5 ml contains 5.0 mg sodium sulphite anhydrous (E 221) and 5.0 mg sodium metabisulphite (E 223)

May rarely cause severe hypersensitivity reactions and bronchospasm

• Alimemazine contains approximately 31.7mg of sodium per 5ml dose, equivalent to 8.1% of the WHO recommended maximum daily intake of 2 g sodium for an adult.

4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

The sedative effects of phenothiazines may be intensified (additively) by alcohol (see section 4.4), anxiolytics & hypnotics, opiates, barbiturates and other sedatives. There may be increased antimuscarinic and sedative effects of phenothiazines with tricyclic antidepressants and MAOI's (including moclobemide). Respiratory depression may occur.

The hypotensive effect of most antihypertensive drugs especially alpha-adrenoreceptor blocking agents may be exaggerated by phenothiazines.

The use of antimuscarinics will increase the risk of antimuscarinic side effects when used in conjunction with antihistamines.

The action of some drugs may be opposed by phenothiazines. These include amfetamine, levodopa, clonidine, guanethidine and adrenaline.

The mild anticholinergic effect of phenothiazines may be enhanced by other anticholinergic drugs possibly leading to constipation, heat stroke etc.

Anticholinergic agents may reduce the antipsychotic effect of phenothiazines.

Some drugs interfere with absorption of phenothiazines: antacids, anti-Parkinson and lithium. Increases or decreases in the plasma concentrations of a number of drugs, e.g. propranolol, phenobarbital have been observed but were not of clinical significance.

High doses of phenothiazines reduce the response to hypoglycaemic agents, the dosage of which may have to be raised. Adrenaline must not be used in patients overdosed with phenothiazines.

4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy

There are limited data from the use of alimemazine in pregnant women, but it has been widely used for many years without apparent ill consequence. Some phenothiazines have shown evidence of harmful effects in animals. Alimemazine, like other drugs, should be avoided in pregnancy unless the physician considers it essential. Neuroleptics may occasionally prolong labour and at such a time should be withheld until the cervix is dilated 3 – 4 cm. Possible adverse effects on the neonate include lethargy or paradoxical hyperexcitability, tremor and low Apgar score.

Breast-feeding

Phenothiazines may be excreted in human milk. Breast-feeding should be discontinued during treatment with alimemazine tartrate.

4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Patients should be warned about drowsiness during the early days of treatment, and advised not to drive or operate machinery.

4.8. Undesirable effects

Gastrointestinal disorders:

• Constipation

• Dry mouth

Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders:

• Nasal congestion

• Respiratory depression is possible in susceptible patients.

Psychiatric disorders:

• Insomnia

• Agitation

Nervous system disorders:

• Extrapyramidal effects such as:

- Acute dystonias or dyskinesias, usually transitory, are commoner in children and young adults and usually occur within the first 4 days of treatment or after dosage increases.

- Akathisia characteristically occurs after large doses.

- Parkinsonism is commoner in adults and the elderly. It usually develops after weeks or months of treatment. One or more of the following may be seen: tremor, rigidity, akinesia or other features of Parkinsonism (commonly just tremor).

- Tardive dyskinesia: If this occurs it is usually, but not necessarily, after prolonged or high dosage. It can even occur after treatment has been stopped. Dosage should therefore be kept low whenever possible.

• Convulsions have been reported in some patients.

• Dizziness

• Headache

• Drowsiness

Hepatobillary disorders:

Jaundice, usually transient, occurs in a very small percentage of patients. A premonitory sign may be a sudden onset of fever after one to three weeks of treatment followed by the development of jaundice. Neuroleptic jaundice has the biochemical and other characteristics of obstructive jaundice and is associated with obstructions of the canaliculi by bile thrombi; the frequent presence of an accompanying eosinophilia indicates the allergic nature of this phenomenon. Treatment should be withheld on the development of jaundice.

Renal and urinary disorders:

• Retention of urine

Vascular disorders:

• Hypotension or pallor may occur in children.

• Elderly or volume depleted subjects are particularly susceptible to postural hypotension (see section 4.4).

Cardiac disorders:

Cardiac arrhythmias including atrial arrhythmia, atrio-ventricular (A-V) block, ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation have been reported during therapy, possibly related to dosage (see section 4.4). Pre-existing cardiac disease, old age, hypokalaemia and concurrent tricyclic antidepressants may predispose.

Investigations:

Electrocardiogram changes, usually benign, including:

• QT interval prolongation

• U-wave abnormality

• T-wave abnormality

• ST segment depression

Eye disorders:

• Accommodation disorders

Blood and lymphatic system disorders:

• Mild leukopenia occurs in up to 30% of patients on prolonged high dosage.

• Agranulocytosis may occur rarely; it is not dose related.

The occurrence of unexplained infections or fever requires immediate haematological investigation.

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders:

• Contact skin sensitisation is a serious but rare complication in those frequently handling preparations of phenothiazines: Care must be taken to avoid contact of the drug with the skin.

• Skin rashes of various kinds may also be seen in patients treated with the drug.

• Patients on high dosage may develop photosensitivity in sunny weather and should avoid exposure to direct sunlight (see section 4.4). Ocular changes and the development of a metallic greyish-mauve colouration of exposed skin have been noted in some individuals, mainly females, who have received chlorpromazine continuously for long periods (four to eight years).

Endocrine disorders:

• Hyperprolactinaemia which may result in galactorrhoea, gynaecomastia, amenorrhoea and impotence.

• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (hyperthermia, rigidity, autonomic dysfunction and altered consciousness) may occur (see section 4.9).

General disorders and administration site conditions:

Paradoxical excitement has been noted.

Reporting of suspected adverse reactions

Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

4.9. Overdose

Symptoms of phenothiazine overdose include drowsiness or loss of consciousness, hypotension, tachycardia, ECG changes, ventricular arrhythmias and hypothermia. Severe extra-pyramidal dyskinesias may occur.

If the patient is seen sufficiently soon (up to 6 hours) after ingestion of a toxic dose, gastric lavage may be attempted. Pharmacological induction of emesis is unlikely to be of any use. Activated charcoal should be given. There is no specific antidote. Treatment is supportive.

Generalised vasodilatation may result in circulatory collapse; raising the patient's legs may suffice, in severe cases, volume expansion by intravenous fluids may be needed; infusion fluids should be warmed before administration in order not to aggravate hypothermia.

Positive inotropic agents such as dopamine may be tried if fluid replacement is insufficient to correct the circulatory collapse. Peripheral vasoconstrictor agents are not generally recommended; avoid the use of adrenaline.Ventricular or supraventricular tachy-arrhythmias usually respond to restoration of normal body temperature and correction of circulatory or metabolic disturbances. If persistent or life-threatening, appropriate anti-arrhythmic therapy may be considered. Avoid lidocaine and, as far as possible, long acting anti-arrhythmic drugs.

Pronounced central nervous system depression requires airway maintenance or, in extreme circumstances, assisted respiration. Severe dystonic reactions, usually respond to procyclidine (5 – 10 mg) or orphenadrine (20 – 40 mg) administered intramuscularly or intravenously. Convulsions should be treated with intravenous diazepam.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) has been reported in the context of alimemazine overdose. Symptoms of NMS include a combination of hyperthermia, muscle rigidity, altered mental status and autonomic instability. Since this syndrome is potentially fatal, alimemazine must be discontinued immediately, and intensive clinical monitoring and symptomatic treatment must be initiated.

Strict adherence to the recommended dose is critical (see also section 4.2).

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome should be treated with cooling. Dantrolene sodium may be tried.

💬 Ask about this leaflet

Ask anything about Alimemazine Tartrate 7.5mg/5ml Syrup. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.

Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.

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