Description:

Avomine Tablets (Promethazine Teoclate by Manx Healthcare) are an antihistamine medication primarily used for the prevention and treatment of nausea and vomiting, particularly motion sickness (travel sickness), postoperative nausea, vertigo, and nausea associated with Ménière’s disease. It works by blocking histamine H1 receptors in the brain (reducing vomiting signals) and has anticholinergic properties that help calm the inner ear and vestibular system. The teoclate salt provides a longer duration of action than standard promethazine. In Ghana (Accra), it is a common prescription/OTC medication available in pharmacies for motion sickness and nausea relief.

Prescription: Prescription-only in many regulated markets, but commonly sold over-the-counter (OTC) in Ghana for short-term use (e.g., travel sickness). Available freely in most pharmacies. Consult a doctor or pharmacist if nausea is severe, persistent, unexplained, or for use in children under 5 years, pregnant/breastfeeding women, or elderly patients.

Therapeutic Category:

Antiemetic / Antihistamine / Antivertigo Agent (Phenothiazine-derived H1-receptor antagonist with anticholinergic and antiemetic properties).

Active Ingredients/Composition: Each tablet contains:

• Active ingredient: Promethazine teoclate – 25 mg (equivalent to approximately 15.6 mg promethazine base + teoclate moiety for prolonged action). Other ingredients (excipients, typical): Lactose, maize starch, povidone, magnesium stearate, talc, hypromellose, titanium dioxide, macrogol, and colorants (tablets are usually white or off-white, round, film-coated or uncoated).

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None.

Variant:

• Avomine 25mg tablets (standard strength; common pack of 10 or 30 tablets). Related variants: Promethazine hydrochloride 10mg/25mg tablets (shorter-acting), promethazine syrup (for children), or promethazine injection (for severe nausea). The 25mg teoclate tablet is the main variant for motion sickness and antiemetic use.

Consume Type:

Oral – Tablet (swallow whole with water; can be taken with or without food).

Directions/Usage:

• Adults and children over 10 years (motion sickness prevention): 1 tablet (25 mg) the night before travel or 1–2 hours before journey; repeat if necessary after 8–12 hours (max 2 tablets in 24 hours).
• Treatment of nausea/vomiting: 1 tablet (25 mg) as needed, up to 3–4 times daily (max 100 mg/day).
• Vertigo / Ménière’s: 1 tablet (25 mg) at bedtime, increased to twice daily if required.
• Take with a full glass of water.
• For children 5–10 years: Half tablet (12.5 mg) as directed (consult doctor).
• Do not exceed recommended dose or use longer than 7 days without medical advice.

Common Side Effects: Common:

• Drowsiness / sedation (most frequent – do not drive or operate machinery).
• Dry mouth.
• Blurred vision.
• Dizziness.
• Constipation. Less common: Confusion (especially elderly), urinary retention, headache, restlessness. Rare/serious (seek help): Severe allergic reactions (rash, swelling, breathing difficulty), severe drowsiness, jaundice, blood disorders, or neuroleptic malignant syndrome (very rare).

Package Type:

Blister packs (commonly 10 tablets per pack; 1×10 or 3×10 foil blisters in carton with patient information leaflet and dosage instructions).

Storage Advice: Store at room temperature (below 25–30°C) in original packaging, protected from light and moisture. Keep tightly closed. Out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• Causes marked drowsiness – avoid driving, operating machinery, or alcohol (increases sedation).
• Contraindicated in hypersensitivity to promethazine or phenothiazines, coma, severe CNS depression, severe respiratory depression, or children under 2 years (risk of severe sedation/respiratory depression).
• Caution in elderly (increased sedation/confusion risk), glaucoma, prostate enlargement, epilepsy, liver/renal impairment, or concurrent use of CNS depressants.
• Not recommended in pregnancy (use only if benefits outweigh risks) or breastfeeding (may cause sedation in infant).
• If severe drowsiness, confusion, rash, difficulty breathing, or yellowing of skin/eyes occurs, stop use and seek medical care.
• Keep out of reach of children (overdose risk – can cause severe sedation or seizures).

Product Substitutes: Similar promethazine-based antiemetics in Ghana include:

• Generic promethazine hydrochloride 25mg tablets (various importers).
• Phenergan (original Sanofi brand if stocked).
• Avomine (Menarini – promethazine teoclate, same active ingredient). Alternatives: Cyclizine (Marzine), dimenhydrinate (Dramamine), meclizine (Bonamine), ondansetron (Zofran), or metoclopramide (for severe nausea). Consult pharmacist in Accra (e.g., Scab Pharmacy) for alternatives.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Manx Healthcare Ltd. (United Kingdom-based; primary manufacturer of Avomine promethazine teoclate tablets). Marketed/distributed in Ghana by local importers/pharmacies (widely stocked as imported product).

Country of Origin:

United Kingdom (manufactured by Manx Healthcare Ltd.; imported to Ghana and available in local pharmacies).