Yes. Phenergan is a brand name for promethazine. The active ingredient in Phenergan is promethazine hydrochloride, so when you see "Phenergan" and "promethazine" used in relation to the same product, they refer to the same active medicine.
For adults in the UK, knowing the difference between a brand name and a generic name can make it easier to understand what you are buying or taking. It can also help when comparing different medicines and checking the active ingredient.
This page explains the difference in plain English, including what the names mean, who markets Phenergan in the UK, why medicines can have both brand and generic names, and what is currently available through EverydayMeds.
It is similar to other medicines where a familiar brand name is used alongside a generic name. For example, Panadol contains paracetamol, while Nurofen contains ibuprofen. The important point is to check the active ingredient and the specific product rather than relying on the brand name alone.
Key things to know
- Phenergan is a brand name for a medicine containing promethazine hydrochloride
- Phenergan 25mg tablets are marketed in the UK by Opella Healthcare UK Limited, trading as Sanofi
- "Promethazine (Phenergan)" means the generic name is being shown alongside the brand name
- Using both names together is common when medicines are described in prescriptions, leaflets and health information
Phenergan vs Promethazine: The Direct Answer
They refer to the same active medicine when Phenergan is being used to describe a promethazine product. Phenergan is the brand name, while promethazine is the generic name of the active ingredient. The Phenergan 25mg tablets contain 25mg of promethazine hydrochloride.
So, if you are asking whether Phenergan "is" promethazine, the answer is yes. If you are comparing "promethazine vs Phenergan", you are usually comparing a generic name with a brand name rather than two different active medicines.
It is easy to see why this can be confusing. Medicines can have a familiar brand name on the front of the packet while the generic name appears in the patient information leaflet or prescribing information. Checking the active ingredient is a simple way to understand what the medicine contains.
What Does "Generic Promethazine Hydrochloride" Actually Mean?
A generic medicine uses the same active ingredient as the relevant branded medicine. Generic medicines must meet UK regulatory requirements for quality, safety and effectiveness, and approved generic products are expected to provide the same therapeutic effect as the branded medicine when used as directed.
The active ingredient in Phenergan is promethazine hydrochloride. Other ingredients, such as colours, preservatives or tablet ingredients, can differ between products. This means that two products containing the same active ingredient do not necessarily look or taste exactly the same.
The generic name is useful because it identifies the active medicine rather than the company or brand selling it. This is why healthcare professionals often use generic names when prescribing medicines.
Who Makes Phenergan?
The current UK marketing authorisation holder for Phenergan 25mg tablets is Opella Healthcare UK Limited, trading as Sanofi. The same company is listed for Phenergan Elixir.
A marketing authorisation holder is the company responsible for the medicine's marketing authorisation in the UK. This is different from saying that the company necessarily manufactures the medicine at the same site.
For Phenergan 25mg tablets, the current UK product information lists Opella Healthcare UK Limited, trading as Sanofi, as the marketing authorisation holder.
Is Phenergan an Antihistamine for Allergy Symptoms?
Yes. Promethazine is a sedating, first generation antihistamine. It is used to relieve allergy symptoms such as hay fever and hives. It is also used for nausea, vomiting and motion sickness.
Promethazine works by blocking the effects of histamine, a chemical involved in allergic reactions. It also acts on parts of the brain involved in nausea, which helps explain why it can be used for motion sickness and feeling sick.
Because promethazine enters the brain, it can make you feel sleepy. Other possible effects include dizziness, blurred vision and reduced coordination or alertness. If promethazine makes you sleepy, dizzy or unable to concentrate properly, you should not drive or cycle.
Promethazine can also be used for short term sleep problems in some circumstances, but it should not be treated as a general solution for ongoing insomnia. If sleep problems continue, it is worth speaking to a GP or pharmacist about the underlying cause and suitable treatment.
Promethazine Brands: Is Phenergan the Only One?
Phenergan is a well known UK brand of promethazine. However, products containing promethazine can have different names or may contain promethazine alongside other active ingredients. The NHS also notes that promethazine is sometimes combined with medicines such as paracetamol or dextromethorphan in some products.
If you are looking for a promethazine product, check the active ingredients on the packaging rather than relying only on the brand name. This is especially important if you are already taking another medicine, because some products may contain the same active ingredient or other medicines that can interact with promethazine.
Brand names can also vary between countries, so the same active ingredient may be sold under a different name elsewhere.
What's Genuinely Available Through EverydayMeds: Phenergan Tablets
We currently stock branded Phenergan, including the 25mg tablets and the 5mg/5ml elixir. Both contain promethazine hydrochloride as the active ingredient. Phenergan is used for conditions including allergies, and promethazine is also used for nausea, vomiting and motion sickness.
We want to be clear about something that may have been confusing on this page before. Previous wording suggested a choice between branded Phenergan and a separately stocked, cheaper generic promethazine product, including a suggested saving of 30% to 50%. We have not confirmed that we currently stock a separate generic labelled promethazine product alongside Phenergan, so we are not presenting that comparison as though it reflects our current range.
If a separate generic promethazine product becomes available through us, we can describe and price it separately at that point. For now, the products listed here are branded Phenergan products containing promethazine hydrochloride.
You can view the current Phenergan 25mg tablets and the elixir directly.
Genuine Pricing
| Product | Price |
|---|---|
| Phenergan 25mg, 56 tablets | £14.99 |
| Phenergan Elixir 5mg/5ml, 100ml | £14.49 |
Both products contain promethazine hydrochloride, but they are different formulations. The tablets contain 25mg per tablet, while the elixir contains 5mg in each 5ml. The choice between a tablet and liquid can depend on the product instructions and what is suitable for the person taking it.
Why Brand and Generic Names Can Both Appear
You may see both names written together, such as "promethazine (Phenergan)" or "Phenergan (promethazine hydrochloride)". This does not mean that two different medicines are being listed. It is a way of showing the generic name alongside the recognised brand name.
Healthcare professionals often use generic names because they describe the active ingredient. Patients may be more familiar with a brand name because that is what appears on the packet. Seeing both names together can therefore make it easier to identify the medicine.
If you are unsure whether two products contain the same medicine, check the active ingredient, strength and dosage instructions rather than assuming that similar brand names mean the products are identical.
Medical Disclaimer
This page provides general information about the relationship between Phenergan and promethazine. It is not a substitute for personalised medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are unsure whether promethazine is suitable for you, or you are taking other medicines, speak to a pharmacist or GP before using it.
