Promethazine alternatives: What can I take instead of promethazine?

In this article:

• What can I take instead of promethazine?
• Promethazine alternatives cost comparison
• Top 5 promethazine alternatives
• Over-the-counter alternatives
• Natural alternatives to promethazine
• How to switch to a promethazine alternative
• Choosing the right path for treatment

In this article

• What can I take instead of promethazine?
• Promethazine alternatives cost comparison
• Top 5 promethazine alternatives
• Over-the-counter alternatives
• Natural alternatives to promethazine
• How to switch to a promethazine alternative
• Choosing the right path for treatment

Promethazine—also known as its brand name Phenergan—is a generic prescription medicine approved by the Food and Drug Administration for several medical conditions. These include allergies, motion sickness, nausea and vomiting, sedation, and others. It belongs to a group of medicines called first-generation antihistamines that work by blocking certain neurotransmitters (chemicals) in the body. However, promethazine isn’t right for everyone. Serious side effects, contraindications, and drug interactions are some of the common reasons why someone may seek a promethazine alternative. 

What can I take instead of promethazine?

If you’re looking for alternatives to promethazine, your choices will depend on what condition you’re taking the medication for. For allergies, there are several alternative medications you can take, such as other types of antihistamine medications or corticosteroid nasal sprays. For motion sickness, promethazine alternatives can include anticholinergic medications and other antihistamines. For nausea and vomiting, alternatives to promethazine include antiemetic medications, other antihistamines, and certain over-the-counter (OTC) medications. Some of these medications may be more suitable for you as they all have their unique uses, dosages, side effect profiles, drug interactions, and warnings.

The following table shows some of the most common promethazine alternatives. 

Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of 11/18/25. The listed price without insurance references the price of brand-name drugs (unless otherwise specified). The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available.

Top 5 promethazine alternatives

The following are some of the most common alternatives to promethazine.

1. Hydroxyzine

Hydroxyzine is a promethazine alternative that can be used for allergies. Like promethazine, it is a generic prescription medication that has many uses, including itchiness due to allergies and sedation. Hydroxyzine isn’t available in as many dosage forms as promethazine, but it comes as an oral tablet, capsule, and oral syrup. Promethazine is available as a tablet, oral solution, oral syrup, suppository, and injection. Common side effects of both medications include drowsiness, confusion, and dizziness. 

2. Claritin (loratadine)

Claritin is a popular brand-name allergy medication. Unlike promethazine, Claritin is available OTC, and the recommended dose is 1 tablet once per day. In comparison, promethazine is typically prescribed multiple times per day when used for allergies. Promethazine also tends to cause more drowsiness than Claritin. 

3. Zofran (ondansetron)

Zofran is another prescription drug that can be used to treat nausea and vomiting after surgery. Commonly known as its generic name, ondansetron, Zofran comes as a tablet, orally disintegrating tablet, and oral solution. In terms of side effects, Zofran commonly causes headache, hypoxia (low oxygen), fever, and dizziness, while promethazine’s most common side effects are drowsiness, confusion, and disorientation. 

4. Scopolamine

Another prescription drug prescribed for motion sickness is scopolamine. The most common form of scopolamine is the transdermal patch, which should be applied at least four hours before anticipated motion sickness. A new patch should be applied once every three days. Because its dose schedule is not as frequent as promethazine’s, scopolamine may be a more convenient treatment option for motion sickness. However, both medications tend to cause drowsiness as a side effect. 

5. Dramamine

Dramamine is a brand-name drug used to prevent and treat symptoms of motion sickness, such as nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. In contrast to promethazine, Dramamine is available OTC and only needs to be taken once daily. The original version of Dramamine contains the active ingredient dimenhydrinate, which can cause drowsiness. However, another version of Dramamine that contains meclizine tends to cause less drowsiness. 

Over-the-counter alternatives

As discussed above, there are some OTC promethazine alternatives available. However, OTC options are only available for certain conditions, such as allergies and motion sickness. If you’re taking promethazine for preoperative sedation or postoperative nausea and vomiting, you’ll likely be prescribed a prescription drug. For conditions such as allergies and motion sickness, there are a wide range of OTC treatments, but each has its own unique uses, dosing schedule, risks, and drug interactions. For example, Allegra should not be used in children under 12 years of age, but Zyrtec may be used in children of certain ages. Before starting any new OTC medication, consult a healthcare provider for medical advice. 

Natural alternatives to promethazine

For those seeking natural alternatives to promethazine, options will depend on what you’re taking the medication for. For allergies, dietary supplements such as quercetin and butterbur have been shown to have anti-allergic properties. Supplements such as ginger and vitamin B6 have shown to help with nausea and motion sickness. Valerian root and chamomile are popular supplements people use as sleep aids. Nevertheless, dietary supplements are not regulated by the FDA as tightly drugs are, and they should only be used to help you improve or maintain your overall health. Therefore, it is a good idea to talk to a health care professional before taking a dietary supplement. 

How to switch to a promethazine alternative

If you’re considering a different medicine than promethazine, speak to your healthcare provider. Its prescribing information doesn’t note any withdrawal effects, meaning you can usually stop the medication suddenly, if needed. But, switching treatments should only be done with the approval of and guidance of a healthcare provider. That way, they can discuss the pros and cons of an alternative and help decide which is the best option and the best way to switch. Some promethazine alternatives can be costly; therefore, consulting a healthcare provider or pharmacist before switching can also help you understand the financial implications of using an alternative. 

Choosing the right path for treatment

Whether you have allergy symptoms, nausea and vomiting, motion sickness, or need help with sleep, promethazine is considered a safe and effective treatment. However, some people may not be good candidates for the use of promethazine—whether that is due to contraindications, side effects, or lack of efficacy. If you’re seeking a promethazine alternative, speak to a healthcare professional. Potential options include the following medicines: Claritin, Allegra, Zyrtec, Reglan, Zofran, and scopolamine. A healthcare professional can consider your health conditions, other medications, and financial situation to help you choose an alternative that is right for you.