Pediatrics : Nausea & Vomiting

Orally administered anti-emetics can be difficult for a nauseated child to "keep down", and rectal suppositories may not be well accepted by children. Even persistent nausea can often be effectively controlled by using a combination of medications tailored to meet an individual's specific needs. Dosage forms include transdermal gels, suppositories, lollipops, and more.

Promethazine is commonly compounded for topical or transdermal application to treat nausea, vomiting, and vertigo, but this preparation may be used as an antiemetic for cases ranging from chemotherapy to motion sickness. The dose is typically 25mg for adults, and the dose is decreased for children. The gel is applied to an area of soft skin, such as the inside of the wrist or arm, the side of the torso, or the inside of the thigh. For children, doses are often applied to the inside of one wrist, and then the wrists are rubbed together. US Pharmacist, August 1999; 74-5