Citazine Suspension: Complete Medicine Guide
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- Difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, lips, or throat
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin, dark urine, or severe abdominal pain
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- High fever with severe muscle stiffness or confusion
- Severe drowsiness or difficulty waking up
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Seizures or loss of consciousness
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is citazine suspension used for?
This medicine is an oral suspension containing paracetamol 125 mg and promethazine 2.5 mg per 5 mL. It is used for short-term relief of fever, mild pain, and allergic symptoms such as runny nose and sneezing. It causes drowsiness, so avoid driving and alcohol. Do not exceed the prescribed dose because of the risk of liver injury from paracetamol.
- Generic Name: Paracetamol + Promethazine
- Manufacturer: Oyster Labs Ltd
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 citazine suspension के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा पैरासिटामोल और प्रोमेथाज़ीन का मिश्रण है, जो बुखार, हल्के से मध्यम दर्द, और एलर्जी के लक्षणों जैसे नाक बहना, छींक आना और खुजली में राहत देती है। पैरासिटामोल बुखार और दर्द को कम करता है, जबकि प्रोमेथाज़ीन एलर्जी के लक्षणों को कम करने के साथ-साथ नींद और आराम भी देता है। यह दवा उन मामलों में दी जाती है जब बुखार या दर्द के साथ एलर्जी के लक्षण भी हों। ध्यान रखें कि यह दवा नींद और सुस्ती बढ़ा सकती है, इसलिए इसे लेने के बाद वाहन न चलाएं और मशीनरी से दूर रहें। शराब का सेवन बिल्कुल न करें। बच्चों को यह दवा डॉक्टर की सलाह के बिना न दें।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा के सामान्य दुष्प्रभावों में नींद आना, चक्कर आना, मुँह सूखना, धुंधली दृष्टि और पेट में हल्की परेशानी शामिल हैं। कुछ लोगों में बेचैनी या बुरे सपने भी हो सकते हैं। दुर्लभ मामलों में गंभीर एलर्जी, खून की बीमारियाँ, या पैरासिटामोल की अधिक मात्रा से लीवर को नुकसान हो सकता है। अगर साँस लेने में कठिनाई, चेहरे या गले में सूजन, आँखों या त्वचा का पीला पड़ना, या असामान्य रक्तस्राव हो, तो तुरंत डॉक्टर से मिलें।
सुरक्षा सलाह: इस दवा का उपयोग केवल डॉक्टर की सलाह से करें। निर्धारित मात्रा से अधिक न लें, क्योंकि इसमें मौजूद पैरासिटामोल लीवर को नुकसान पहुँचा सकता है। इस दवा के साथ अन्य पैरासिटामोल युक्त दवाएँ न लें। प्रोमेथाज़ीन से नींद आती है, इसलिए वाहन चलाना या मशीन चलाना न करें। शराब का सेवन पूरी तरह बंद कर दें। बच्चों को डॉक्टर की सलाह के बिना यह दवा न दें। गर्भावस्था या स्तनपान के दौरान डॉक्टर से परामर्श करें। यदि लक्षण ठीक न हों या बिगड़ें, तो तुरंत डॉक्टर से मिलें।
💊 citazine suspension Uses & Benefits
[{"condition":"Fever with associated allergic symptoms","description":"This medicine can reduce fever through paracetamol while promethazine helps with sneezing, runny nose, and itching that often accompany viral illnesses or allergic reactions.","evidence":"Established for the individual ingredients; combination use is common in practice."},{"condition":"Mild to moderate pain with restlessness","description":"Paracetamol provides pain relief, and promethazine adds a calming effect that can be useful when pain is accompanied by agitation or difficulty sleeping.","evidence":"Established for paracetamol; promethazine use for sedation is well recognized."},{"condition":"Allergic rhinitis with mild pain","description":"Promethazine reduces allergic symptoms such as runny nose and sneezing, while paracetamol can ease headache or throat discomfort that may occur with allergic rhinitis.","evidence":"Established for promethazine in allergic conditions."},{"condition":"Nausea and vomiting with fever or pain","description":"Promethazine has antiemetic properties, and paracetamol treats fever or pain, so this combination may be used when these symptoms occur together.","evidence":"Established for promethazine as an antiemetic; combination use is symptom-based."}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Short-term sedation for minor procedures","description":"Some clinicians may use promethazine-containing products for sedation before minor procedures, but this is not a standard labeled use of this combination.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Motion sickness with headache","description":"Promethazine can help prevent motion sickness, and paracetamol may relieve an associated headache, but this is not a primary labeled use of this medicine.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Primary treatment for: Fever and allergic symptoms
Also treats: Allergic rhinitis, Mild to moderate pain, Nausea and vomiting, Urticaria
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Paracetamol + Promethazine |
| Brand Name | Adwin P |
| Manufacturer | Oyster Labs Ltd |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | RESPIRATORY |
| Action Class | Antipyretic + Antihistamine |
| Route of Administration | Oral |
| Storage | Store this medicine at room temperature, between 15°C and 30°C, in a dry place. Keep the bottle tightly closed and protect it from direct sunlight. Do not freeze the suspension. Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children. |
| Shelf Life | The shelf life is typically 24 months from the date of manufacture, but the exact expiry date is printed on the pack. Do not use the medicine after the expiry date. Once opened, follow the instructions on the label regarding how long the suspension can be used. |
| WHO Guideline | Not established from the available information. |
| ICMR Guideline | Not established from the available information. |
👨⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips
Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians
🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?
Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.
🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)
Pharmacokinetics
How It Works
This medicine works through two separate mechanisms. Paracetamol reduces fever and pain mainly by acting on the central nervous system; it inhibits prostaglandin synthesis in the brain and may also affect pain pathways involving serotonin and cannabinoid receptors. Promethazine is a first-generation antihistamine that blocks histamine H1 receptors, which reduces allergic symptoms such as runny nose, sneezing, and itching. Promethazine also blocks muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, alpha-adrenergic receptors, and serotonin receptors, which contributes to its sedative, antiemetic, and anticholinergic effects. The combination provides symptom relief rather than treating the root cause of the illness.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take citazine suspension
Strength: Each 5 mL of this oral suspension contains paracetamol 125 mg and promethazine 2.5 mg. This is an immediate-release liquid formulation.
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The dose of this medicine must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on the indication, age, weight, liver and kidney function, and the severity of symptoms. For adults, a common approach is to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest necessary duration, but the exact amount and frequency depend on the prescriber's judgment. Do not self-medicate or adjust the dose without medical advice. Because this product contains paracetamol, the total daily amount of paracetamol from all sources must not exceed the safe limit recommended by your doctor. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician. The dose depends on the child's age and weight, and promethazine-containing products are not recommended for very young children because of the risk of severe drowsiness and breathing problems. Only a qualified pediatrician should decide whether this medicine is suitable for a child and what dose to use. |
| Elderly Dosage | Older adults are more sensitive to the sedative and anticholinergic effects of promethazine, such as drowsiness, confusion, dry mouth, and difficulty passing urine. The dose may need to be reduced, and the medicine should be used with caution. A doctor should review all other medicines to avoid interactions and should monitor the person closely for falls, confusion, and excessive sedation. |
| Renal Impairment | People with kidney disease may clear the medicine more slowly, which can increase the risk of side effects. The dose may need to be adjusted by a doctor based on kidney function. This medicine should be used with caution in people with severe kidney impairment, and medical advice should be sought before use. |
| Hepatic Impairment | People with liver disease are at higher risk of paracetamol-related liver injury. This medicine should be used only under medical supervision in people with mild to moderate liver disease, and it is contraindicated in severe liver disease. The dose may need to be reduced, and liver function should be monitored. Avoid alcohol completely. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | The maximum daily dose must be determined by a qualified clinician. For the paracetamol component, the total daily amount from all sources should not exceed the safe limit recommended for the individual, which is usually not more than 4 grams per day for adults with normal liver function, and often less for people with liver disease, low body weight, or those taking alcohol. The promethazine component also has a maximum daily limit that depends on age and condition. Do not exceed the dose prescribed by your doctor. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of citazine suspension
✅ Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
⚠️ Rare Side Effects
Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
🔬 Drug Interactions
| Drug | Severity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Warfarin | Moderate | |
| Alcohol | Major | |
| Opioid painkillers | Major | |
| Benzodiazepines | Major | |
| MAOIs | Major | |
| Tricyclic antidepressants | Moderate | |
| Carbamazepine | Moderate | |
| Phenytoin | Moderate | |
| Rifampicin | Moderate | |
| Antihypertensives | Moderate |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Other paracetamol-containing products
- Alcohol
- Central nervous system depressants (opioids, benzodiazepines, sleep aids)
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- Anticholinergic drugs (e.g., atropine, tricyclic antidepressants)
- Warfarin
- Carbamazepine, phenytoin, rifampicin
- Antihypertensive drugs
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Alcohol must be avoided completely while taking this medicine. Alcohol increases the sedative effect of promethazine, leading to excessive drowsiness, impaired coordination, and difficulty breathing. Alcohol also increases the risk of paracetamol-related liver damage, especially with regular or high-dose use. If you have consumed alcohol, do not take this medicine without first speaking to a doctor.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Known allergy or hypersensitivity to paracetamol, promethazine, or any other ingredient in this medicine","Severe liver disease or active liver failure","Children below the age recommended by the prescribing doctor for promethazine-containing products","Use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) within the last 14 days","Severe central nervous system depression or coma","Certain blood disorders such as bone marrow suppression"]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["This medicine can cause significant drowsiness. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how it affects you.","Avoid alcohol and other sedating medicines while taking this product.","Do not exceed the recommended dose because the paracetamol component can cause serious liver damage.","Check other medicines for paracetamol content to avoid accidental overdose.","Use with caution in people with asthma, glaucoma, enlarged prostate, or difficulty passing urine.","Use with caution in older adults because they are more sensitive to sedation and anticholinergic effects.","Do not use for longer than a few days without medical advice, especially in children.","Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
Paracetamol is considered safe during breastfeeding when used at recommended doses. Promethazine passes into breast milk and may cause drowsiness or poor feeding in the infant. Because of this, this combination should be used during breastfeeding only if a doctor decides it is necessary, and the infant should be monitored for excessive sleepiness.
💊 Overdose Management
Overdose of this medicine can be dangerous because of the paracetamol component, which can cause severe liver damage. Symptoms of paracetamol overdose may not appear immediately and can include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and later yellowing of the skin or eyes. Promethazine overdose can cause severe drowsiness, confusion, fast heartbeat, and breathing difficulty. If you suspect an overdose, seek emergency medical help immediately, even if you feel well. Do not wait for symptoms to appear. Treatment with activated charcoal or an antidote such as N-acetylcysteine may be needed, and it is most effective when given early.
⏰ Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as you remember, provided it is not almost time for the next dose. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one, because this can increase the risk of side effects, especially liver injury from paracetamol.
Additional Safety Advice
Use this medicine only as directed by a qualified doctor. Do not exceed the recommended dose, because the paracetamol in this medicine can harm the liver if too much is taken. Avoid other products that also contain paracetamol while using this medicine. Because promethazine causes drowsiness, do not drive, cycle, or operate heavy machinery after taking it. Avoid alcohol completely, as it increases sedation and the risk of liver problems. Keep the bottle tightly closed and out of reach of children. If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor before using this medicine. Do not use this medicine for more than a few days without medical advice, especially in children. If symptoms do not improve or become worse, stop and seek medical help.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Older adults are more sensitive to the sedative and anticholinergic effects of promethazine, which can cause confusion, falls, urinary retention, and constipation. The dose may need to be reduced, and the medicine should be used with caution. A doctor should review all other medicines to avoid interactions. Monitor for excessive drowsiness and difficulty passing urine.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
If you are planning pregnancy, talk to your doctor before using this medicine. Paracetamol is generally considered the preferred pain and fever reliever during pregnancy when used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest time. Promethazine should be used only when clearly needed and under medical supervision. Do not start or stop any medicine without consulting your doctor.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
After surgery, this medicine may be used for pain and fever, but it should be prescribed by your surgeon or doctor. Promethazine can add to the sedative effects of anesthesia and pain medicines, so it should be used with caution. Inform your surgical team about all medicines you are taking. Do not use this medicine to self-treat post-surgical pain without medical advice.
🦷 Dental Procedures
If you are scheduled for a dental procedure, inform your dentist that you are taking this medicine. Promethazine can cause drowsiness and dry mouth, which may affect your comfort during dental work. Paracetamol may interact with other pain medicines used after dental procedures. Your dentist may adjust your dose or recommend an alternative.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
This medicine can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and blurred vision, which can affect your coordination and balance. Avoid strenuous exercise, swimming, cycling, or any activity that requires full alertness until you know how the medicine affects you. If you feel dizzy or sleepy, sit down and rest. Do not push yourself to exercise if you feel unwell.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This medicine commonly causes drowsiness and may slow your reaction time. You should not drive, operate machinery, or perform tasks that require full alertness until you know how it affects you. It may also cause dry mouth and blurred vision, which can affect reading or computer work. If your job requires alertness, discuss with your doctor about timing the dose or alternative options. Avoid making important decisions or signing documents if you feel drowsy or confused.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor if your symptoms do not improve within a few days, if they get worse, or if you develop any serious side effects such as yellowing of the eyes or skin, unusual bleeding, severe drowsiness, or difficulty breathing. Do not stop a prescribed medicine suddenly without talking to your doctor, especially if you have been taking it regularly. Your doctor will advise you on whether to stop, reduce, or change the medicine.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term use of this medicine is not recommended without regular medical supervision. Prolonged use of paracetamol can increase the risk of liver and kidney problems, especially if the dose is higher than recommended or if alcohol is consumed. Long-term use of promethazine can lead to tolerance, dependence, and persistent drowsiness, as well as movement disorders in some people. Regular monitoring of liver and kidney function may be needed if the medicine is used for more than a few days. Always review with your doctor if you need to use it for a longer period.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
If only fever or pain is present without allergic symptoms, paracetamol alone may be sufficient and avoids the sedative effects of promethazine.
Evidence: Well-establishedFor allergic symptoms without the need for sedation, non-sedating antihistamines such as loratadine or cetirizine may be preferred.
Evidence: Well-establishedFor nasal congestion and runny nose, saline rinses can help relieve symptoms without medicine.
Evidence: Well-establishedAdequate rest and fluids support recovery from viral illnesses and fever.
Evidence: Well-established💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
This medicine does not interact with vaccines, but if you have a fever, your doctor may advise delaying vaccination until you recover. Do not use this medicine to suppress a fever just to get vaccinated without medical advice. Always inform the vaccination provider about all medicines you are taking.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store at room temperature between 15°C and 30°C
❌ DON'T
Do not refrigerate or freeze the suspension
✅ DO
Keep the bottle tightly closed in its original carton
❌ DON'T
Do not transfer the medicine to another container
✅ DO
Keep away from direct sunlight and heat
❌ DON'T
Do not store in the bathroom or near the stove
✅ DO
Keep out of the reach and sight of children
❌ DON'T
Do not leave the measuring device inside the bottle
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
When traveling with this medicine, carry it in its original packaging with the prescription label clearly visible. Bring a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor, especially for international travel, as some countries have strict rules about medicines containing promethazine. Store the bottle in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and do not leave it in a hot car. If you are crossing time zones, continue with your regular dosing schedule as advised by your doctor, but do not take extra doses to make up for time changes. Check the customs regulations of your destination before you travel.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: Paracetamol usually starts reducing fever and pain within 30 to 60 minutes. Promethazine begins to cause drowsiness and relieve allergic symptoms within 20 to 60 minutes, but its full effect may take 1 to 3 hours.
A: You should not take other paracetamol-containing medicines with this product because it can lead to an overdose and liver damage. Always check the labels of other medicines and ask your doctor or pharmacist before combining them.
A: This medicine should be given to children only when prescribed by a doctor. Promethazine-containing products are not recommended for very young children because of the risk of severe drowsiness and breathing problems. The dose depends on the child's age and weight.
A: No, you must avoid alcohol completely while taking this medicine. Alcohol increases drowsiness and the risk of liver damage from paracetamol.
A: If you remember within a short time, take the missed dose. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🔄 Substitutes for citazine suspension
View AllAlternative brands with exact same active ingredient:
-
synergan syrupBrussels Laboratories Pvt Ltd ₹15.00 39.6% CHEAPER
-
phenargan plus oral suspensionAbbott ₹16.17 34.9% CHEAPER
-
febrinil p 125 mg/2.5 mg syrupManeesh Pharmaceuticals Ltd ₹16.48 33.7% CHEAPER
-
molzin tabletIntel Pharmaceuticals ₹18.75 24.5% CHEAPER
-
elmith oral suspensionElcliff Formulations Pvt Ltd ₹25.78 3.8% COSTLIER
Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: This medicine is completely safe because it is a common combination.
Fact: It contains paracetamol, which can cause serious liver damage if too much is taken, and promethazine, which can cause severe drowsiness. It must be used exactly as directed. - Myth: You can take this medicine with any other cold or pain medicine.
Fact: Many cold and pain medicines also contain paracetamol. Taking them together can lead to an accidental overdose and liver injury. - Myth: This medicine can be given to children of any age.
Fact: Promethazine-containing products are not recommended for very young children because of the risk of severe drowsiness and breathing problems. Always consult a pediatrician. - Myth: It is safe to drive after taking this medicine.
Fact: This medicine commonly causes drowsiness and blurred vision. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how it affects you.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Paracetamol and promethazine oral suspension (generic)
Brand Alternatives
- Phenergan with paracetamol
- Promethazine with paracetamol suspension