If you or someone you care about is using promethazine, it’s natural to ask, “how long does Promethazine stay in your system?” Maybe you’re concerned about an upcoming drug test, or perhaps you’re worried about the risks of mixing it with other substances. Whatever your reason for being here, please know that looking for answers is a sign of strength. It’s the first step toward understanding and making informed choices for your health and well-being, especially regarding issues like codeine abuse . We’re here to walk through this with you, providing clear, straightforward information without judgment.
How long does Promethazine stay in your system?
The amount of time promethazine stays in your system depends on its half-life, which is the time it takes for half of the drug to be eliminated from your body. The half-life of promethazine is between 10 to 19 hours. However, it can still be detected by a drug test for much longer. Factors like your age, metabolism, body weight, and how much you’ve taken all influence how long it remains detectable. For instance, someone who uses it frequently will likely have a longer detection window than someone who took a single dose. It’s also worth noting that promethazine can sometimes cause a false positive for amphetamines on a urine test. If you are facing a screening, it’s helpful to understand the nuances of how to pass a drug test safely and honestly.
| Test type | Detection window |
|---|---|
| Urine Test | 2 to 4 days |
| Blood Test | Up to 24 hours |
| Saliva Test | 1 to 2 days |
| Hair Test | Up to 90 days |
What is Promethazine?
Promethazine is a prescription medication that’s best known as an antihistamine. Doctors often prescribe it to treat allergy symptoms, motion sickness, and nausea or vomiting. It works by blocking histamine, a substance your body releases during an allergic reaction. Beyond its primary use, promethazine also has strong sedative effects, which is why it can cause significant drowsiness. While it can be an effective medication when used correctly, it’s important to be aware of its powerful impact on the central nervous system. On its own, promethazine is not a controlled substance, but when it’s combined with codeine in cough syrups, the mixture becomes a Schedule V controlled substance due to the codeine content.
The dangers of Promethazine and codeine combination: lean (purple drank)
One of the biggest risks associated with promethazine comes from its misuse, especially when combined with codeine. This mixture is known on the street as “lean” or “purple drank” and typically involves mixing prescription-strength cough syrup with soda and hard candy. The danger lies in the combined effects of the two drugs.
Codeine is an opioid that slows down your central nervous system, including your breathing. Promethazine is also a depressant. When you take them together, this effect is amplified, leading to a high risk of severe respiratory depression, where breathing becomes dangerously slow or stops altogether. According to the FDA, combinations containing codeine carry serious risks, including slowed or difficult breathing and death. This risk of codeine overdose is life-threatening and increases when other substances, such as alcohol, are involved. Understanding the dangers of mixing codeine and alcohol or other depressants is crucial for staying safe.
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Is Promethazine addictive?
On its own, promethazine is not generally considered highly addictive in the way opioids are. However, it can lead to psychological dependence, where a person feels they need the drug to cope or relax. The real danger of addiction emerges when promethazine is combined with codeine.
Codeine addiction provides a euphoric high that can be very reinforcing, leading to a substance use disorder. The promethazine enhances these feelings of sedation and detachment. Signs of addiction symptoms can include intense cravings, losing control over use, and continuing to use despite negative consequences in your life. It’s important to recognize the difference between physical dependence and the patterns of psychological addiction that can take hold and disrupt your life.
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What you should remember about how long Promethazine stays in your system
If you or a loved one is struggling with promethazine and codeine use, please know that you’re not alone and compassionate help is available. At Red Ribbon Recovery Indiana, we offer access to a supportive environment where you can begin your recovery journey. We believe in building a foundation for lasting recovery through evidence-based treatment and genuine human connection.
Taking that first step can feel overwhelming, but it’s a courageous move toward a healthier future. Understanding how long Promethazine stays in your system is an important part of the process. If you’re ready to talk about treatment or just need someone to listen, we are here for you. You can call us at (317) 707-9848 to speak with a caring professional. At Red Ribbon Recovery Indiana, we’re committed to helping you find your path forward. If you have questions or wish to learn more, please don’t hesitate to contact us today.
We are here to help you or a loved one find addiction treatment near you.
Admitting you have a substance abuse problem and asking for help is not always easy. If you or a loved one are struggling with drug addiction, alcohol addiction or another substance use disorder, help is available. Call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at (317) 707-9848 to learn about resources in your area or reach out to our team for personalized treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Detox
Will Promethazine show up in a drug test?
Yes, promethazine can be detected by a drug test. While it’s not a substance that standard screenings typically look for, specialized tests are able to identify its presence in your system. It’s also important to be aware that promethazine can sometimes cause a false positive for amphetamines on a urine test.
If you’re taking promethazine as prescribed by your doctor, it’s a good idea to disclose this information before any screening to prevent confusion.
What should I do if I have side effects from Promethazine?
If you experience side effects from promethazine, you should contact your doctor or pharmacist. Common symptoms like drowsiness, dizziness, or dry mouth are often manageable. However, if you experience more serious issues such as severe confusion, difficulty breathing, or a very fast or irregular heartbeat, you should seek medical attention right away.
Your doctor can help you manage these effects, which might involve adjusting your dose or exploring a different medication.
Is Promethazine a controlled substance?
On its own, promethazine is not a federally controlled substance; it is a prescription antihistamine. The situation changes when it is mixed with codeine, an opioid, which is common in prescription cough syrups.
Because of the codeine’s potential for misuse and addiction, any medication containing both promethazine and codeine is classified as a Schedule V controlled substance. This is why these combination products are regulated much more strictly.
How long does Promethazine withdrawal take?
The timeline for promethazine withdrawal varies from person to person. Generally, withdrawal symptoms can start within 24 to 48 hours after the last dose and may last for several days up to a week. The duration and intensity often depend on factors like the dosage used, frequency of use, and an individual’s metabolism.
If promethazine was used with codeine, the withdrawal experience can be more difficult and may include symptoms related to opioid withdrawal.
How long does codeine stay in the body?
Yes, codeine will typically show up on a drug test. As an opioid, it is one of the substances that standard drug screenings, like a 5-panel test, are designed to detect. Depending on the type of test, codeine can be found in urine for about 2 to 3 days, in blood for up to 24 hours, and in hair follicles for up to 90 days.
Can someone become addicted to codeine?
Yes, a person can definitely develop an addiction to codeine. It is an opioid, and like other opioids, it can produce feelings of euphoria and pleasure that may lead to compulsive use. Over time, the body can build a tolerance, which can contribute to opioid addiction meaning more of the drug is needed to achieve the same effects. This can lead to physical dependence and a substance use disorder, which is a serious health condition that often requires professional treatment.
Can codeine abuse change how long promethazine stays in your system?
Codeine abuse can affect liver function, which may slightly impact how long promethazine stays in your system. Most people clear promethazine within 2–4 days, but heavy opioid use or liver strain can slow the process. If someone is dealing with codeine addiction, timing and clearance can vary more than usual.
Reviews
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About the content
Written by: Carli Simmonds. Carli Simmonds holds a Master of Arts in Community Health Psychology from Northeastern University. From a young age, she witnessed the challenges her community faced with substance abuse, addiction, and mental health challenges, inspiring her dedication to the field.
Medical reviewed by: Jodi Tarantino, LICSW. Jodi Tarantino is an experienced, licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) and Program Director with over 20 years of experience in Behavioral Healthcare. Also reviewed by the RRR Editorial team.
Red Ribbon Recovery is committed to delivering transparent, up-to-date, and medically accurate information. All content is carefully written and reviewed by experienced professionals to ensure clarity and reliability. During the editorial and medical review process, our team fact-checks information using reputable sources. Our goal is to create content that is informative, easy to understand and helpful to our visitors.
