About Contact My Account

Sominex tablets

from£6.99

Sominex is an over-the-counter sleep aid designed to help individuals who have difficulty falling asleep. The primary active ingredient in Sominex is usually diphenhydramine hydrochloride or promethazine hydrochloride, depending on the formulation. These ingredients are antihistamines that also have sedative properties, making it easier for users to fall asleep. Sominex is commonly used to treat short-term sleeping problems, particularly when they are causing significant distress or are affecting daily life. It is intended for occasional rather than continuous use, and users are advised to consult with a healthcare provider if sleep issues persist.

TREATS:

Sleep

FORMAT:

Tablet

Availability:

In stock

Begin Consultation

Watch

Sleep

Watch

Sominex tablets
SKU: SOMNX Category: Tags: ,

Additional information

Quantity

1 x 8 tablets

MOJO WISDOM

Take control of your health by understanding your condition and what this medication is doing for you.

READ:

More information about this treatment.

No video link provided.

No video link provided.

Want to lose weight but are scared of needles? Try the compounded needle free semaglutide buccal film.

Start consultation
Compounded needle free semaglutide. Medicalmojo.co.uk

UK-based doctors and pharmacists

Free, expert advice

Discrete and confidential

Fast delivery

Looking for weight loss, ED or hair loss treatment without needles or tablets?

Try our soluble oral patches. Faster than tablets, non of the pain of needles.
Discover our range

Overview

Active ingredients

What is it for?

How does it work?

How do you use it?

Warnings and precautions

Side effects

Drug interactions

FAQs

Download patent leaflet

Written By
Shazlee Ahsan
BSc Pharmacy, Independent Prescriber, PgDip Endocrinology, MSc Endocrinology, PgDip Infectious Diseases

Independent prescriber, Superintendent pharmacist.


Checked By
Dr Sarah Thornton
MbChB, Coaching Academy diploma with distinction

Medical coaching


What is Sominex?

Sominex is an over-the-counter sleep aid that contains 20mg of promethazine as its active ingredient. Promethazine is an antihistamine known for its sedative properties, making it effective for treating short-term sleep disturbances. This medication helps users fall asleep more quickly and is intended for occasional use, especially when sleep difficulties are disruptive to daily life. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before using Sominex, particularly if you have existing health conditions or are on other medications.

What is the active ingredient in Sominex?

The active ingredient in each tablet is promethazine 20mg.

What is Sominex used for?

Sominex tablets feature promethazine hydrochloride, an antihistamine that produces a sedative effect. This medication is utilized as a nighttime sleep aid to address temporary disruptions in sleep patterns, such as difficulties in falling or staying asleep, often resulting from changes in one's usual routine.

How does Sominex work?

Sominex works by utilizing promethazine hydrochloride, an antihistamine that has sedative properties. Promethazine blocks the action of histamine, a natural substance in the body that can cause wakefulness and alertness. By inhibiting histamine's effects, Sominex helps to reduce brain activity, making it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep. This makes Sominex effective for short-term relief of sleep disturbances, helping to restore a more regular sleep pattern.

How do you take Sominex?

The recommended dosage of Sominex is one tablet per day, taken just before bedtime. Do not use this medication for more than seven consecutive days. If your sleep does not improve after seven days, discontinue use and consult your GP or pharmacist.

Who should not take Sominex?

Do not use this medication if you have:

  • An allergy to any of the ingredients listed in the patient information leaflet.
  • An allergy to phenothiazine drugs (used for treating mental illness, severe nausea/vomiting, or vertigo, such as chlorpromazine or pericyazine).
  • A recent history of concussion, light-headedness, drowsiness, dizziness, or a head injury.
  • Taken MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) for depression within the last two weeks.
  • This medicine is intended for short-term sleep problems and should not be used for more than 7 days without consulting a doctor.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Sominex.

What are the side effects of Sominex?

Like all medications, Sominex can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them. Elderly individuals may be more prone to side effects or confusion when using this medicine. Important Side Effects: If you experience any of the following side effects, stop taking this medication immediately and consult a doctor as soon as possible:
  • Allergic reactions, including difficulty breathing, swelling of the mouth or skin, vomiting, or stomach pain.
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).
  • Palpitations or abnormal heart rhythms.
  • Low blood pressure, which may cause dizziness and lightheadedness.
  • Blurred or reduced vision, or eye pain.
  • Anemia, which may present as fatigue and lack of energy.
  • A reduction in white blood cells and platelets, leading to mouth and throat ulcers, high fever, and easy bruising.
  • Convulsions.
Other Possible Side Effects: If you experience these or any other side effects not listed, stop using the medication and consult your doctor or pharmacist for advice:
  • Drowsiness.
  • Dizziness or headaches.
  • Clumsiness or disorientation.
  • Shaking or trembling.
  • Stomach upset or dry mouth.
  • Difficulty urinating.
  • Restlessness or excitement.
  • Sensitivity to sunlight.
  • Trouble sleeping.
  • Ringing in the ears.
  • Nasal congestion or stuffiness.

Does Sominex interact with other medicines?

Do not use Sominex if you have taken MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) for depression within the last two weeks, as this can lead to serious drug interactions. Additionally, Sominex is intended for short-term relief of sleep problems and should not be used for more than 7 days without consulting a doctor.

Other Drug Interactions:

  • CNS Depressants: Combining Sominex with other central nervous system depressants, such as alcohol, sedatives, or tranquilizers, can increase drowsiness and impair cognitive and motor functions.
  • Anticholinergic Drugs: Using Sominex alongside anticholinergic medications (e.g., those for asthma, COPD, or irritable bowel syndrome) may enhance side effects like dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, and urinary retention.
  • Blood Pressure Medications: Sominex may interact with antihypertensive drugs, potentially leading to excessively low blood pressure, causing dizziness or fainting.
  • Other Antihistamines: Taking additional antihistamines with Sominex can increase the risk of side effects such as drowsiness, dry mouth, and blurred vision.
  • Antidepressants: Besides MAOIs, other antidepressants, such as tricyclics (e.g., amitriptyline), may interact with Sominex, increasing the risk of side effects like drowsiness and confusion.

It's essential to inform your doctor or pharmacist about all the medications you are currently taking to avoid potential interactions and ensure the safe use of Sominex.

Sominex FAQs

What is Sominex?

Sominex is an over-the-counter sleep aid that contains promethazine hydrochloride, an antihistamine with sedative properties, used to help individuals who have difficulty falling or staying asleep.

How does Sominex work?

Sominex works by blocking histamine receptors in the brain, reducing brain activity, and inducing drowsiness, making it easier to fall asleep and maintain sleep.

Who should not take Sominex?

Sominex should not be taken by individuals who are allergic to promethazine or any of its ingredients, have taken MAOIs for depression in the past two weeks, or have certain health conditions such as glaucoma, respiratory problems, or a history of severe dizziness or head injury.

Can Sominex be taken with other medications?

Caution should be exercised when taking Sominex with other medications, especially CNS depressants, antihistamines, antidepressants, and anticholinergic drugs, as it can increase the risk of side effects or interactions. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before combining Sominex with other medications.

How long can I use Sominex?

Sominex is intended for short-term use only, typically not exceeding seven consecutive days. If your sleep problems persist beyond this period, you should consult a doctor for further evaluation and guidance.

What are the possible side effects of Sominex?

Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, and headaches. Serious side effects, though less common, include allergic reactions, jaundice, abnormal heart rhythms, and low blood pressure. If you experience severe side effects, stop taking Sominex and seek medical attention immediately.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Sominex?

No, you should avoid alcohol while taking Sominex, as it can increase the sedative effects of the medication, leading to excessive drowsiness, impaired coordination, and other side effects.

Is Sominex safe for elderly people?

Elderly individuals may be more susceptible to the side effects of Sominex, such as confusion, dizziness, and drowsiness. It is important for older adults to consult a healthcare provider before using Sominex.

How should Sominex be taken?

Sominex should be taken as directed, typically one tablet just before bedtime. It should be swallowed with water and not taken for more than seven consecutive nights without consulting a doctor.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Sominex?

Since Sominex is taken as needed for sleep, there is no need to take a missed dose. Simply take the next dose at your regular bedtime. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one.

Download patient leaflet

Checked By
Dr Sarah Thornton
MbChB, Coaching Academy diploma with distinction

Medical coaching


Written By
Shazlee Ahsan
BSc Pharmacy, Independent Prescriber, PgDip Endocrinology, MSc Endocrinology, PgDip Infectious Diseases

Independent prescriber, Superintendent pharmacist.


You could also try

Get wellness coaching to reduce your need for medication

The team includes experienced medical doctors and a certified coach.

Weight loss, fitness and more

Wellness and treatment plans

Free resources

Learn more about coaching

{"5324":5324,"5316":5316,"5308":5308,"5300":5300,"5247":5247,"5236":5236,"5221":5221,"5212":5212,"5202":5202,"5192":5192,"5173":5173,"5164":5164,"5154":5154,"5027":5027,"4989":4989,"4918":4918,"3702":3702,"3667":3667,"3661":3661,"3657":3657,"3651":3651,"3646":3646,"3644":3644,"3640":3640,"3636":3636,"3632":3632,"3629":3629,"3617":3617,"3612":3612,"3608":3608}