Walmart pharmacies do not stock promethazine with codeine syrup. This specific combination medication, frequently prescribed for cough, was discontinued from their inventory effective November 19, 2021. The availability of other forms of promethazine (e.g., plain promethazine or promethazine with dextromethorphan) may vary and is not covered by this information.
Understanding Promethazine and Its Forms
Promethazine is an antihistamine that can be used for various purposes, including treating allergies, motion sickness, nausea, and as a sedative. It is available in several forms, often combined with other medications:
- Plain Promethazine: Typically used for allergic reactions, nausea, or as a sedative.
- Promethazine with Codeine: This is a combination often prescribed for cough suppression. Codeine is an opioid, making this a controlled substance.
- Promethazine with Dextromethorphan: Another common cough syrup combination, using a non-opioid cough suppressant (dextromethorphan).
Walmart's Policy on Promethazine with Codeine
Walmart pharmacies ceased stocking promethazine with codeine syrup as of November 19, 2021. This decision, also adopted by other major pharmacy chains, was implemented due to significant concerns associated with this particular medication.
- Reasons for Discontinuation: Promethazine with codeine is a medication that has been widely identified as a target for abuse and is frequently sought through fraudulent means. Furthermore, its status as a controlled substance has unfortunately made it a common target in pharmacy robberies, posing considerable safety risks to both pharmacy staff and customers.
- Impact on Availability: Due to this policy, Walmart pharmacies will not be able to fill prescriptions for any formulation containing promethazine with codeine.
What About Other Promethazine Products?
The policy change specifically addresses the promethazine with codeine formulation. Information regarding the availability of other promethazine-containing products, such as:
- Plain promethazine tablets or syrups
- Promethazine with dextromethorphan syrup
is not included in this specific discontinuation policy. For inquiries about these other forms, it is recommended to directly contact your local Walmart pharmacy.
Seeking Alternatives and Next Steps
If you have a prescription for promethazine with codeine or require other forms of promethazine that may not be available at Walmart:
- Consult Your Healthcare Provider: Discuss alternative medications or different formulations that may be more readily available and suitable for your condition.
- Speak to Your Pharmacist: A pharmacist can provide guidance on whether other promethazine products are stocked or if they can suggest nearby pharmacies that might carry the specific medication you need.
- Explore Other Pharmacy Chains: Policies on stocking controlled substances and other medications can vary between different pharmacy chains and independent pharmacies.
Summary of Walmart's Promethazine Policy
| Medication Form | Availability at Walmart (Post 11/19/2021) | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Promethazine with Codeine | Not Stocked | Discontinued due to concerns regarding abuse, fraudulent acquisition, and its status as a frequent target of pharmacy robberies. |
| Plain Promethazine | Availability Varies | The discontinuation specifically applies to the "with codeine" form. For other forms, direct inquiry with the pharmacy is recommended. |
| Promethazine with Dextromethorphan | Availability Varies | This combination is distinct from the codeine formulation. Availability should be confirmed directly with your local Walmart pharmacy. |
For general information on promethazine, you can refer to trusted medical resources such as MedlinePlus. Always consult with a healthcare professional to determine the most appropriate treatment for your specific health needs.
