Sorry Rob,

Gotta call you on this one.

Phenergan (aka Promethazine) is in the anthistamine class of drugs- it can
cause anticholinergic and extrapyramidal effects but at a much lower rate than
the dopamine antagonists (such as Prochlorperazine aka Compazine or
Trimethobenzamide aka Tigan).

Now when I was in residency, my attendings would have our heads if we tried to
use Compazine or Tigan on little ones:-).  Phenergan was considered to be a
less risky choice.  Although the main philosophy in my training was to support
the patient (keep hydration) and not treat the symptoms of vomiting and
diarrhea (by using antiemetics, antispasmodics and antidiarrheal meds).

In my practice I encourage the "smaller feedings more often" approach to
treating gastroenteritis as an outpatient.  What better choice than to
breastfeed!  Even if I hospitalize a patient for dehydration I encourage
continued breastfeeding (with IV fluids). In my book, breastmilk is a great
"clear liquid" when rehydrating.  Tastes much better than pedialyte (and other
rehydration solutions). If a baby willingly takes pedialyte sometimes I wonder
if he/she is neurologically intact :-).  The stuff is vile tasting to me.

Pierrette Mimi Poinsett MD FAAP
Modesto CA