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Bill search result DC

For-Hire Passenger Service Reform Act of 2026

Source ID: 2159469 · Last reported action: 2026-10-19

Public Hearing

For-Hire Passenger Service Reform Act of 2026

Source details and legislative history

Detail checked 2026-10-03T23:54:21.904362+00:00.

  • 2026-09-25: Introduced in Office of the Secretary
  • 2026-09-30: Notice of Public Hearing Published in the DC Register
  • 2026-10-02: Notice of Public Hearing Published in the DC Register
  • 2026-10-06: Referred to Committee on Public Works and Operations
  • 2026-10-19: Public Hearing
Selected bill text excerpt

Observed 2026-10-04T00:16:18.617352+00:00.

Original text

1
C o u n c i l o f t h e D i s t r i c t o f C o l u m b i a
C O M M I T T E E ON P U B L I C W O R K S & O P E R A T I O N S
1 3 5 0 P e n n s y l v a n i a A v e n u e N W , S u i t e 1 1 2 , W a s h i n g t o n , D C 2 0 0 0 4
TO: Nyasha Howard, Secretary of the Council
FROM: Brianne K. Nadeau, Chairperson of the Committee on Public Works & Operations
RE: For-Hire Passenger Service Reform Act of 2026
DATE: September 25, 2026


Secretary Howard,

Today I am introducing the “For-Hire Passenger Service Reform Act of 2026”, a comprehensive
package that modernizes the District’s laws governing for-hire vehicles in order to protect consumers
and the public, streamline regulations, and ensure that the District has strong tools to investigate and
enforce unlicensed and illegal operators. This text was developed based on lessons learned from the
Committee’s oversight roundtable on “The State of the For-Hire Vehicle Industry” held on May 26 and
June 3, 2026, and after an extensive review of comparable for-hire statutes and regulations in more than
20 other jurisdictions, including peer cities and states as well as international best practices.
Introducing this legislation today advances recommendations approved by the Committee on
Public Works and Operations on September 16, 2026, when the Committee adopted the “Preliminary
Report on Unauthorized Private For-Hire Vehicle Investigation”. This investigation by the Committee
has found that the District’s current for-hire vehicle laws contain extensive vulnerabilities for
exploitation by bad-faith actors. The report as adopted by the Committee recommends nothing less than
a comprehensive update of relevant laws, including the following priorities:
• Ensuring that all for-hire vehicle activity is covered by the law, even if some or all of a trip in the
District occurs without direct monetary compensation;
• Ensuring that for-hire vehicle companies cannot offload their obligations to ensure safe operation
by shifting the regulatory burden of supervising driver activity to the District, in areas that the
District cannot easily supervise;

2
• Leveling the playing field in the industry by right sizing the regulatory burden and barriers to
entry for operators;
• Establishing definitions based on types of service and without multiple co-dependencies.
• Ensuring that autonomous vehicles providing for-hire trips are covered by the FHV Law and
subject to the same service standards as any comparable for-hire trip; and
• Providing dignified and equitable access to WAV service.

Included in this proposal are updates to the District’s for-hire laws that align with international
best practices – addressing criticisms that have been identified by public witnesses, industry experts, and
agency partners over the course of many years. These reforms will break down barriers in the District’s
highly unequal and divided for-hire vehicle market, more fairly apply rules across the industry, remove
outdated requirements, bolster consumer protections and price transparency, and create more safeguards
against discrimination. In particular, the bill includes provisions to make for-hire service more
accessible, create a clearer and more enforceable “level of service” standard for wheelchair-accessible
vehicles, and establish a dedicated Accessible Passenger Service Fund.
In advance of a hearing, the Committee will provide the public and industry stakeholders with
further background materials that summarize the provisions of this legislation.




NOTE: This legislation does not amend or include any new policies or regulations related to carriers-for-hire
(food and parcel delivery). While conforming amendments may be needed to ensure consistency in terms used,
any changes to the law regarding carriers-for-hire are outside the scope of this bill.

1

A BILL

_________________________

IN THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
_________________________


To amend Title 47 of the District of Columbia Official Code to establish regulations governing 1
for-hire passenger service and strengthening the ability of the Department of For -Hire 2
Vehicles to enforce unlicensed activity, to define for-hire passenger service, to categorize 3
for-hire passenger service as consisting of pre-arranged or street hail service, to authorize 4
the Department of For -Hire Vehicles to establish a provisional licensing program for an 5
emerging for-hire passenger service model, to authorize reciprocal agreements with other 6
jurisdictions, to establish minimum insurance coverage requirements for motor vehicles 7
used in passenger for-hire service, to establish a definition for dispatch service, to require 8
the licensing of dispatch service providers, to define smart meter systems for use in street 9
hail service, to require operator agreements , to specify an ongoing and affirmative 10
responsibility of dispatch service providers to provide an equivalent level of service to 11
individuals with disabilities and establish level -of-service standards for wheelchair 12
accessible vehicles, to require the maintenance of trip records, to establish data 13
specifications to be used by the Department of For -Hire Vehicles, to provide for the 14
establishment of taxi stands and geofencing policies, to replace existing for-hire taxes and 15
surcharges with a vehicle miles travelled charge on for -hire passenger service, to require 16
the registration of vehicles providing for-hire passenger service and vehicle fleet providers, 17
to establish uniform vehicle standards and requirements for street hail vehicles, to establish 18
requirements of wheelchair -accessible vehicles, to require a uniform emblem denoting 19
registered for-hire passenger vehicles, to establish operator licensing and provide for 20
provisional operator licensing, to establish operator license endorsements for street hail and 21
wheelchair-accessible vehicle service and set forth requirements thereof, to establish 22
procedures for operator background check s and driving history checks, to define fare 23
structures applicable to for-hire passenger service, to specify fare transparency standards, 24
to prohibit surveillance -based fare discrimination, to establish a policy of non -25
discrimination in for-hire passenger service, to allow for the designation of certain areas of 26
the District of Columbia as underserved areas based on an established need for improved 27
or additional service , to establish a For -Hire Industry Service Fund , to establish an 28
Accessible Passenger Service Fund and an accessible vehicle surcharge, and to provide for 29
strengthened cease-and-desist authority and enforcement capabilities by the Department of 30
For-Hire Vehicles for violations of this act. 31
32

_____________________________
Councilmember Brianne K. Nadeau

2
BE IT ENACTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, That this 33
act may be cited as the “For-Hire Passenger Service Reform Act of 2026”. 34
Sec. 2. Title 47 of the District of Columbia Official Code is amended by adding a new 35
chapter 28A to read as follows: 36
“CHAPTER 28A. FOR-HIRE VEHICLES. 37
“TABLE OF CONTENTS 38
“SUBCHAPTER I. GENERAL PROVISIONS. ................................................................ 3 39
“§ 47-2890.01. General Definitions. ............................................................................... 4 40
“§ 47-2890.02. For-hire passenger service defined. ....................................................... 9 41
“§ 47-2890.03. Classifications of for-hire passenger service. ...................................... 11 42
“§ 47-2890.04. Emerging markets. ............................................................................... 12 43
“§ 47-2890.05. Reciprocal agreements. ........................................................................ 14 …

Source selection: autonomous systems. Observed 2026-10-13T01:30:17.415547+00:00.

Read original source ↗

Notice Federal · MCC

Selection Criteria and Methodology Report for Fiscal Year 2027

Source ID: MCC-2026-0298-0001 · Posted: 2026-10-09

Source document type: Notice

Source comment close: 2026-11-10T04:59:59Z. Verify time, amendments and whether submissions remain open on the official source.

Federal Register document: 2026-20704

Source selection: advanced manufacturing; export controls; critical infrastructure. Observed 2026-10-13T01:29:06.434968+00:00.

Read original source ↗

Supporting & Related Material Federal · FDA

Attachment 3 - Proposed Outsert

Source ID: FDA-2026-P-12278-0006 · Posted: 2026-10-09

Source document type: Supporting & Related Material

Read docket FDA-2026-P-12278 and supporting material ↗

Source details and legislative history

Detail checked 2026-10-13T01:29:06.434968+00:00.

    • pdf
      Collected source text excerpt

      Observed 2026-10-12T09:21:41.538907+00:00.

      **3.625”**

      **0.5”**
      **0.5”**

      ## 7.75”W

      **11”L**

      **6.375”**

      ### Width: 7.75”

      ### Length: 11.0”

      ### Fold: 2.75” × 3.875”

      ## Fold: 2.75” × 3.875” DESCRIPTION

      ## mg/5 mL 25 Oral Solution, USP

      #### Promethazine Hydrochloride Oral Solution, USP 25 mg/5 mL

      #### Rx only

      #### DESCRIPTION

      Promethazine Hydrochloride
      52014
      52014
      Promethazine Hydrochloride
      Oral Solution, USP 25 mg/5 mL

      Each 5 mL (teaspoonful) of Promethazine HCl Oral Solution contains 25 mg of Promethazine HCl. The
      inactive ingredients present are artificial banana flavor, artificial fruit flavor, artificial strawberry flavor,
      ascorbic acid, citric acid anhydrous, dehydrated alcohol, D&C Yellow No. 10, edetate disodium, FD&C
      Blue No. 1, FD&C Red No. 40, glycerin, sucrose, methylparaben, propylparaben, purified water, saccharin
      sodium, sodium benzoate, and sodium citrate dihydrate.

      Promethazine HCl is a racemic compound; the molecular formula is C<sub>17</sub>H<sub>20</sub>N<sub>2</sub>S•HCl and its
      molecular weight is 320.88.

      Promethazine HCl, a phenothiazine derivative, is designated chemically as 10H-Phenothiazine-10-
      ethanamine, *N,N,* α-trimethyl-, monohydrochloride, (±)- with the following structural formula:

      ## $ \mathrm{C H_{2} C H(CH_{3}) N(CH_{3})_{2}} $

      Promethazine HCl occurs as a white to faint yellow, practically odorless, crystalline powder which
      slowly oxidizes and turns blue on prolonged exposure to air. It is freely soluble in water and soluble
      in alcohol.

      #### CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

      Promethazine is a phenothiazine derivative which differs structurally from the antipsychotic
      phenothiazines by the presence of a branched side chain and no ring substitution. It is thought
      that this configuration is responsible for its relative lack (1/10 that of chlorpromazine) of dopamine
      antagonist properties.

      Promethazine is an H<sub>1</sub> receptor blocking agent. In addition to its antihistaminic action, it provides
      clinically useful sedative and antiemetic effects.

      Promethazine is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Clinical effects are apparent within 20
      minutes after oral administration and generally last four to six hours, although they may persist as
      long as 12 hours. Promethazine is metabolized by the liver to a variety of compounds; the sulfoxides
      of Promethazine and N-demethylpromethazine are the predominant metabolites appearing in the
      urine.

      #### INDICATIONS AND USAGE

      Promethazine is useful for:

      Perennial and seasonal allergic rhinitis.

      Vasomotor rhinitis.

      Allergic conjunctivitis due to inhalant allergens and foods.

      Mild, uncomplicated allergic skin manifestations of urticaria and angioedema.

      Amelioration of allergic reactions to blood or plasma.

      #### Dermographism.

      Anaphylactic reactions, as adjunctive therapy to epinephrine and other standard measures, after
      the acute manifestations have been controlled.

      #### Preoperative, postoperative, or obstetric sedation.

      Prevention and control of nausea and vomiting associated with certain types of anesthesia and
      surgery.

      Therapy adjunctive to meperidine or other analgesics for control of post-operative pain.

      Sedation in both children and adults, as well as relief of apprehension and production of light sleep from
      which the patient can be easily aroused.

      Active and prophylactic treatment of motion sickness.

      Antiemetic therapy in postoperative patients.

      #### CONTRAINDICATIONS

      Promethazine HCl Oral Solution is contraindicated for use in pediatric patients less than two years
      of age.

      Promethazine HCl Oral Solution is contraindicated in comatose states, and in individuals known to be
      hypersensitive or to have had an idiosyncratic reaction to Promethazine or to other phenothiazines.

      Antihistamines are contraindicated for use in the treatment of lower respiratory tract symptoms
      including asthma.

      #### WARNINGS

      **Promethazine should not be used in pediatric patients less than 2 years of age because
      of the potential for fatal respiratory depression.**

      **Postmarketing cases of respiratory depression, including fatalities, have been reported
      with use of promethazine in pediatric patients less than 2 years of age. A wide range of
      weight-based doses of promethazine have resulted in respiratory depression in these
      patients.**

      **Caution should be exercised when administering promethazine to pediatric patients 2
      years of age and older. It is recommended that the lowest effective dose of promethazine
      be used in pediatric patients 2 years of age and older and concomitant administration of
      other drugs with respiratory depressant effects be avoided.**

      #### CNS Depression

      Promethazine HCl Oral Solution may impair the mental and/or physical abilities required for the performance
      of potentially hazardous tasks, such as driving a vehicle or operating machinery. The impairment may be
      amplified by concomitant use of other central-nervous-system depressants such as alcohol, sedatives/
      hypnotics (including barbiturates), narcotics, narcotic analgesics, general anesthetics, tricyclic antidepressants,
      and tranquilizers; therefore such agents should either be eliminated or given in reduced dosage in the presence
      of Promethazine HCl (see **PRECAUTIONS-Information for Patients** and **Drug Interactions).**

      #### Respiratory Depression

      Promethazine HCl Oral Solution may lead to potentially fatal respiratory depression. Use of Promethazine
      HCl Oral Solution in patients with compromised respiratory function (e.g., COPD, sleep apnea) should
      be avoided.

      drugs. Clinical manifestations of NMS are hyperpyrexia, muscle rigidity, altered mental status and
      evidence of autonomic instability (irregular pulse or blood pressure, tachycardia, diaphoresis and
      cardiac dysrhythmias).

      #### Lower Seizure Threshold

      Promethazine HCl Oral Solution may lower seizure threshold. It should be used with caution in
      persons with seizure disorders or in persons who are using concomitant medications, such as
      narcotics or local anesthetics, which may also affect seizure threshold.

      #### Bone-Marrow Depression

      Promethazine HCl Oral Solution should be used with caution in patients with bone-marrow depression.
      Leukopenia and agranulocytosis have been reported, usually when Promethazine (Promethazine HCl)
      has been used in association with other known marrow-toxic agents.

      #### Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

      A potentially fatal symptom complex sometimes referred to as **Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome**
      (NMS) has been reported in association with Promethazine HCl alone or in combination with antipsychotic

      The diagnostic evaluation of patients with this syndrome is complicated. In arriving at a diagnosis,
      it is important to identify cases where the clinical presentation includes both serious medical illness
      (e.g. pneumonia, systemic infection, etc.) and untreated or inadequately treated extrapyramidal
      signs and symptoms (EPS). Other important considerations in the differential diagnosis include
      central anticholinergic toxicity, heat stroke, drug fever and primary central nervous system (CNS)
      pathology.

      The management of NMS should include 1) immediate discontinuation of Promethazine HCl, antipsychotic
      drugs, if any, and other drugs not essential to concurrent therapy, 2) intensive symptomatic treatment
      and medical monitoring, and 3) treatment of any concomitant serious medical problems for which
      specific treatments are available. There is no general agreement about specific pharmacological
      treatment regimens for uncomplicated NMS.

      Since recurrences of NMS have been reported with phenothiazines, the reintroduction of Promethazine
      HCl should be carefully considered.

      #### Use in Pediatric Patients

      **Promethazine HCl Oral Solution is contraindicated for use in pediatric patients less than
      two years of age.**

      **Caution should be exercised when administering Promethazine HCl Oral Solution to pediatric
      patients 2 years of age and older because of the potential for fatal respiratory depression.**
      *…

    Observed changes

    Oct. 13, 2026, 1:30 a.m.: attachments changed since Oct. 12, 2026, 9:21 a.m..

    {'attachments': [{'url': 'https://downloads.regulations.gov/FDA-2026-P-12278-0006/content.pdf', 'body': {'text': '**3.625”**\n\n**0.5”**\n**0.5”**\n\n## 7.75”W\n\n**11”L**\n\n**6.375”**\n\n### Width: 7.75”\n\n### Length: 11.0”\n\n### Fold: 2.75” × 3.875”\n\n## Fold: 2.75” × 3.875” DESCRIPTION\n\n## mg/5 mL 25 Oral Solution, USP\n\n#### Promethazine Hydrochloride Oral Solution, USP 25 mg/5 mL\n\n#### Rx only\n\n#### DESCRIPTION\n\nPromethazine Hydrochloride\n52014\n52014\nPromethazine Hydrochloride\nOral Solution, USP 25 mg/5 mL\n\nEach 5 mL (teaspoonful) of Promethazine HCl Oral Solution contains 25 mg of Promethazine HCl. The \ninactive ingredients present are artificial banana flavor, artificial fruit flavor, artificial strawberry flavor, \nascorbic acid, citric acid anhydrous, dehydrated alcohol, D&C Yellow No. 10, edetate disodium, FD&C \nBlue No. 1, FD&C Red No. 40, glycerin, sucrose, methylparaben, propylparaben, purified water, saccharin \nsodium, sodium benzoate, and sodium citrate dihydrate.\n\nPromethazine HCl is a racemic compound; the molecular formula is C<sub>17</sub>H<sub>20</sub>N<sub>2</sub>S•HCl and its \nmolecular weight is 320.88.\n\nPromethazine HCl, a phenothiazine derivative, is designated chemically as 10H-Phenothiazine-10-\nethanamine, *N,N,* α-trimethyl-, monohydrochloride, (±)- with the following structural formula:\n\n## $ \\mathrm{C H_{2} C H(CH_{3}) N(CH_{3})_{2}} $\n\nPromethazine HCl occurs as a white to faint yellow, practically odorless, crystalline powder which \nslowly oxidizes and turns blue on prolonged exposure to air. It is freely soluble in water and soluble \nin alcohol.\n\n#### CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY\n\nPromethazine is a phenothiazine derivative which differs structurally from the antipsychotic \nphenothiazines by the presence of a branched side chain and no ring substitution. It is thought \nthat this configuration is responsible for its relative lack (1/10 that of chlorpromazine) of dopamine \nantagonist properties.\n\nPromethazine is an H<sub>1</sub> receptor blocking agent. In addition to its antihistaminic action, it provides \nclinically useful sedative and antiemetic effects.\n\nPromethazine is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Clinical effects are apparent within 20 \nminutes after oral administration and generally last four to six hours, although they may persist as \nlong as 12 hours. Promethazine is metabolized by the liver to a variety of compounds; the sulfoxides \nof Promethazine and N-demethylpromethazine are the predominant metabolites appearing in the \nurine.\n\n#### INDICATIONS AND USAGE\n\nPromethazine is useful for:\n\nPerennial and seasonal allergic rhinitis.\n\nVasomotor rhinitis.\n\nAllergic conjunctivitis due to inhalant allergens and foods.\n\nMild, uncomplicated allergic skin manifestations of urticaria and angioedema.\n\nAmelioration of allergic reactions to blood or plasma.\n\n#### Dermographism.\n\nAnaphylactic reactions, as adjunctive therapy to epinephrine and other standard measures, after \nthe acute manifestations have been controlled.\n\n#### Preoperative, postoperative, or obstetric sedation.\n\nPrevention and control of nausea and vomiting associated with certain types of anesthesia and \nsurgery.\n\nTherapy adjunctive to meperidine or other analgesics for control of post-operative pain.\n\nSedation in both children and adults, as well as relief of apprehension and production of light  sleep from \nwhich the patient can be easily aroused.\n\nActive and prophylactic treatment of motion sickness.\n\nAntiemetic therapy in postoperative patients.\n\n#### CONTRAINDICATIONS\n\nPromethazine HCl Oral Solution is contraindicated for use in pediatric patients less than two years \nof age.\n\nPromethazine HCl Oral Solution is contraindicated in comatose states, and in individuals known to be \nhypersensitive or to have had an idiosyncratic reaction to Promethazine or to other phenothiazines.\n\nAntihistamines are contraindicated for use in the treatment of lower respiratory tract symptoms \nincluding asthma.\n\n#### WARNINGS\n\n**Promethazine should not be used in pediatric patients less than 2 years of age because \nof the potential for fatal respiratory depression.**\n\n**Postmarketing cases of respiratory depression, including fatalities, have been reported \nwith use of promethazine in pediatric patients less than 2 years of age. A wide range of \nweight-based doses of promethazine have resulted in respiratory depression in these \npatients.**\n\n**Caution should be exercised when administering promethazine to pediatric patients 2 \nyears of age and older. It is recommended that the lowest effective dose of promethazine \nbe used in pediatric patients 2 years of age and older and concomitant administration of \nother drugs with respiratory depressant effects be avoided.**\n\n#### CNS Depression\n\nPromethazine HCl Oral Solution may impair the mental and/or physical abilities required for the performance \nof potentially hazardous tasks, such as driving a vehicle or operating machinery. The impairment may be \namplified by concomitant use of other central-nervous-system depressants such as alcohol, sedatives/\nhypnotics (including barbiturates), narcotics, narcotic analgesics, general anesthetics, tricyclic antidepressants, \nand tranquilizers; therefore such agents should either be eliminated or given in reduced dosage in the presence \nof Promethazine HCl (see **PRECAUTIONS-Information for Patients** and **Drug Interactions).**\n\n#### Respiratory Depression\n\nPromethazine HCl Oral Solution may lead to potentially fatal respiratory depression. Use of Promethazine \nHCl Oral Solution in patients with compromised respiratory function (e.g., COPD, sleep apnea) should \nbe avoided.\n\ndrugs. Clinical manifestations of NMS are hyperpyrexia, muscle rigidity, altered mental status and \nevidence of autonomic instability (irregular pulse or blood pressure, tachycardia, diaphoresis and \ncardiac dysrhythmias).\n\n#### Lower Seizure Threshold\n\nPromethazine HCl Oral Solution may lower seizure threshold. It should be used with caution in \npersons with seizure disorders or in persons who are using concomitant medications, such as \nnarcotics or local anesthetics, which may also affect seizure threshold.\n\n#### Bone-Marrow Depression\n\nPromethazine HCl Oral Solution should be used with caution in patients with bone-marrow depression. \nLeukopenia and agranulocytosis have been reported, usually when Promethazine (Promethazine HCl) \nhas been used in association with other known marrow-toxic agents.\n\n#### Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome\n\nA potentially fatal symptom complex sometimes referred to as **Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome** \n(NMS) has been reported in association with Promethazine HCl alone or in combination with antipsychotic\n\nThe diagnostic evaluation of patients with this syndrome is complicated. In arriving at a diagnosis, \nit is important to identify cases where the clinical presentation includes both serious medical illness \n(e.g. pneumonia, systemic infection, etc.) and untreated or inadequately treated extrapyramidal \nsigns and symptoms (EPS). Other important considerations in the differential diagnosis include \ncentral anticholinergic toxicity, heat stroke, drug fever and primary central nervous system (CNS) \npathology.\n\nThe management of NMS should include 1) immediate discontinuation of Promethazine HCl, antipsychotic \ndrugs, if any, and other drugs not essential to concurrent therapy, 2) intensive symptomatic treatment \nand medical monitoring, and 3) treatment of any concomitant serious medical problems for which \nspecific treatments are available. There is no general agreement about specific pharmacological \ntreatment regimens for uncomplicated NMS.\n\nSince recurrences of NMS have been reported with phenothiazines, the reintroduction of Promethazine \nHCl should be carefully considered.\n\n#### Use in Pediatric Patients\n\n**Promethazine HCl Oral Solution is contraindicated for use in pediatric patients less than \ntwo years of age.**\n\n**Caution should be exercised when administering Promethazine HCl Oral Solution to pediatric \npatients 2 years of age and older because of the potential for fatal respiratory depression.** \n**Respiratory depression and apnea, sometimes associated with death, are strongly associated \nwith Promethazine products and are not directly related to individualized weight-based dosing, \nwhich might otherwise permit safe administration. Concomitant administration of Promethazine \nproducts with other respiratory depressants has an association with respiratory depression, and \nsometimes death, in pediatric patients.**\n\n**Antiemetics are not recommended for treatment of uncomplicated vomiting in pediatric patients, \nand their use should be limited to prolonged vomiting of known etiology. The extrapyramidal \nsymptoms which can occur secondary to Promethazine HCl Oral Solution administration may \nbe confused with the CNS signs of undiagnosed primary disease, e.g., encephalopathy or Reye’s \nsyndrome. The use of Promethazine HCl Oral Solution should be avoided in pediatric patients \nwhose signs and symptoms may suggest Reye’s syndrome or other hepatic diseases.**\n\nExcessively large dosages of antihistamines, including Promethazine HCl Oral Solution, in pediatric \npatients may cause sudden death (see **OVERDOSAGE).** Hallucinations and convulsions have\noccurred with therapeutic doses and overdoses of Promethazine in pediatric patients. In pediatric \npatients who are acutely ill associated with dehydration, there is an increased susceptibility to \ndystonias with the use of Promethazine HCl.\n\n#### Other Considerations\n\nAdministration of Promethazine HCl has been associated with reported cholestatic jaundice.\n\n#### PRECAUTIONS\n\n#### General\n\nDrugs having anticholinergic properties should be used with caution in patients with narrow-angle \nglaucoma, prostatic hypertrophy, stenosing peptic ulcer, pyloroduodenal obstruction, and bladderneck obstruction.\n\nPromethazine HCl Oral Solution should be used cautiously in persons with cardiovascular disease \nor with impairment of liver function.\n\n#### Information for Patients\n\nPatients should be advised to measure Promethazine HCl Oral Solution with an accurate measuring \ndevice. A household teaspoon is not an accurate measuring device and could lead to overdosage,\nespecially when a half a teaspoon is measured. A pharmacist can recommend an appropriate \nmeasuring device and can provide instructions for measuring the correct dose.\n\nPromethazine HCl Oral Solution may cause marked drowsiness or impair the mental and/or physical \nabilities required for the performance of potentially hazardous tasks, such as driving a vehicle or operating \nmachinery. The use of alcohol or other central-nervous-system depressants such as sedatives/hypnotics \n(including barbiturates), narcotics, narcotic analgesics, general anesthetics, tricyclic antidepressants, and \ntranquilizers, may enhance impairment (see **WARNINGS-CNS Depression9** and **PRECAUTIONS-Drug \nInteractions).** Pediatric patients should be supervised to avoid potential harm in bike riding or in other \nhazardous activities.\n\nPatients should be advised to report any involuntary muscle movements.\n\nAvoid prolonged exposure to the sun.\n\n#### Drug Interactions CNS Depressants\n\nPromethazine HCl Oral Solution may increase, prolong, or intensify the sedative action of other \ncentral-nervous-system depressants, such as alcohol, sedatives/hypnotics (including barbiturates), \nnarcotics, narcotic analgesics, general anesthetics, tricyclic antidepressants, and tranquilizers; \ntherefore, such agents should be avoided or administered in reduced dosage to patients receiving \nPromethazine HCl. When given concomitantly with Promethazine HCl Oral Solution, the dose of \nbarbiturates should be reduced by at least one-half, and the dose of narcotics should be reduced \nby one-quarter to one-half. Dosage must be individualized. Excessive amounts of Promethazine \nHCl relative to a narcotic may lead to restlessness and motor hyperactivity in the patient with pain; \nthese symptoms usually disappear with adequate control of the pain.\n\n#### Epinephrine\n\nBecause of the potential for Promethazine to reverse epinephrine’s vasopressor effect, epinephrine \nshould NOT be used to treat hypotension associated with Promethazine HCl Oral Solution overdose.\n\n#### Anticholinergics\n\nConcomitant use of other agents with anticholinergic properties should be undertaken with caution.\n\n#### Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI)\n\nDrug interactions, including an increased incidence of extrapyramidal effects, have been reported \nwhen some MAOI and phenothiazines are used concomitantly. This possibility should be considered \nwith Promethazine HCl Oral Solution.\n\n#### Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions\n\nThe following laboratory tests may be affected in patients who are receiving therapy with Promethazine HCl:\n\n#### Pregnancy Tests\n\nDiagnostic pregnancy tests based on immunological reactions between HCG and anti-HCG may \nresult in false-negative or false-positive interpretations.\n\n#### Glucose Tolerance Test\n\nAn increase in blood glucose has been reported in patients receiving Promethazine HCl.\n\n#### Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility\n\nLong-term animal studies have not been performed to assess the carcinogenic potential of Promethazine, \nnor are there other animal or human data concerning carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or impairment of \nfertility with this drug. Promethazine was nonmutagenic in the *Salmonella* test system of Ames.\n\n#### Pregnancy\n\nTeratogenic Effects-Pregnancy Category C\nTeratogenic effects have not been demonstrated in rat-feeding studies at doses of 6.25 and 12.5 \nmg/kg of Promethazine HCl. These doses are from approximately 2.1 to 4.2 times the maximum \nrecommended total daily dose of Promethazine for a 50-kg subject, depending upon the indication \nfor which the drug is prescribed. Daily doses of 25 mg/kg intraperitoneally have been found to \nproduce fetal mortality in rats.\n\nSpecific studies to test the action of the drug on parturition, lactation, and development of the \nanimal neonate were not done, but a general preliminary study in rats indicated no effect on \nthese parameters. Although antihistamines have been found to produce fetal mortality in rodents, \nthe pharmacological effects of histamine in the rodent do not parallel those in man. There are \nno adequate and well-controlled studies of Promethazine HCl Oral Solution in pregnant women.\n\n---\n\n# 7.75”W\n\nPromethazine HCl Oral Solution should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit \njustifies the potential risk to the fetus.\n\n#### Nonteratogenic Effects\n\nPromethazine HCl Oral Solution administered to a pregnant woman within two weeks of delivery \nmay inhibit platelet aggregation in the newborn.\n\n#### Labor and Delivery\n\nPromethazine HCl may be used alone or as an adjunct to narcotic analgesics during labor (see \n**DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).** Limited data suggest that use of Promethazine during labor\nand delivery does not have an appreciable effect on the duration of labor or delivery and does \nnot increase the risk of need for intervention in the newborn. The effect on later growth and \ndevelopment of the newborn is unknown. (See also *Nonteratogenic Effects.*)\n\n#### Nursing Mothers\n\nIt is not known whether Promethazine HCl is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are \nexcreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing \ninfants from Promethazine HCl Oral Solution, a decision should be made whether to discontinue \nnursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.\n\n#### Pediatric Use\n\n**Promethazine HCl Oral Solution are contraindicated for use in pediatric patients less than \ntwo years of age** (see **WARNINGS-Black Box Warning and Use in Pediatric Patients).**\n\nPromethazine HCl Oral Solution should be used with caution in pediatric patients 2 years of age and \nolder (see **WARNINGS-Use in Pediatric Patients).**\n\n#### Geriatric Use\n\nClinical studies of Promethazine formulations did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged \n65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported \nclinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger \npatients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the \nlow end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal or cardiac \nfunction, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.\n\nSedating drugs may cause confusion and over-sedation in the elderly; elderly patients generally \nshould be started on low doses of Promethazine HCl Oral Solution and observed closely.\n\n#### ADVERSE REACTIONS\n\n#### Central Nervous System\n\nDrowsiness is the most prominent CNS effect of this drug. Sedation, somnolence, blurred vision, dizziness; \nconfusion, disorientation, and extrapyramidal symptoms such as oculogyric crisis, torticollis, and tongue \nprotrusion; lassitude, tinnitus, incoordination, fatigue, euphoria, nervousness, diplopia, insomnia, tremors, \nconvulsive seizures, excitation, catatonic-like states, hysteria. Hallucinations have also been reported.\n\n**Cardiovascular**-Increased or decreased blood pressure, tachycardia, bradycardia, faintness.\n\n**Dermatologic**-Dermatitis, photosensitivity, urticaria.\n\n**Hematologic**-Leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, thrombocytopenic purpura, agranulocytosis.\n\n**Gastrointestinal**-Dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, jaundice.\n\n**Respiratory**-Asthma, nasal stuffiness, respiratory depression (potentially fatal) and apnea (potentially \nfatal). (See **WARNINGS-Respiratory Depression.**)\n\n**Other**-Angioneurotic edema. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (potentially fatal) has also been\nreported. (See **WARNINGS-Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome.**)\n\n#### Paradoxical Reactions\n\nHyperexcitability and abnormal movements have been reported in patients following a single \nadministration of Promethazine HCl. Consideration should be given to the discontinuation of Promethazine \nHCl and to the use of other drugs if these reactions occur. Respiratory depression, nightmares, delirium, \nand agitated behavior have also been reported in some of these patients.\n\n#### OVERDOSAGE\n\nSigns and symptoms of overdosage with Promethazine HCl range from mild depression of the central nervous \nsystem and cardiovascular system to profound hypotension, respiratory depression, unconsciousness, and \nsudden death. Other reported reactions include hyperreflexia, hypertonia, ataxia, athetosis, and extensorplantar reflexes (Babinski reflex).\n\nStimulation may be evident, especially in children and geriatric patients. Convulsions may rarely \noccur. A paradoxical-type reaction has been reported in children receiving single doses of 75 mg to \n125 mg orally, characterized by hyperexcitability and nightmares.\n\nAtropine-like signs and symptoms-dry mouth, fixed, dilated pupils, flushing, as well as gastrointestinal \nsymptoms-may occur.\n\n#### Treatment\n\nTreatment of overdosage is essentially symptomatic and supportive. Only in cases of extreme overdosage \nor individual sensitivity do vital signs, including respiration, pulse, blood pressure, temperature, and \nEKG, need to be monitored. Activated charcoal orally or by lavage may be given, or sodium or \nmagnesium sulfate orally as a cathartic. Attention should be given to the reestablishment of \nadequate respiratory exchange through provision of a patent airway and institution of assisted \nor controlled ventilation. Diazepam may be used to control convulsions. Acidosis and electrolyte \nlosses should be corrected. Note that any depressant effects of Promethazine HCl are not reversed \nby naloxone. Avoid analeptics which may cause convulsions.\n\nThe treatment of choice for resulting hypotension is administration of intravenous fluids, accompanied \nby repositioning if indicated. In the event that vasopressors are considered for the management of \nsevere hypotension which does not respond to intravenous fluids and repositioning, the administration \nof norepinephrine or phenylephrine should be considered. EPINEPHRINE SHOULD NOT BE USED, since \nits use in patients with partial adrenergic blockade may further lower the blood pressure. Extrapyramidal \nreactions may be treated with anticholinergic antiparkinsonian agents, diphenhydramine, or barbiturates. \nOxygen may also be administered.\n\nLimited experience with dialysis indicates that it is not helpful.\n\n#### DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION\n\n*It is important that Promethazine HCl Oral Solution is measured with an accurate measuring device* \n(see **PRECAUTIONS-Information for Patients).** A household teaspoon is not an accurate measuring \ndevice and could lead to overdosage, especially when half a teaspoon is to be measured. It is strongly \nrecommended that an accurate measuring device be used. A pharmacist can provide an appropriate \ndevice and can provide instructions for measuring the correct dose.\n\n**Promethazine HCl Oral Solution is contraindicated for children under 2 years of age** (see\n**WARNINGS-Black Box Warning and Use in Pediatric Patients).**\n\n#### Allergy\n\nThe average oral dose is 25 mg taken before retiring; however, 12.5 mg may be taken before meals \nand on retiring, if necessary. Single 25-mg doses at bedtime or 6.25 to 12.5 mg taken three times daily \nwill usually suffice. After initiation of treatment in children or adults, dosage should be adjusted to the \nsmallest amount adequate to relieve symptoms. The administration of Promethazine HCl in 25-mg doses \nwill control minor transfusion reactions of an allergic nature.\n\nThe average effective dose of Promethazine for the active therapy of nausea and vomiting in \nchildren or adults is 25 mg. When oral medication cannot be tolerated, the dose should be given \nparenterally (cf. Promethazine Injection) or by rectal suppository. 12.5- to 25-mg doses may be \nrepeated, as necessary, at 4- to 6-hour intervals.\n\n#### Motion Sickness\n\nThe average adult dose is 25 mg taken twice daily. The initial dose should be taken one-half to one hour \nbefore anticipated travel and be repeated 8 to 12 hours later, if necessary. On succeeding days of travel, \nit is recommended that 25 mg be given on arising and again before the evening meal. For children, \nPromethazine HCl Oral Solution, 12.5 to 25 mg, twice daily, may be administered.\n\nFor nausea and vomiting in children, the usual dose is 0.5 mg per pound of body weight, and the \ndose should be adjusted to the age and weight of the patient and the severity of the condition \nbeing treated.\n\nFor prophylaxis of nausea and vomiting, as during surgery and the postoperative period, the average dose \nis 25 mg repeated at 4- to 6-hour intervals, as necessary.\n\n#### Nausea and Vomiting\n\nAntiemetics should not be used in vomiting of unknown etiology in children and adolescents (see \n**WARNINGS-Use in Pediatric Patients).**\n\n#### Sedation\n\nThis product relieves apprehension and induces a quiet sleep from which the patient can be easily \naroused. Administration of 12.5 to 25 mg Promethazine by the oral route will provide sedation in \nchildren. Adults usually require 25 to 50 mg for nighttime, presurgical, or obstetrical sedation.\n\n#### Pre- and Postoperative Use\n\nPromethazine in 12.5- to 25-mg doses for children and 50-mg doses for adults the night before \nsurgery relieves apprehension and produces a quiet sleep.\n\nFor preoperative medication, children require doses of 0.5 mg per pound of body weight in combination \nwith an appropriately reduced dose of narcotic or barbiturate and the appropriate dose of an \natropine-like drug. Usual adult dosage is 50 mg Promethazine with an appropriately reduced dose \nof narcotic or barbiturate and the required amount of a belladonna alkaloid.\n\nPostoperative sedation and adjunctive use with analgesics may be obtained by the administration \nof 12.5 to 25 mg in children and 25- to 50-mg doses in adults.\n\nPromethazine HCl Oral Solution is contraindicated for children under 2 years of age.\n\n#### HOW SUPPLIED\n\nPromethazine HCl Oral Solution, USP 25 mg/5 mL is a clear, green colored solution available in \nPET plastic bottles as follows:\n\n4 fl oz 4 fl oz (118 mL) NDC 70752-317-06\n8 fl oz (237 mL) NDC 70752-317-15\n\n16 fl oz (473 mL) NDC-70752-317-12\n\n#### STORAGE AND HANDLING\n\n#### Keep tightly closed.\n\n**Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature] Protect from \nlight. Dispense in light-resistant, tight container.**\n\n#### Manufactured by:\n\n**Quagen Pharmaceuticals LLC**\nWest Caldwell, NJ 07006\n\nRev. 10/26\n\n**Width: 7.75”**\n**Length: 11.0”**\n**Fold: 2.75” × 3.875”**\n\nOral Solution, USP 25 mg/5 mL\nPromethazine Hydrochloride\n52014\n\n**52014**\n**Promethazine Hydrochloride** \n**Oral Solution, USP 25 mg/5 mL**\n\n**6.375”**\n\n3/31/26   1:23\u202fPM 3/31/26   1:23\u202fPM\n\n**3.625”**', 'pages': None, 'truncated': False, 'extraction': 'firecrawl-public-document-markdown', 'request_id': 'cd3719c2-d178-4e96-baf4-40d4c8388133', 'source_url': 'https://downloads.regulations.gov/FDA-2026-P-12278-0006/content.pdf', 'observed_at': '2026-10-12T09:21:41.538907+00:00', 'content_hash': '3a3b55d322c37def1dcdcff0b7ffa5260f5b81e695c12ccbe5a616aad15f1feb'}, 'title': 'pdf', 'check_failed': False}]}
    {'attachments': [{'url': 'https://downloads.regulations.gov/FDA-2026-P-12278-0006/content.pdf', 'body': {'text': '**3.625”**\n\n**0.5”**\n**0.5”**\n\n## 7.75”W\n\n**11”L**\n\n**6.375”**\n\n### Width: 7.75”\n\n### Length: 11.0”\n\n### Fold: 2.75” × 3.875”\n\n## Fold: 2.75” × 3.875” DESCRIPTION\n\n## mg/5 mL 25 Oral Solution, USP\n\n#### Promethazine Hydrochloride Oral Solution, USP 25 mg/5 mL\n\n#### Rx only\n\n#### DESCRIPTION\n\nPromethazine Hydrochloride\n52014\n52014\nPromethazine Hydrochloride\nOral Solution, USP 25 mg/5 mL\n\nEach 5 mL (teaspoonful) of Promethazine HCl Oral Solution contains 25 mg of Promethazine HCl. The \ninactive ingredients present are artificial banana flavor, artificial fruit flavor, artificial strawberry flavor, \nascorbic acid, citric acid anhydrous, dehydrated alcohol, D&C Yellow No. 10, edetate disodium, FD&C \nBlue No. 1, FD&C Red No. 40, glycerin, sucrose, methylparaben, propylparaben, purified water, saccharin \nsodium, sodium benzoate, and sodium citrate dihydrate.\n\nPromethazine HCl is a racemic compound; the molecular formula is C<sub>17</sub>H<sub>20</sub>N<sub>2</sub>S•HCl and its \nmolecular weight is 320.88.\n\nPromethazine HCl, a phenothiazine derivative, is designated chemically as 10H-Phenothiazine-10-\nethanamine, *N,N,* α-trimethyl-, monohydrochloride, (±)- with the following structural formula:\n\n## $ \\mathrm{C H_{2} C H(CH_{3}) N(CH_{3})_{2}} $\n\nPromethazine HCl occurs as a white to faint yellow, practically odorless, crystalline powder which \nslowly oxidizes and turns blue on prolonged exposure to air. It is freely soluble in water and soluble \nin alcohol.\n\n#### CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY\n\nPromethazine is a phenothiazine derivative which differs structurally from the antipsychotic \nphenothiazines by the presence of a branched side chain and no ring substitution. It is thought \nthat this configuration is responsible for its relative lack (1/10 that of chlorpromazine) of dopamine \nantagonist properties.\n\nPromethazine is an H<sub>1</sub> receptor blocking agent. In addition to its antihistaminic action, it provides \nclinically useful sedative and antiemetic effects.\n\nPromethazine is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Clinical effects are apparent within 20 \nminutes after oral administration and generally last four to six hours, although they may persist as \nlong as 12 hours. Promethazine is metabolized by the liver to a variety of compounds; the sulfoxides \nof Promethazine and N-demethylpromethazine are the predominant metabolites appearing in the \nurine.\n\n#### INDICATIONS AND USAGE\n\nPromethazine is useful for:\n\nPerennial and seasonal allergic rhinitis.\n\nVasomotor rhinitis.\n\nAllergic conjunctivitis due to inhalant allergens and foods.\n\nMild, uncomplicated allergic skin manifestations of urticaria and angioedema.\n\nAmelioration of allergic reactions to blood or plasma.\n\n#### Dermographism.\n\nAnaphylactic reactions, as adjunctive therapy to epinephrine and other standard measures, after \nthe acute manifestations have been controlled.\n\n#### Preoperative, postoperative, or obstetric sedation.\n\nPrevention and control of nausea and vomiting associated with certain types of anesthesia and \nsurgery.\n\nTherapy adjunctive to meperidine or other analgesics for control of post-operative pain.\n\nSedation in both children and adults, as well as relief of apprehension and production of light  sleep from \nwhich the patient can be easily aroused.\n\nActive and prophylactic treatment of motion sickness.\n\nAntiemetic therapy in postoperative patients.\n\n#### CONTRAINDICATIONS\n\nPromethazine HCl Oral Solution is contraindicated for use in pediatric patients less than two years \nof age.\n\nPromethazine HCl Oral Solution is contraindicated in comatose states, and in individuals known to be \nhypersensitive or to have had an idiosyncratic reaction to Promethazine or to other phenothiazines.\n\nAntihistamines are contraindicated for use in the treatment of lower respiratory tract symptoms \nincluding asthma.\n\n#### WARNINGS\n\n**Promethazine should not be used in pediatric patients less than 2 years of age because \nof the potential for fatal respiratory depression.**\n\n**Postmarketing cases of respiratory depression, including fatalities, have been reported \nwith use of promethazine in pediatric patients less than 2 years of age. A wide range of \nweight-based doses of promethazine have resulted in respiratory depression in these \npatients.**\n\n**Caution should be exercised when administering promethazine to pediatric patients 2 \nyears of age and older. It is recommended that the lowest effective dose of promethazine \nbe used in pediatric patients 2 years of age and older and concomitant administration of \nother drugs with respiratory depressant effects be avoided.**\n\n#### CNS Depression\n\nPromethazine HCl Oral Solution may impair the mental and/or physical abilities required for the performance \nof potentially hazardous tasks, such as driving a vehicle or operating machinery. The impairment may be \namplified by concomitant use of other central-nervous-system depressants such as alcohol, sedatives/\nhypnotics (including barbiturates), narcotics, narcotic analgesics, general anesthetics, tricyclic antidepressants, \nand tranquilizers; therefore such agents should either be eliminated or given in reduced dosage in the presence \nof Promethazine HCl (see **PRECAUTIONS-Information for Patients** and **Drug Interactions).**\n\n#### Respiratory Depression\n\nPromethazine HCl Oral Solution may lead to potentially fatal respiratory depression. Use of Promethazine \nHCl Oral Solution in patients with compromised respiratory function (e.g., COPD, sleep apnea) should \nbe avoided.\n\ndrugs. Clinical manifestations of NMS are hyperpyrexia, muscle rigidity, altered mental status and \nevidence of autonomic instability (irregular pulse or blood pressure, tachycardia, diaphoresis and \ncardiac dysrhythmias).\n\n#### Lower Seizure Threshold\n\nPromethazine HCl Oral Solution may lower seizure threshold. It should be used with caution in \npersons with seizure disorders or in persons who are using concomitant medications, such as \nnarcotics or local anesthetics, which may also affect seizure threshold.\n\n#### Bone-Marrow Depression\n\nPromethazine HCl Oral Solution should be used with caution in patients with bone-marrow depression. \nLeukopenia and agranulocytosis have been reported, usually when Promethazine (Promethazine HCl) \nhas been used in association with other known marrow-toxic agents.\n\n#### Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome\n\nA potentially fatal symptom complex sometimes referred to as **Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome** \n(NMS) has been reported in association with Promethazine HCl alone or in combination with antipsychotic\n\nThe diagnostic evaluation of patients with this syndrome is complicated. In arriving at a diagnosis, \nit is important to identify cases where the clinical presentation includes both serious medical illness \n(e.g. pneumonia, systemic infection, etc.) and untreated or inadequately treated extrapyramidal \nsigns and symptoms (EPS). Other important considerations in the differential diagnosis include \ncentral anticholinergic toxicity, heat stroke, drug fever and primary central nervous system (CNS) \npathology.\n\nThe management of NMS should include 1) immediate discontinuation of Promethazine HCl, antipsychotic \ndrugs, if any, and other drugs not essential to concurrent therapy, 2) intensive symptomatic treatment \nand medical monitoring, and 3) treatment of any concomitant serious medical problems for which \nspecific treatments are available. There is no general agreement about specific pharmacological \ntreatment regimens for uncomplicated NMS.\n\nSince recurrences of NMS have been reported with phenothiazines, the reintroduction of Promethazine \nHCl should be carefully considered.\n\n#### Use in Pediatric Patients\n\n**Promethazine HCl Oral Solution is contraindicated for use in pediatric patients less than \ntwo years of age.**\n\n**Caution should be exercised when administering Promethazine HCl Oral Solution to pediatric \npatients 2 years of age and older because of the potential for fatal respiratory depression.** \n**Respiratory depression and apnea, sometimes associated with death, are strongly associated \nwith Promethazine products and are not directly related to individualized weight-based dosing, \nwhich might otherwise permit safe administration. Concomitant administration of Promethazine \nproducts with other respiratory depressants has an association with respiratory depression, and \nsometimes death, in pediatric patients.**\n\n**Antiemetics are not recommended for treatment of uncomplicated vomiting in pediatric patients, \nand their use should be limited to prolonged vomiting of known etiology. The extrapyramidal \nsymptoms which can occur secondary to Promethazine HCl Oral Solution administration may \nbe confused with the CNS signs of undiagnosed primary disease, e.g., encephalopathy or Reye’s \nsyndrome. The use of Promethazine HCl Oral Solution should be avoided in pediatric patients \nwhose signs and symptoms may suggest Reye’s syndrome or other hepatic diseases.**\n\nExcessively large dosages of antihistamines, including Promethazine HCl Oral Solution, in pediatric \npatients may cause sudden death (see **OVERDOSAGE).** Hallucinations and convulsions have\noccurred with therapeutic doses and overdoses of Promethazine in pediatric patients. In pediatric \npatients who are acutely ill associated with dehydration, there is an increased susceptibility to \ndystonias with the use of Promethazine HCl.\n\n#### Other Considerations\n\nAdministration of Promethazine HCl has been associated with reported cholestatic jaundice.\n\n#### PRECAUTIONS\n\n#### General\n\nDrugs having anticholinergic properties should be used with caution in patients with narrow-angle \nglaucoma, prostatic hypertrophy, stenosing peptic ulcer, pyloroduodenal obstruction, and bladderneck obstruction.\n\nPromethazine HCl Oral Solution should be used cautiously in persons with cardiovascular disease \nor with impairment of liver function.\n\n#### Information for Patients\n\nPatients should be advised to measure Promethazine HCl Oral Solution with an accurate measuring \ndevice. A household teaspoon is not an accurate measuring device and could lead to overdosage,\nespecially when a half a teaspoon is measured. A pharmacist can recommend an appropriate \nmeasuring device and can provide instructions for measuring the correct dose.\n\nPromethazine HCl Oral Solution may cause marked drowsiness or impair the mental and/or physical \nabilities required for the performance of potentially hazardous tasks, such as driving a vehicle or operating \nmachinery. The use of alcohol or other central-nervous-system depressants such as sedatives/hypnotics \n(including barbiturates), narcotics, narcotic analgesics, general anesthetics, tricyclic antidepressants, and \ntranquilizers, may enhance impairment (see **WARNINGS-CNS Depression9** and **PRECAUTIONS-Drug \nInteractions).** Pediatric patients should be supervised to avoid potential harm in bike riding or in other \nhazardous activities.\n\nPatients should be advised to report any involuntary muscle movements.\n\nAvoid prolonged exposure to the sun.\n\n#### Drug Interactions CNS Depressants\n\nPromethazine HCl Oral Solution may increase, prolong, or intensify the sedative action of other \ncentral-nervous-system depressants, such as alcohol, sedatives/hypnotics (including barbiturates), \nnarcotics, narcotic analgesics, general anesthetics, tricyclic antidepressants, and tranquilizers; \ntherefore, such agents should be avoided or administered in reduced dosage to patients receiving \nPromethazine HCl. When given concomitantly with Promethazine HCl Oral Solution, the dose of \nbarbiturates should be reduced by at least one-half, and the dose of narcotics should be reduced \nby one-quarter to one-half. Dosage must be individualized. Excessive amounts of Promethazine \nHCl relative to a narcotic may lead to restlessness and motor hyperactivity in the patient with pain; \nthese symptoms usually disappear with adequate control of the pain.\n\n#### Epinephrine\n\nBecause of the potential for Promethazine to reverse epinephrine’s vasopressor effect, epinephrine \nshould NOT be used to treat hypotension associated with Promethazine HCl Oral Solution overdose.\n\n#### Anticholinergics\n\nConcomitant use of other agents with anticholinergic properties should be undertaken with caution.\n\n#### Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI)\n\nDrug interactions, including an increased incidence of extrapyramidal effects, have been reported \nwhen some MAOI and phenothiazines are used concomitantly. This possibility should be considered \nwith Promethazine HCl Oral Solution.\n\n#### Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions\n\nThe following laboratory tests may be affected in patients who are receiving therapy with Promethazine HCl:\n\n#### Pregnancy Tests\n\nDiagnostic pregnancy tests based on immunological reactions between HCG and anti-HCG may \nresult in false-negative or false-positive interpretations.\n\n#### Glucose Tolerance Test\n\nAn increase in blood glucose has been reported in patients receiving Promethazine HCl.\n\n#### Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility\n\nLong-term animal studies have not been performed to assess the carcinogenic potential of Promethazine, \nnor are there other animal or human data concerning carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or impairment of \nfertility with this drug. Promethazine was nonmutagenic in the *Salmonella* test system of Ames.\n\n#### Pregnancy\n\nTeratogenic Effects-Pregnancy Category C\nTeratogenic effects have not been demonstrated in rat-feeding studies at doses of 6.25 and 12.5 \nmg/kg of Promethazine HCl. These doses are from approximately 2.1 to 4.2 times the maximum \nrecommended total daily dose of Promethazine for a 50-kg subject, depending upon the indication \nfor which the drug is prescribed. Daily doses of 25 mg/kg intraperitoneally have been found to \nproduce fetal mortality in rats.\n\nSpecific studies to test the action of the drug on parturition, lactation, and development of the \nanimal neonate were not done, but a general preliminary study in rats indicated no effect on \nthese parameters. Although antihistamines have been found to produce fetal mortality in rodents, \nthe pharmacological effects of histamine in the rodent do not parallel those in man. There are \nno adequate and well-controlled studies of Promethazine HCl Oral Solution in pregnant women.\n\n---\n\n# 7.75”W\n\nPromethazine HCl Oral Solution should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit \njustifies the potential risk to the fetus.\n\n#### Nonteratogenic Effects\n\nPromethazine HCl Oral Solution administered to a pregnant woman within two weeks of delivery \nmay inhibit platelet aggregation in the newborn.\n\n#### Labor and Delivery\n\nPromethazine HCl may be used alone or as an adjunct to narcotic analgesics during labor (see \n**DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).** Limited data suggest that use of Promethazine during labor\nand delivery does not have an appreciable effect on the duration of labor or delivery and does \nnot increase the risk of need for intervention in the newborn. The effect on later growth and \ndevelopment of the newborn is unknown. (See also *Nonteratogenic Effects.*)\n\n#### Nursing Mothers\n\nIt is not known whether Promethazine HCl is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are \nexcreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing \ninfants from Promethazine HCl Oral Solution, a decision should be made whether to discontinue \nnursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.\n\n#### Pediatric Use\n\n**Promethazine HCl Oral Solution are contraindicated for use in pediatric patients less than \ntwo years of age** (see **WARNINGS-Black Box Warning and Use in Pediatric Patients).**\n\nPromethazine HCl Oral Solution should be used with caution in pediatric patients 2 years of age and \nolder (see **WARNINGS-Use in Pediatric Patients).**\n\n#### Geriatric Use\n\nClinical studies of Promethazine formulations did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged \n65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported \nclinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger \npatients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the \nlow end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal or cardiac \nfunction, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.\n\nSedating drugs may cause confusion and over-sedation in the elderly; elderly patients generally \nshould be started on low doses of Promethazine HCl Oral Solution and observed closely.\n\n#### ADVERSE REACTIONS\n\n#### Central Nervous System\n\nDrowsiness is the most prominent CNS effect of this drug. Sedation, somnolence, blurred vision, dizziness; \nconfusion, disorientation, and extrapyramidal symptoms such as oculogyric crisis, torticollis, and tongue \nprotrusion; lassitude, tinnitus, incoordination, fatigue, euphoria, nervousness, diplopia, insomnia, tremors, \nconvulsive seizures, excitation, catatonic-like states, hysteria. Hallucinations have also been reported.\n\n**Cardiovascular**-Increased or decreased blood pressure, tachycardia, bradycardia, faintness.\n\n**Dermatologic**-Dermatitis, photosensitivity, urticaria.\n\n**Hematologic**-Leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, thrombocytopenic purpura, agranulocytosis.\n\n**Gastrointestinal**-Dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, jaundice.\n\n**Respiratory**-Asthma, nasal stuffiness, respiratory depression (potentially fatal) and apnea (potentially \nfatal). (See **WARNINGS-Respiratory Depression.**)\n\n**Other**-Angioneurotic edema. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (potentially fatal) has also been\nreported. (See **WARNINGS-Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome.**)\n\n#### Paradoxical Reactions\n\nHyperexcitability and abnormal movements have been reported in patients following a single \nadministration of Promethazine HCl. Consideration should be given to the discontinuation of Promethazine \nHCl and to the use of other drugs if these reactions occur. Respiratory depression, nightmares, delirium, \nand agitated behavior have also been reported in some of these patients.\n\n#### OVERDOSAGE\n\nSigns and symptoms of overdosage with Promethazine HCl range from mild depression of the central nervous \nsystem and cardiovascular system to profound hypotension, respiratory depression, unconsciousness, and \nsudden death. Other reported reactions include hyperreflexia, hypertonia, ataxia, athetosis, and extensorplantar reflexes (Babinski reflex).\n\nStimulation may be evident, especially in children and geriatric patients. Convulsions may rarely \noccur. A paradoxical-type reaction has been reported in children receiving single doses of 75 mg to \n125 mg orally, characterized by hyperexcitability and nightmares.\n\nAtropine-like signs and symptoms-dry mouth, fixed, dilated pupils, flushing, as well as gastrointestinal \nsymptoms-may occur.\n\n#### Treatment\n\nTreatment of overdosage is essentially symptomatic and supportive. Only in cases of extreme overdosage \nor individual sensitivity do vital signs, including respiration, pulse, blood pressure, temperature, and \nEKG, need to be monitored. Activated charcoal orally or by lavage may be given, or sodium or \nmagnesium sulfate orally as a cathartic. Attention should be given to the reestablishment of \nadequate respiratory exchange through provision of a patent airway and institution of assisted \nor controlled ventilation. Diazepam may be used to control convulsions. Acidosis and electrolyte \nlosses should be corrected. Note that any depressant effects of Promethazine HCl are not reversed \nby naloxone. Avoid analeptics which may cause convulsions.\n\nThe treatment of choice for resulting hypotension is administration of intravenous fluids, accompanied \nby repositioning if indicated. In the event that vasopressors are considered for the management of \nsevere hypotension which does not respond to intravenous fluids and repositioning, the administration \nof norepinephrine or phenylephrine should be considered. EPINEPHRINE SHOULD NOT BE USED, since \nits use in patients with partial adrenergic blockade may further lower the blood pressure. Extrapyramidal \nreactions may be treated with anticholinergic antiparkinsonian agents, diphenhydramine, or barbiturates. \nOxygen may also be administered.\n\nLimited experience with dialysis indicates that it is not helpful.\n\n#### DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION\n\n*It is important that Promethazine HCl Oral Solution is measured with an accurate measuring device* \n(see **PRECAUTIONS-Information for Patients).** A household teaspoon is not an accurate measuring \ndevice and could lead to overdosage, especially when half a teaspoon is to be measured. It is strongly \nrecommended that an accurate measuring device be used. A pharmacist can provide an appropriate \ndevice and can provide instructions for measuring the correct dose.\n\n**Promethazine HCl Oral Solution is contraindicated for children under 2 years of age** (see\n**WARNINGS-Black Box Warning and Use in Pediatric Patients).**\n\n#### Allergy\n\nThe average oral dose is 25 mg taken before retiring; however, 12.5 mg may be taken before meals \nand on retiring, if necessary. Single 25-mg doses at bedtime or 6.25 to 12.5 mg taken three times daily \nwill usually suffice. After initiation of treatment in children or adults, dosage should be adjusted to the \nsmallest amount adequate to relieve symptoms. The administration of Promethazine HCl in 25-mg doses \nwill control minor transfusion reactions of an allergic nature.\n\nThe average effective dose of Promethazine for the active therapy of nausea and vomiting in \nchildren or adults is 25 mg. When oral medication cannot be tolerated, the dose should be given \nparenterally (cf. Promethazine Injection) or by rectal suppository. 12.5- to 25-mg doses may be \nrepeated, as necessary, at 4- to 6-hour intervals.\n\n#### Motion Sickness\n\nThe average adult dose is 25 mg taken twice daily. The initial dose should be taken one-half to one hour \nbefore anticipated travel and be repeated 8 to 12 hours later, if necessary. On succeeding days of travel, \nit is recommended that 25 mg be given on arising and again before the evening meal. For children, \nPromethazine HCl Oral Solution, 12.5 to 25 mg, twice daily, may be administered.\n\nFor nausea and vomiting in children, the usual dose is 0.5 mg per pound of body weight, and the \ndose should be adjusted to the age and weight of the patient and the severity of the condition \nbeing treated.\n\nFor prophylaxis of nausea and vomiting, as during surgery and the postoperative period, the average dose \nis 25 mg repeated at 4- to 6-hour intervals, as necessary.\n\n#### Nausea and Vomiting\n\nAntiemetics should not be used in vomiting of unknown etiology in children and adolescents (see \n**WARNINGS-Use in Pediatric Patients).**\n\n#### Sedation\n\nThis product relieves apprehension and induces a quiet sleep from which the patient can be easily \naroused. Administration of 12.5 to 25 mg Promethazine by the oral route will provide sedation in \nchildren. Adults usually require 25 to 50 mg for nighttime, presurgical, or obstetrical sedation.\n\n#### Pre- and Postoperative Use\n\nPromethazine in 12.5- to 25-mg doses for children and 50-mg doses for adults the night before \nsurgery relieves apprehension and produces a quiet sleep.\n\nFor preoperative medication, children require doses of 0.5 mg per pound of body weight in combination \nwith an appropriately reduced dose of narcotic or barbiturate and the appropriate dose of an \natropine-like drug. Usual adult dosage is 50 mg Promethazine with an appropriately reduced dose \nof narcotic or barbiturate and the required amount of a belladonna alkaloid.\n\nPostoperative sedation and adjunctive use with analgesics may be obtained by the administration \nof 12.5 to 25 mg in children and 25- to 50-mg doses in adults.\n\nPromethazine HCl Oral Solution is contraindicated for children under 2 years of age.\n\n#### HOW SUPPLIED\n\nPromethazine HCl Oral Solution, USP 25 mg/5 mL is a clear, green colored solution available in \nPET plastic bottles as follows:\n\n4 fl oz 4 fl oz (118 mL) NDC 70752-317-06\n8 fl oz (237 mL) NDC 70752-317-15\n\n16 fl oz (473 mL) NDC-70752-317-12\n\n#### STORAGE AND HANDLING\n\n#### Keep tightly closed.\n\n**Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature] Protect from \nlight. Dispense in light-resistant, tight container.**\n\n#### Manufactured by:\n\n**Quagen Pharmaceuticals LLC**\nWest Caldwell, NJ 07006\n\nRev. 10/26\n\n**Width: 7.75”**\n**Length: 11.0”**\n**Fold: 2.75” × 3.875”**\n\nOral Solution, USP 25 mg/5 mL\nPromethazine Hydrochloride\n52014\n\n**52014**\n**Promethazine Hydrochloride** \n**Oral Solution, USP 25 mg/5 mL**\n\n**6.375”**\n\n3/31/26   1:23\u202fPM 3/31/26   1:23\u202fPM\n\n**3.625”**', 'pages': None, 'truncated': False, 'extraction': 'firecrawl-public-document-markdown', 'request_id': 'cd3719c2-d178-4e96-baf4-40d4c8388133', 'source_url': 'https://downloads.regulations.gov/FDA-2026-P-12278-0006/content.pdf', 'observed_at': '2026-10-12T09:21:41.538907+00:00', 'content_hash': '3a3b55d322c37def1dcdcff0b7ffa5260f5b81e695c12ccbe5a616aad15f1feb'}, 'title': 'pdf'}]}

    Collection history starts with our observations; it is not complete legislative amendment history.

    Source selection: autonomous systems. Observed 2026-10-13T01:29:06.434968+00:00.

    Read original source ↗

    Supporting & Related Material Federal · FDA

    Attachment 2 - RLD Outsert

    Source ID: FDA-2026-P-12278-0005 · Posted: 2026-10-09

    Source document type: Supporting & Related Material

    Read docket FDA-2026-P-12278 and supporting material ↗

    Source details and legislative history

    Detail checked 2026-10-13T01:29:06.434968+00:00.

      • pdf
        Collected source text excerpt

        Observed 2026-10-12T09:21:39.125467+00:00.

        **This label may not be the latest approved by FDA.**
        **For current labeling information, please visit https://www.fda.gov/drugsatfda**

        **PROMETHAZINE HCL PLAIN ORAL SOLUTION - promethazine hcl solution**

        ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

        ----------

        Barcode = 7489

        Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution

        Rx Only

        ## Rx Only

        ## DESCRIPTION

        Each teaspoon (5 mL) of Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution contains 6.25 mg promethazine HCl in a flavored syrup base with a

        pH between 4.7 and 5.2. Alcohol 7%. The inactive ingredients present are artificial and natural flavors, citric acid, D&C Red 33, D&C

        Yellow 10, FD&C Blue 1, FD&C Yellow 6, glycerin, saccharin sodium, sodium benzoate, sodium citrate, sodium propionate, water,

        and other ingredients.

        Promethazine HCl is a racemic compound; the empirical formula is C17H20N2S•HCl and its molecular weight is 320.88.

        $$
        \mathrm{C_{17}H_{20}N_{2}S\bullet HCl}
        $$

        Promethazine HCl, a phenothiazine derivative, is designated chemically as 10H-Phenothiazine-10-ethanamine, *N,N,* α-trimethyl-,

        monohydrochloride, (±)- with the following structural formula:

        $ \cdot $ HO $ \mathrm{C H_{2} C H(CH_{3}) N(CH_{3})_{2}} $

        Promethazine HCl occurs as a white to faint yellow, practically odorless, crystalline powder which slowly oxidizes and turns blue on
        prolonged exposure to air. It is freely soluble in water and soluble in alcohol.

        ## CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

        Promethazine is a phenothiazine derivative which differs structurally from the antipsychotic phenothiazines by the presence of a
        branched side chain and no ring substitution. It is thought that this configuration is responsible for its relative lack (1/10 that of
        chlorpromazine) of dopamine antagonist properties.

        Promethazine is an H1 receptor blocking agent. In addition to its antihistaminic action, it provides clinically useful sedative and
        antiemetic effects.

        $$
        \mathrm{H}_{1}
        $$

        Promethazine is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Clinical effects are apparent within 20 minutes after oral administration
        and generally last four to six hours, although they may persist as long as 12 hours. Promethazine is metabolized by the liver to a
        variety of compounds; the sulfoxides of promethazine and N-demethylpromethazine are the predominant metabolites appearing in the
        urine.

        ## INDICATIONS AND USAGE

        Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution is useful for:

        Perennial and seasonal allergic rhinitis.

        Vasomotor rhinitis.

        Allergic conjunctivitis due to inhalant allergens and foods.

        Mild, uncomplicated allergic skin manifestations of urticaria and angioedema.

        Amelioration of allergic reactions to blood or plasma.

        Dermographism.

        Anaphylactic reactions, as adjunctive therapy to epinephrine and other standard measures, after the acute manifestations have been

        controlled.

        Preoperative, postoperative, or obstetric sedation.

        Prevention and control of nausea and vomiting associated with certain types of anesthesia and surgery.

        Therapy adjunctive to meperidine or other analgesics for control of post-operative pain.

        Sedation in both children and adults, as well as relief of apprehension and production of light sleep from which the patient can be

        easily aroused.

        Active and prophylactic treatment of motion sickness.

        Antiemetic therapy in postoperative patients.

        ## CONTRAINDICATIONS

        Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution is contraindicated for use in pediatric patients less than two years of age.

        ---

        **This label may not be the latest approved by FDA.**
        **For current labeling information, please visit https://www.fda.gov/drugsatfda**

        Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution is contraindicated in comatose states, and in individuals known to be hypersensitive or to have

        had an idiosyncratic reaction to promethazine or to other phenothiazines.

        Antihistamines are contraindicated for use in the treatment of lower respiratory tract symptoms including asthma.

        ## WARNINGS

        | Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution should not be used in pediatric patients less than 2 years of age because of the potential for fatal respiratory depression. Postmarketing cases of respiratory depression, including fatalities, have been reported with use of promethazine in pediatric patients less than 2 years of age. A wide range of weight-based doses of promethazine have resulted in respiratory depression in these patients. Caution should be exercised when administering promethazine to pediatric patients 2 years of age and older. It is recommended that the lowest effective dose of promethazine be used in pediatric patients 2 years of age and older and concomitant administration of other drugs with respiratory depressant effects be avoided. |
        | --- |

        ## CNS Depression

        Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution may impair the mental and/or physical abilities required for the performance of potentially
        hazardous tasks, such as driving a vehicle or operating machinery. The impairment may be amplified by concomitant use of other
        central-nervous-system depressants such as alcohol, sedatives/hypnotics (including barbiturates), narcotics, narcotic analgesics,
        general anesthetics, tricyclic antidepressants, and tranquilizers; therefore such agents should either be eliminated or given in reduced
        dosage in the presence of promethazine HCl (**seePRECAUTIONS – Information for Patients andDrug Interactions).**

        ## Respiratory Depression

        Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution may lead to potentially fatal respiratory depression.

        Use of Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution in patients with compromised respiratory function (e.g. COPD, sleep apnea) should be

        avoided.

        ## Lower Seizure Threshold

        Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution may lower seizure threshold. It should be used with caution in persons with seizure disorders or
        in persons who are using concomitant medications, such as narcotics or local anesthetics, which may also affect seizure threshold.

        ## Bone-Marrow Depression

        Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution should be used with caution in patients with bone-marrow depression. Leukopenia and
        agranulocytosis have been reported, usually when Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution has been used in association with other
        known marrow-toxic agents.

        ## Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

        A potentially fatal symptom complex sometimes referred to as Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) has been reported
        in association with promethazine HCl alone or in combination with antipsychotic drugs. Clinical manifestations of NMS are
        hyperpyrexia, muscle rigidity, altered mental status and evidence of autonomic instability (irregular pulse or blood pressure,
        tachycardia, diaphoresis and cardiac dysrhythmias).

        The diagnostic evaluation of patients with this syndrome is complicated. In arriving at a diagnosis, it is important to identify cases
        where the clinical presentation includes both serious medical illness (e.g., pneumonia, systemic infection, etc.) and untreated or
        inadequately treated extrapyramidal signs and symptoms (EPS). Other important considerations in the differential diagnosis include
        central anticholinergic toxicity, heat stroke, drug fever and primary central nervous system (CNS) pathology.

        The management of NMS should include 1) immediate discontinuation of promethazine HCl, antipsychotic drugs, if any, and other
        drugs not essential to concurrent therapy, 2) intensive symptomatic treatment and medical monitoring, and 3) treatment of any
        concomitant serious medical problems for which specific treatments are available. There is no general agreement about specific
        pharmacological treatment regimens for uncomplicated NMS.

        Since recurrences of NMS have been reported with phenothiazines, the reintroduction of promethazine HCl should be carefully
        considered.

        ## Use in Pediatric Patients

        **Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution is contraindicated for use in pediatric patients less than two years of age.**

        ---

        **This label may not be the latest approved by FDA.**
        **For current labe…

      Observed changes

      Oct. 13, 2026, 1:30 a.m.: attachments changed since Oct. 12, 2026, 9:21 a.m..

      {'attachments': [{'url': 'https://downloads.regulations.gov/FDA-2026-P-12278-0005/content.pdf', 'body': {'text': '**This label may not be the latest approved by FDA.**  \n**For current labeling information, please visit https://www.fda.gov/drugsatfda**\n\n**PROMETHAZINE HCL PLAIN ORAL SOLUTION - promethazine hcl solution**\n\nANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc.\n\n----------\n\nBarcode = 7489\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution\n\nRx Only\n\n## Rx Only\n\n## DESCRIPTION\n\nEach teaspoon (5 mL) of Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution contains 6.25 mg promethazine HCl in a flavored syrup base with a\n \npH between 4.7 and 5.2. Alcohol 7%. The inactive ingredients present are artificial and natural flavors, citric acid, D&C Red 33, D&C\n \nYellow 10, FD&C Blue 1, FD&C Yellow 6, glycerin, saccharin sodium, sodium benzoate, sodium citrate, sodium propionate, water,\n \nand other ingredients.\n\nPromethazine HCl is a racemic compound; the empirical formula is C17H20N2S•HCl and its molecular weight is 320.88.\n\n$$\n\\mathrm{C_{17}H_{20}N_{2}S\\bullet HCl}\n$$\n\nPromethazine HCl, a phenothiazine derivative, is designated chemically as 10H-Phenothiazine-10-ethanamine, *N,N,* α-trimethyl-,\n \nmonohydrochloride, (±)- with the following structural formula:\n\n$ \\cdot $ HO $ \\mathrm{C H_{2} C H(CH_{3}) N(CH_{3})_{2}} $\n\nPromethazine HCl occurs as a white to faint yellow, practically odorless, crystalline powder which slowly oxidizes and turns blue on \nprolonged exposure to air. It is freely soluble in water and soluble in alcohol.\n\n## CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY\n\nPromethazine is a phenothiazine derivative which differs structurally from the antipsychotic phenothiazines by the presence of a \nbranched side chain and no ring substitution. It is thought that this configuration is responsible for its relative lack (1/10 that of \nchlorpromazine) of dopamine antagonist properties.\n\nPromethazine is an H1 receptor blocking agent. In addition to its antihistaminic action, it provides clinically useful sedative and \nantiemetic effects.\n\n$$\n\\mathrm{H}_{1}\n$$\n\nPromethazine is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Clinical effects are apparent within 20 minutes after oral administration \nand generally last four to six hours, although they may persist as long as 12 hours. Promethazine is metabolized by the liver to a \nvariety of compounds; the sulfoxides of promethazine and N-demethylpromethazine are the predominant metabolites appearing in the \nurine.\n\n## INDICATIONS AND USAGE\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution is useful for:\n\nPerennial and seasonal allergic rhinitis.\n\nVasomotor rhinitis.\n\nAllergic conjunctivitis due to inhalant allergens and foods.\n\nMild, uncomplicated allergic skin manifestations of urticaria and angioedema.\n\nAmelioration of allergic reactions to blood or plasma.\n\nDermographism.\n\nAnaphylactic reactions, as adjunctive therapy to epinephrine and other standard measures, after the acute manifestations have been\n \ncontrolled.\n\nPreoperative, postoperative, or obstetric sedation.\n\nPrevention and control of nausea and vomiting associated with certain types of anesthesia and surgery.\n\nTherapy adjunctive to meperidine or other analgesics for control of post-operative pain.\n\nSedation in both children and adults, as well as relief of apprehension and production of light sleep from which the patient can be\n \neasily aroused.\n\nActive and prophylactic treatment of motion sickness.\n\nAntiemetic therapy in postoperative patients.\n\n## CONTRAINDICATIONS\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution is contraindicated for use in pediatric patients less than two years of age.\n\n---\n\n**This label may not be the latest approved by FDA.**  \n**For current labeling information, please visit https://www.fda.gov/drugsatfda**\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution is contraindicated in comatose states, and in individuals known to be hypersensitive or to have\n \nhad an idiosyncratic reaction to promethazine or to other phenothiazines.\n\nAntihistamines are contraindicated for use in the treatment of lower respiratory tract symptoms including asthma.\n\n## WARNINGS\n\n| Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution should not be used in pediatric patients less than 2 years of age because of the potential for fatal respiratory depression. Postmarketing cases of respiratory depression, including fatalities, have been reported with use of promethazine in pediatric patients less than 2 years of age. A wide range of weight-based doses of promethazine have resulted in respiratory depression in these patients. Caution should be exercised when administering promethazine to pediatric patients 2 years of age and older. It is recommended that the lowest effective dose of promethazine be used in pediatric patients 2 years of age and older and concomitant administration of other drugs with respiratory depressant effects be avoided. |\n| --- |\n\n## CNS Depression\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution may impair the mental and/or physical abilities required for the performance of potentially \nhazardous tasks, such as driving a vehicle or operating machinery. The impairment may be amplified by concomitant use of other \ncentral-nervous-system depressants such as alcohol, sedatives/hypnotics (including barbiturates), narcotics, narcotic analgesics, \ngeneral anesthetics, tricyclic antidepressants, and tranquilizers; therefore such agents should either be eliminated or given in reduced \ndosage in the presence of promethazine HCl (**seePRECAUTIONS – Information for Patients andDrug Interactions).**\n\n## Respiratory Depression\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution may lead to potentially fatal respiratory depression.\n\nUse of Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution in patients with compromised respiratory function (e.g. COPD, sleep apnea) should be\n \navoided.\n\n## Lower Seizure Threshold\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution may lower seizure threshold. It should be used with caution in persons with seizure disorders or \nin persons who are using concomitant medications, such as narcotics or local anesthetics, which may also affect seizure threshold.\n\n## Bone-Marrow Depression\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution should be used with caution in patients with bone-marrow depression. Leukopenia and \nagranulocytosis have been reported, usually when Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution has been used in association with other \nknown marrow-toxic agents.\n\n## Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome\n\nA potentially fatal symptom complex sometimes referred to as Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) has been reported \nin association with promethazine HCl alone or in combination with antipsychotic drugs. Clinical manifestations of NMS are \nhyperpyrexia, muscle rigidity, altered mental status and evidence of autonomic instability (irregular pulse or blood pressure, \ntachycardia, diaphoresis and cardiac dysrhythmias).\n\nThe diagnostic evaluation of patients with this syndrome is complicated. In arriving at a diagnosis, it is important to identify cases \nwhere the clinical presentation includes both serious medical illness (e.g., pneumonia, systemic infection, etc.) and untreated or \ninadequately treated extrapyramidal signs and symptoms (EPS). Other important considerations in the differential diagnosis include \ncentral anticholinergic toxicity, heat stroke, drug fever and primary central nervous system (CNS) pathology.\n\nThe management of NMS should include 1) immediate discontinuation of promethazine HCl, antipsychotic drugs, if any, and other \ndrugs not essential to concurrent therapy, 2) intensive symptomatic treatment and medical monitoring, and 3) treatment of any \nconcomitant serious medical problems for which specific treatments are available. There is no general agreement about specific \npharmacological treatment regimens for uncomplicated NMS.\n\nSince recurrences of NMS have been reported with phenothiazines, the reintroduction of promethazine HCl should be carefully \nconsidered.\n\n## Use in Pediatric Patients\n\n**Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution is contraindicated for use in pediatric patients less than two years of age.**\n\n---\n\n**This label may not be the latest approved by FDA.**  \n**For current labeling information, please visit https://www.fda.gov/drugsatfda**\n\n**Caution should be exercised when administering Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution to pediatric patients 2 years of age \nand older because of the potential for fatal respiratory depression. Respiratory depression and apnea, sometimes associated \nwith death, are strongly associated with promethazine products and are not directly related to individualized weight-based \ndosing, which might otherwise permit safe administration. Concomitant administration of promethazine products with other \nrespiratory depressants has an association with respiratory depression, and sometimes death, in pediatric patients.**\n\n**Antiemetics are not recommended for treatment of uncomplicated vomiting in pediatric patients, and their use should be \nlimited to prolonged vomiting of known etiology. The extrapyramidal symptoms which can occur secondary to Promethazine** \n**HCl Plain Oral Solution administration may be confused with the CNS signs of undiagnosed primary disease, e.g.,**\n\n**encephalopathy or Reye’s syndrome. The use of Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution should be avoided in pediatric patients \nwhose signs and symptoms may suggest Reye’s syndrome or other hepatic diseases.**\n\nExcessively large dosages of antihistamines, including Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution, in pediatric patients may cause sudden \ndeath (**seeOVERDOSAGE).** Hallucinations and convulsions have occurred with therapeutic doses and overdoses of Promethazine \nHCl Plain Oral Solution in pediatric patients. In pediatric patients who are acutely ill associated with dehydration, there is an increased \nsusceptibility to dystonias with the use of promethazine HCl.\n\n## Other Considerations\n\nAdministration of promethazine HCl has been associated with reported cholestatic jaundice.\n\n## PRECAUTIONS\n\n## General\n\nDrugs having anticholinergic properties should be used with caution in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma, prostatic hypertrophy,\n \nstenosing peptic ulcer, pyloroduodenal obstruction, and bladder-neck obstruction.\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution should be used cautiously in persons with cardiovascular disease or with impairment of liver\n \nfunction.\n\n## Information for Patients\n\nPatients should be advised to measure Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution with an accurate measuring device. A household\n \nteaspoon is not an accurate measuring device and could lead to overdosage, especially when a half a teaspoon is measured. A\n \npharmacist can recommend an appropriate measuring device and can provide instructions for measuring the correct dose.\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution may cause marked drowsiness or impair the mental and/or physical abilities required for the\n \nperformance of potentially hazardous tasks, such as driving a vehicle or operating machinery. Ambulatory patients should be told\n \nto avoid engaging in such activities until it is known that they do not become drowsy or dizzy from promethazine therapy. Pediatric\n \npatients should be supervised to avoid potential harm in bike riding or in other hazardous activities.\n\nThe concomitant use of alcohol or other central-nervous-system depressants, such as sedatives/hypnotics (including barbiturates),\n \nnarcotics, narcotic analgesics, general anesthetics, tricyclic antidepressants, and tranquilizers may enhance impairment\n\n(**seeWARNINGS-CNS Depression andPRECAUTIONS–Drug Interactions).**\n\nPatients should be advised to report any involuntary muscle movements.\n\nAvoid prolonged exposure to the sun.\n\n## Drug Interactions\n\n*CNS Depressants* – Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution may increase, prolong, or intensify the sedative action of other central\nnervous-system depressants such as alcohol, sedatives/hypnotics (including barbiturates), narcotics, narcotic analgesics, general \nanesthetics, tricyclic antidepressants, and tranquilizers; therefore, such agents should be avoided or administered in reduced dosage to \npatients receiving promethazine HCl. When given concomitantly with Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution, the dose of barbiturates \nshould be reduced by at least one-half, and the dose of narcotics should be reduced by one-quarter to one-half. Dosage must be \nindividualized. Excessive amounts of promethazine HCl relative to a narcotic may lead to restlessness and motor hyperactivity in the \npatient with pain; these symptoms usually disappear with adequate control of the pain.\n\n*Epinephrine* – Because of the potential for Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution to reverse epinephrine’s vasopressor effect, \nepinephrine should NOT be used to treat hypotension associated with Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution overdose.\n\n*Anticholinergics* – Concomitant use of other agents with anticholinergic properties should be undertaken with caution.\n\n*Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI)* – Drug interactions, including an increased incidence of extrapyramidal effects, have been \nreported when some MAOI and phenothiazines are used concomitantly. This possibility should be considered with Promethazine HCl \nPlain Oral Solution.\n\n## Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions\n\nThe following laboratory tests may be affected in patients who are receiving therapy with promethazine HCl: \n*Pregnancy Tests*\n\nDiagnostic pregnancy tests based on immunological reactions between HCG and anti-HCG may result in false-negative or falsepositive interpretations.\n\n*Glucose Tolerance Test*\n\n---\n\n**This label may not be the latest approved by FDA.**  \n**For current labeling information, please visit https://www.fda.gov/drugsatfda**\n\nAn increase in blood glucose has been reported in patients receiving promethazine HCl.\n\n## Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility\n\nLong-term animal studies have not been performed to assess the carcinogenic potential of promethazine, nor are there other animal or \nhuman data concerning carginogenicity, mutagenicity, or impairment of fertility with this drug. Promethazine was nonmutagenic in \nthe *Salmonella* test system of Ames.\n\n## Pregnancy\n\n## Teratogenic Effects-Pregnancy Category C\n\nTeratogenic effects have not been demonstrated in rat-feeding studies at doses of 6.25 and 12.5 mg/kg of promethazine HCl. These \ndoses are from approximately 2.1 to 4.2 times the maximum recommended total daily dose of promethazine for a 50-kg subject, \ndepending upon the indication for which the drug is prescribed. Daily doses of 25 mg/kg intraperitoneally have been found to produce \nfetal mortality in rats.\n\nSpecific studies to test the action of the drug on parturition, lactation, and development of the animal neonate were not done, but a \ngeneral preliminary study in rats indicated no effect on these parameters. Although antihistamines have been found to produce fetal \nmortality in rodents, the pharmacological effects of histamine in the rodent do not parallel those in man. There are no adequate and \nwell-controlled studies of Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution in pregnant women.\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the \nfetus.\n\n## Nonteratogenic Effects\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution administered to a pregnant woman within two weeks of delivery may inhibit platelet \naggregation in the newborn.\n\n## Labor and Delivery\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution may be used alone or as an adjunct to narcotic analgesics during labor (**seeDOSAGE AND \nADMINISTRATION).** Limited data suggest that use of Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution during labor and delivery does not \nhave an appreciable effect on the duration of labor or delivery and does not increase the risk of need for intervention in the newborn. \nThe effect on later growth and development of the newborn is unknown. (See *alsoNonteratogenic Effects.*)\n\n## Nursing Mothers\n\nIt is not known whether promethazine HCl is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because \nof the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution, a decision should be made \nwhether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.\n\n## Pediatric Use\n\n**Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution is contraindicated for use in pediatric patients less than two years of age** (see \n**WARNINGS –Boxed Warning** and **Use in Pediatric Patients).**\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution should be used with caution in pediatric patients 2 years of age and older (see **WARNINGS-\nUse in Pediatric Patients).**\n\n## Geriatric Use\n\nClinical studies of promethazine formulations did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether\n \nthey respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between\n \nthe elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of\n \nthe dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other\n \ndrug therapy.\n\nSedating drugs may cause confusion and over-sedation in the elderly; elderly patients generally should be started on low doses of\n \nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution and observed closely.\n\n## ADVERSE REACTIONS\n\n**Central Nervous System** – Drowsiness is the most prominent CNS effect of this drug. Sedation, somnolence, blurred vision,\n \ndizziness, confusion, disorientation, and extrapyramidal symptoms such as oculogyric crisis, torticollis, and tongue protrusion;\n \nlassitude, tinnitus, incoordination, fatigue, euphoria, nervousness, diplopia, insomnia, tremors, convulsive seizures, excitation,\n \ncatatonic-like states, hysteria. Hallucinations have also been reported.\n\n**Cardiovascular** – Increased or decreased blood pressure, tachycardia, bradycardia, faintness.\n\n**Dermatologic** – Dermatitis, photosensitivity, urticaria.\n\n**Hematologic** – Leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, thrombocytopenic purpura, agranulocytosis.\n\n---\n\n**This label may not be the latest approved by FDA.**  \n**For current labeling information, please visit https://www.fda.gov/drugsatfda**\n\n**Gastrointestinal** – Dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, jaundice.\n\n**Respiratory** – Asthma, nasal stuffiness, respiratory depression (potentially fatal) and apnea (potentially fatal). **(SeeWARNINGS-**\n\n**Respiratory Depression.)**\n\n**Other** – Angioneurotic edema. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (potentially fatal) has also been reported. **(SeeWARNINGS-**\n\n**Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome.)**\n\n## Paradoxical Reactions\n\nHyperexcitability and abnormal movements have been reported in patients following a single administration of promethazine HCl. \nConsideration should be given to the discontinuation of promethazine HCl and to the use of other drugs if these reactions occur. \nRespiratory depression, nightmares, delirium, and agitated behavior have also been reported in some of these patients.\n\n## OVERDOSAGE\n\nSigns and symptoms of overdosage with promethazine HCl range from mild depression of the central nervous system and\n \ncardiovascular system to profound hypotension, respiratory depression, unconsciousness, and sudden death. Other reported reactions\n \ninclude hyperreflexia, hypertonia, ataxia, athetosis, and extensor-plantar reflexes (Babinski reflex).\n\nStimulation may be evident, especially in children and geriatric patients. Convulsions may rarely occur. A paradoxical-type reaction\n \nhas been reported in children receiving single doses of 75 mg to 125 mg orally, characterized by hyperexcitability and nightmares.\n \nAtropine-like signs and symptoms – dry mouth, fixed, dilated pupils, flushing, as well as gastrointestinal symptoms - may occur.\n\n## Treatment\n\nTreatment of overdosage is essentially symptomatic and supportive. Only in cases of extreme overdosage or individual sensitivity \ndo vital signs, including respiration, pulse, blood pressure, temperature, and EKG, need to be monitored. Activated charcoal orally \nor by lavage may be given, or sodium or magnesium sulfate orally as a cathartic. Attention should be given to the reestablishment of \nadequate respiratory exchange through provision of a patent airway and institution of assisted or controlled ventilation. Diazepam may \nbe used to control convulsions. Acidosis and electrolyte losses should be corrected. Note that any depressant effects of promethazine \nHCl are not reversed by naloxone. Avoid analeptics which may cause convulsions.\n\nThe treatment of choice for resulting hypotension is administration of intravenous fluids, accompanied by repositioning if indicated. \nIn the event that vasopressors are considered for the management of severe hypotension which does not respond to intravenous fluids \nand repositioning, the administration of norepinephrine or phenylephrine should be considered. EPINEPHRINE SHOULD NOT BE \nUSED, since its use in patients with partial adrenergic blockade may further lower the blood pressure. Extrapyramidal reactions may \nbe treated with anticholinergic antiparkinson agents, diphenhydramine, or barbiturates. Oxygen may also be administered. \nLimited experience with dialysis indicates that it is not helpful.\n\n## DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION\n\n*It is important that Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution is measured with an accurate measuring device* (**seePRECAUTIONS**-\n\n**Information for Patients).** A household teaspoon is not an accurate measuring device and could lead to overdosage, especially when \nhalf a teaspoon is to be measured. It is strongly recommended that an accurate measuring device be used. A pharmacist can provide an \nappropriate device and can provide instructions for measuring the correct dose.\n\n**Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution is contraindicated for children under 2 years of age** (see **WARNINGS – Boxed \nWarning andUse in Pediatric Patients).**\n\n## Allergy\n\nThe average oral dose is 25 mg taken before retiring; however, 12.5 mg may be taken before meals and on retiring, if necessary.\n \nSingle 25 mg doses at bedtime or 6.25 to 12.5 mg taken three times daily will usually suffice.\n\nAfter initiation of treatment in children or adults, dosage should be adjusted to the smallest amount adequate to relieve symptoms.\n \nThe administration of promethazine HCl in 25 mg doses will control minor transfusion reactions of an allergic nature.\n\n## Motion Sickness\n\nThe average adult dose is 25 mg taken twice daily. The initial dose should be taken one-half to one hour before anticipated travel and \nbe repeated 8 to 12 hours later, if necessary. On succeeding days of travel, it is recommended that 25 mg be taken on arising and again \nbefore the evening meal. For children, 12.5 to 25 mg, twice daily, may be administered.\n\n## Nausea and Vomiting\n\nAntiemetics should not be used in vomiting of unknown etiology in children and adolescents (**seeWARNINGS-Use in Pediatric \nPatients).**\n\nThe average effective dose of Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution for the active therapy of nausea and vomiting in children or \nadults is 25 mg. When oral medication cannot be tolerated, the dose should be given parenterally (cf. Promethazine Hydrochloride \nInjection) or by rectal suppository. 12.5 to 25 mg doses may be repeated, as necessary, at 4 to 6 hour intervals.\n\nFor nausea and vomiting in children, the usual dose is 0.5 mg per pound of body weight, and the dose should be adjusted to the age \nand weight of the patient and the severity of the condition being treated.\n\n---\n\n**This label may not be the latest approved by FDA.**  \n**For current labeling information, please visit https://www.fda.gov/drugsatfda**\n\nFor prophylaxis of nausea and vomiting, as during surgery and the postoperative period, the average dose is 25 mg repeated at 4 to 6 \nhour intervals, as necessary.\n\n## Sedation\n\nThis product relieves apprehension and induces a quiet sleep from which the patient can be easily aroused. Administration of 12.5 to \n25 mg Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution by the oral route at bedtime will provide sedation in children. Adults usually require 25 \nto 50 mg for nighttime, presurgical, or obstetrical sedation.\n\n## Pre- and Postoperative Use\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution in 12.5 to 25 mg doses for children and 50 mg doses for adults the night before surgery relieves\n \napprehension and produces a quiet sleep.\n\nFor preoperative medication children require doses of 0.5 mg per pound of body weight in combination with an appropriately reduced\n \ndose of narcotic or barbiturate and the appropriate dose of an atropine-like drug.\n\nUsual adult dosage is 50 mg Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution with an appropriately reduced dose of narcotic or barbiturate and\n \nthe required amount of a belladonna alkaloid.\n\nPostoperative sedation and adjunctive use with analgesics may be obtained by the administration of 12.5 to 25 mg in children and 25\n \nto 50 mg doses in adults.\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution is contraindicated for children under 2 years of age.\n\n## HOW SUPPLIED\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution is a clear, green solution supplied as follows:\n\nNDC 42769-7481-4 – bottle of 4 fl. oz. (118 mL)\n\nNDC 42769-7481-6 – bottle of 16 fl. oz. (473 mL)\n\n**Keep bottles tightly closed.**\n\n**Store at 20º to 25ºC (68º to 77ºF) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature.]**\n\n**Protect from light.**\n\n**Dispense in tight, light-resistant container (USP/NF) with a child-resistant closure.**\n\n## BayPharma\n\nManufactured for\n\nBayPharmaTM, Inc.\n\nBaltimore, MD 21244\n\n501-74816-0\n\nRev 05/08', 'pages': None, 'truncated': False, 'extraction': 'firecrawl-public-document-markdown', 'request_id': 'e1ba4627-af58-41e4-8d08-ce6544228b59', 'source_url': 'https://downloads.regulations.gov/FDA-2026-P-12278-0005/content.pdf', 'observed_at': '2026-10-12T09:21:39.125467+00:00', 'content_hash': '5471b241264da11a9da88d775720c6ea47be678c50849ebd981de9a41dc0e50b'}, 'title': 'pdf', 'check_failed': False}]}
      {'attachments': [{'url': 'https://downloads.regulations.gov/FDA-2026-P-12278-0005/content.pdf', 'body': {'text': '**This label may not be the latest approved by FDA.**  \n**For current labeling information, please visit https://www.fda.gov/drugsatfda**\n\n**PROMETHAZINE HCL PLAIN ORAL SOLUTION - promethazine hcl solution**\n\nANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc.\n\n----------\n\nBarcode = 7489\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution\n\nRx Only\n\n## Rx Only\n\n## DESCRIPTION\n\nEach teaspoon (5 mL) of Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution contains 6.25 mg promethazine HCl in a flavored syrup base with a\n \npH between 4.7 and 5.2. Alcohol 7%. The inactive ingredients present are artificial and natural flavors, citric acid, D&C Red 33, D&C\n \nYellow 10, FD&C Blue 1, FD&C Yellow 6, glycerin, saccharin sodium, sodium benzoate, sodium citrate, sodium propionate, water,\n \nand other ingredients.\n\nPromethazine HCl is a racemic compound; the empirical formula is C17H20N2S•HCl and its molecular weight is 320.88.\n\n$$\n\\mathrm{C_{17}H_{20}N_{2}S\\bullet HCl}\n$$\n\nPromethazine HCl, a phenothiazine derivative, is designated chemically as 10H-Phenothiazine-10-ethanamine, *N,N,* α-trimethyl-,\n \nmonohydrochloride, (±)- with the following structural formula:\n\n$ \\cdot $ HO $ \\mathrm{C H_{2} C H(CH_{3}) N(CH_{3})_{2}} $\n\nPromethazine HCl occurs as a white to faint yellow, practically odorless, crystalline powder which slowly oxidizes and turns blue on \nprolonged exposure to air. It is freely soluble in water and soluble in alcohol.\n\n## CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY\n\nPromethazine is a phenothiazine derivative which differs structurally from the antipsychotic phenothiazines by the presence of a \nbranched side chain and no ring substitution. It is thought that this configuration is responsible for its relative lack (1/10 that of \nchlorpromazine) of dopamine antagonist properties.\n\nPromethazine is an H1 receptor blocking agent. In addition to its antihistaminic action, it provides clinically useful sedative and \nantiemetic effects.\n\n$$\n\\mathrm{H}_{1}\n$$\n\nPromethazine is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Clinical effects are apparent within 20 minutes after oral administration \nand generally last four to six hours, although they may persist as long as 12 hours. Promethazine is metabolized by the liver to a \nvariety of compounds; the sulfoxides of promethazine and N-demethylpromethazine are the predominant metabolites appearing in the \nurine.\n\n## INDICATIONS AND USAGE\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution is useful for:\n\nPerennial and seasonal allergic rhinitis.\n\nVasomotor rhinitis.\n\nAllergic conjunctivitis due to inhalant allergens and foods.\n\nMild, uncomplicated allergic skin manifestations of urticaria and angioedema.\n\nAmelioration of allergic reactions to blood or plasma.\n\nDermographism.\n\nAnaphylactic reactions, as adjunctive therapy to epinephrine and other standard measures, after the acute manifestations have been\n \ncontrolled.\n\nPreoperative, postoperative, or obstetric sedation.\n\nPrevention and control of nausea and vomiting associated with certain types of anesthesia and surgery.\n\nTherapy adjunctive to meperidine or other analgesics for control of post-operative pain.\n\nSedation in both children and adults, as well as relief of apprehension and production of light sleep from which the patient can be\n \neasily aroused.\n\nActive and prophylactic treatment of motion sickness.\n\nAntiemetic therapy in postoperative patients.\n\n## CONTRAINDICATIONS\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution is contraindicated for use in pediatric patients less than two years of age.\n\n---\n\n**This label may not be the latest approved by FDA.**  \n**For current labeling information, please visit https://www.fda.gov/drugsatfda**\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution is contraindicated in comatose states, and in individuals known to be hypersensitive or to have\n \nhad an idiosyncratic reaction to promethazine or to other phenothiazines.\n\nAntihistamines are contraindicated for use in the treatment of lower respiratory tract symptoms including asthma.\n\n## WARNINGS\n\n| Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution should not be used in pediatric patients less than 2 years of age because of the potential for fatal respiratory depression. Postmarketing cases of respiratory depression, including fatalities, have been reported with use of promethazine in pediatric patients less than 2 years of age. A wide range of weight-based doses of promethazine have resulted in respiratory depression in these patients. Caution should be exercised when administering promethazine to pediatric patients 2 years of age and older. It is recommended that the lowest effective dose of promethazine be used in pediatric patients 2 years of age and older and concomitant administration of other drugs with respiratory depressant effects be avoided. |\n| --- |\n\n## CNS Depression\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution may impair the mental and/or physical abilities required for the performance of potentially \nhazardous tasks, such as driving a vehicle or operating machinery. The impairment may be amplified by concomitant use of other \ncentral-nervous-system depressants such as alcohol, sedatives/hypnotics (including barbiturates), narcotics, narcotic analgesics, \ngeneral anesthetics, tricyclic antidepressants, and tranquilizers; therefore such agents should either be eliminated or given in reduced \ndosage in the presence of promethazine HCl (**seePRECAUTIONS – Information for Patients andDrug Interactions).**\n\n## Respiratory Depression\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution may lead to potentially fatal respiratory depression.\n\nUse of Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution in patients with compromised respiratory function (e.g. COPD, sleep apnea) should be\n \navoided.\n\n## Lower Seizure Threshold\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution may lower seizure threshold. It should be used with caution in persons with seizure disorders or \nin persons who are using concomitant medications, such as narcotics or local anesthetics, which may also affect seizure threshold.\n\n## Bone-Marrow Depression\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution should be used with caution in patients with bone-marrow depression. Leukopenia and \nagranulocytosis have been reported, usually when Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution has been used in association with other \nknown marrow-toxic agents.\n\n## Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome\n\nA potentially fatal symptom complex sometimes referred to as Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) has been reported \nin association with promethazine HCl alone or in combination with antipsychotic drugs. Clinical manifestations of NMS are \nhyperpyrexia, muscle rigidity, altered mental status and evidence of autonomic instability (irregular pulse or blood pressure, \ntachycardia, diaphoresis and cardiac dysrhythmias).\n\nThe diagnostic evaluation of patients with this syndrome is complicated. In arriving at a diagnosis, it is important to identify cases \nwhere the clinical presentation includes both serious medical illness (e.g., pneumonia, systemic infection, etc.) and untreated or \ninadequately treated extrapyramidal signs and symptoms (EPS). Other important considerations in the differential diagnosis include \ncentral anticholinergic toxicity, heat stroke, drug fever and primary central nervous system (CNS) pathology.\n\nThe management of NMS should include 1) immediate discontinuation of promethazine HCl, antipsychotic drugs, if any, and other \ndrugs not essential to concurrent therapy, 2) intensive symptomatic treatment and medical monitoring, and 3) treatment of any \nconcomitant serious medical problems for which specific treatments are available. There is no general agreement about specific \npharmacological treatment regimens for uncomplicated NMS.\n\nSince recurrences of NMS have been reported with phenothiazines, the reintroduction of promethazine HCl should be carefully \nconsidered.\n\n## Use in Pediatric Patients\n\n**Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution is contraindicated for use in pediatric patients less than two years of age.**\n\n---\n\n**This label may not be the latest approved by FDA.**  \n**For current labeling information, please visit https://www.fda.gov/drugsatfda**\n\n**Caution should be exercised when administering Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution to pediatric patients 2 years of age \nand older because of the potential for fatal respiratory depression. Respiratory depression and apnea, sometimes associated \nwith death, are strongly associated with promethazine products and are not directly related to individualized weight-based \ndosing, which might otherwise permit safe administration. Concomitant administration of promethazine products with other \nrespiratory depressants has an association with respiratory depression, and sometimes death, in pediatric patients.**\n\n**Antiemetics are not recommended for treatment of uncomplicated vomiting in pediatric patients, and their use should be \nlimited to prolonged vomiting of known etiology. The extrapyramidal symptoms which can occur secondary to Promethazine** \n**HCl Plain Oral Solution administration may be confused with the CNS signs of undiagnosed primary disease, e.g.,**\n\n**encephalopathy or Reye’s syndrome. The use of Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution should be avoided in pediatric patients \nwhose signs and symptoms may suggest Reye’s syndrome or other hepatic diseases.**\n\nExcessively large dosages of antihistamines, including Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution, in pediatric patients may cause sudden \ndeath (**seeOVERDOSAGE).** Hallucinations and convulsions have occurred with therapeutic doses and overdoses of Promethazine \nHCl Plain Oral Solution in pediatric patients. In pediatric patients who are acutely ill associated with dehydration, there is an increased \nsusceptibility to dystonias with the use of promethazine HCl.\n\n## Other Considerations\n\nAdministration of promethazine HCl has been associated with reported cholestatic jaundice.\n\n## PRECAUTIONS\n\n## General\n\nDrugs having anticholinergic properties should be used with caution in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma, prostatic hypertrophy,\n \nstenosing peptic ulcer, pyloroduodenal obstruction, and bladder-neck obstruction.\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution should be used cautiously in persons with cardiovascular disease or with impairment of liver\n \nfunction.\n\n## Information for Patients\n\nPatients should be advised to measure Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution with an accurate measuring device. A household\n \nteaspoon is not an accurate measuring device and could lead to overdosage, especially when a half a teaspoon is measured. A\n \npharmacist can recommend an appropriate measuring device and can provide instructions for measuring the correct dose.\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution may cause marked drowsiness or impair the mental and/or physical abilities required for the\n \nperformance of potentially hazardous tasks, such as driving a vehicle or operating machinery. Ambulatory patients should be told\n \nto avoid engaging in such activities until it is known that they do not become drowsy or dizzy from promethazine therapy. Pediatric\n \npatients should be supervised to avoid potential harm in bike riding or in other hazardous activities.\n\nThe concomitant use of alcohol or other central-nervous-system depressants, such as sedatives/hypnotics (including barbiturates),\n \nnarcotics, narcotic analgesics, general anesthetics, tricyclic antidepressants, and tranquilizers may enhance impairment\n\n(**seeWARNINGS-CNS Depression andPRECAUTIONS–Drug Interactions).**\n\nPatients should be advised to report any involuntary muscle movements.\n\nAvoid prolonged exposure to the sun.\n\n## Drug Interactions\n\n*CNS Depressants* – Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution may increase, prolong, or intensify the sedative action of other central\nnervous-system depressants such as alcohol, sedatives/hypnotics (including barbiturates), narcotics, narcotic analgesics, general \nanesthetics, tricyclic antidepressants, and tranquilizers; therefore, such agents should be avoided or administered in reduced dosage to \npatients receiving promethazine HCl. When given concomitantly with Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution, the dose of barbiturates \nshould be reduced by at least one-half, and the dose of narcotics should be reduced by one-quarter to one-half. Dosage must be \nindividualized. Excessive amounts of promethazine HCl relative to a narcotic may lead to restlessness and motor hyperactivity in the \npatient with pain; these symptoms usually disappear with adequate control of the pain.\n\n*Epinephrine* – Because of the potential for Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution to reverse epinephrine’s vasopressor effect, \nepinephrine should NOT be used to treat hypotension associated with Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution overdose.\n\n*Anticholinergics* – Concomitant use of other agents with anticholinergic properties should be undertaken with caution.\n\n*Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI)* – Drug interactions, including an increased incidence of extrapyramidal effects, have been \nreported when some MAOI and phenothiazines are used concomitantly. This possibility should be considered with Promethazine HCl \nPlain Oral Solution.\n\n## Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions\n\nThe following laboratory tests may be affected in patients who are receiving therapy with promethazine HCl: \n*Pregnancy Tests*\n\nDiagnostic pregnancy tests based on immunological reactions between HCG and anti-HCG may result in false-negative or falsepositive interpretations.\n\n*Glucose Tolerance Test*\n\n---\n\n**This label may not be the latest approved by FDA.**  \n**For current labeling information, please visit https://www.fda.gov/drugsatfda**\n\nAn increase in blood glucose has been reported in patients receiving promethazine HCl.\n\n## Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility\n\nLong-term animal studies have not been performed to assess the carcinogenic potential of promethazine, nor are there other animal or \nhuman data concerning carginogenicity, mutagenicity, or impairment of fertility with this drug. Promethazine was nonmutagenic in \nthe *Salmonella* test system of Ames.\n\n## Pregnancy\n\n## Teratogenic Effects-Pregnancy Category C\n\nTeratogenic effects have not been demonstrated in rat-feeding studies at doses of 6.25 and 12.5 mg/kg of promethazine HCl. These \ndoses are from approximately 2.1 to 4.2 times the maximum recommended total daily dose of promethazine for a 50-kg subject, \ndepending upon the indication for which the drug is prescribed. Daily doses of 25 mg/kg intraperitoneally have been found to produce \nfetal mortality in rats.\n\nSpecific studies to test the action of the drug on parturition, lactation, and development of the animal neonate were not done, but a \ngeneral preliminary study in rats indicated no effect on these parameters. Although antihistamines have been found to produce fetal \nmortality in rodents, the pharmacological effects of histamine in the rodent do not parallel those in man. There are no adequate and \nwell-controlled studies of Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution in pregnant women.\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the \nfetus.\n\n## Nonteratogenic Effects\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution administered to a pregnant woman within two weeks of delivery may inhibit platelet \naggregation in the newborn.\n\n## Labor and Delivery\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution may be used alone or as an adjunct to narcotic analgesics during labor (**seeDOSAGE AND \nADMINISTRATION).** Limited data suggest that use of Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution during labor and delivery does not \nhave an appreciable effect on the duration of labor or delivery and does not increase the risk of need for intervention in the newborn. \nThe effect on later growth and development of the newborn is unknown. (See *alsoNonteratogenic Effects.*)\n\n## Nursing Mothers\n\nIt is not known whether promethazine HCl is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because \nof the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution, a decision should be made \nwhether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.\n\n## Pediatric Use\n\n**Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution is contraindicated for use in pediatric patients less than two years of age** (see \n**WARNINGS –Boxed Warning** and **Use in Pediatric Patients).**\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution should be used with caution in pediatric patients 2 years of age and older (see **WARNINGS-\nUse in Pediatric Patients).**\n\n## Geriatric Use\n\nClinical studies of promethazine formulations did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether\n \nthey respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between\n \nthe elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of\n \nthe dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other\n \ndrug therapy.\n\nSedating drugs may cause confusion and over-sedation in the elderly; elderly patients generally should be started on low doses of\n \nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution and observed closely.\n\n## ADVERSE REACTIONS\n\n**Central Nervous System** – Drowsiness is the most prominent CNS effect of this drug. Sedation, somnolence, blurred vision,\n \ndizziness, confusion, disorientation, and extrapyramidal symptoms such as oculogyric crisis, torticollis, and tongue protrusion;\n \nlassitude, tinnitus, incoordination, fatigue, euphoria, nervousness, diplopia, insomnia, tremors, convulsive seizures, excitation,\n \ncatatonic-like states, hysteria. Hallucinations have also been reported.\n\n**Cardiovascular** – Increased or decreased blood pressure, tachycardia, bradycardia, faintness.\n\n**Dermatologic** – Dermatitis, photosensitivity, urticaria.\n\n**Hematologic** – Leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, thrombocytopenic purpura, agranulocytosis.\n\n---\n\n**This label may not be the latest approved by FDA.**  \n**For current labeling information, please visit https://www.fda.gov/drugsatfda**\n\n**Gastrointestinal** – Dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, jaundice.\n\n**Respiratory** – Asthma, nasal stuffiness, respiratory depression (potentially fatal) and apnea (potentially fatal). **(SeeWARNINGS-**\n\n**Respiratory Depression.)**\n\n**Other** – Angioneurotic edema. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (potentially fatal) has also been reported. **(SeeWARNINGS-**\n\n**Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome.)**\n\n## Paradoxical Reactions\n\nHyperexcitability and abnormal movements have been reported in patients following a single administration of promethazine HCl. \nConsideration should be given to the discontinuation of promethazine HCl and to the use of other drugs if these reactions occur. \nRespiratory depression, nightmares, delirium, and agitated behavior have also been reported in some of these patients.\n\n## OVERDOSAGE\n\nSigns and symptoms of overdosage with promethazine HCl range from mild depression of the central nervous system and\n \ncardiovascular system to profound hypotension, respiratory depression, unconsciousness, and sudden death. Other reported reactions\n \ninclude hyperreflexia, hypertonia, ataxia, athetosis, and extensor-plantar reflexes (Babinski reflex).\n\nStimulation may be evident, especially in children and geriatric patients. Convulsions may rarely occur. A paradoxical-type reaction\n \nhas been reported in children receiving single doses of 75 mg to 125 mg orally, characterized by hyperexcitability and nightmares.\n \nAtropine-like signs and symptoms – dry mouth, fixed, dilated pupils, flushing, as well as gastrointestinal symptoms - may occur.\n\n## Treatment\n\nTreatment of overdosage is essentially symptomatic and supportive. Only in cases of extreme overdosage or individual sensitivity \ndo vital signs, including respiration, pulse, blood pressure, temperature, and EKG, need to be monitored. Activated charcoal orally \nor by lavage may be given, or sodium or magnesium sulfate orally as a cathartic. Attention should be given to the reestablishment of \nadequate respiratory exchange through provision of a patent airway and institution of assisted or controlled ventilation. Diazepam may \nbe used to control convulsions. Acidosis and electrolyte losses should be corrected. Note that any depressant effects of promethazine \nHCl are not reversed by naloxone. Avoid analeptics which may cause convulsions.\n\nThe treatment of choice for resulting hypotension is administration of intravenous fluids, accompanied by repositioning if indicated. \nIn the event that vasopressors are considered for the management of severe hypotension which does not respond to intravenous fluids \nand repositioning, the administration of norepinephrine or phenylephrine should be considered. EPINEPHRINE SHOULD NOT BE \nUSED, since its use in patients with partial adrenergic blockade may further lower the blood pressure. Extrapyramidal reactions may \nbe treated with anticholinergic antiparkinson agents, diphenhydramine, or barbiturates. Oxygen may also be administered. \nLimited experience with dialysis indicates that it is not helpful.\n\n## DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION\n\n*It is important that Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution is measured with an accurate measuring device* (**seePRECAUTIONS**-\n\n**Information for Patients).** A household teaspoon is not an accurate measuring device and could lead to overdosage, especially when \nhalf a teaspoon is to be measured. It is strongly recommended that an accurate measuring device be used. A pharmacist can provide an \nappropriate device and can provide instructions for measuring the correct dose.\n\n**Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution is contraindicated for children under 2 years of age** (see **WARNINGS – Boxed \nWarning andUse in Pediatric Patients).**\n\n## Allergy\n\nThe average oral dose is 25 mg taken before retiring; however, 12.5 mg may be taken before meals and on retiring, if necessary.\n \nSingle 25 mg doses at bedtime or 6.25 to 12.5 mg taken three times daily will usually suffice.\n\nAfter initiation of treatment in children or adults, dosage should be adjusted to the smallest amount adequate to relieve symptoms.\n \nThe administration of promethazine HCl in 25 mg doses will control minor transfusion reactions of an allergic nature.\n\n## Motion Sickness\n\nThe average adult dose is 25 mg taken twice daily. The initial dose should be taken one-half to one hour before anticipated travel and \nbe repeated 8 to 12 hours later, if necessary. On succeeding days of travel, it is recommended that 25 mg be taken on arising and again \nbefore the evening meal. For children, 12.5 to 25 mg, twice daily, may be administered.\n\n## Nausea and Vomiting\n\nAntiemetics should not be used in vomiting of unknown etiology in children and adolescents (**seeWARNINGS-Use in Pediatric \nPatients).**\n\nThe average effective dose of Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution for the active therapy of nausea and vomiting in children or \nadults is 25 mg. When oral medication cannot be tolerated, the dose should be given parenterally (cf. Promethazine Hydrochloride \nInjection) or by rectal suppository. 12.5 to 25 mg doses may be repeated, as necessary, at 4 to 6 hour intervals.\n\nFor nausea and vomiting in children, the usual dose is 0.5 mg per pound of body weight, and the dose should be adjusted to the age \nand weight of the patient and the severity of the condition being treated.\n\n---\n\n**This label may not be the latest approved by FDA.**  \n**For current labeling information, please visit https://www.fda.gov/drugsatfda**\n\nFor prophylaxis of nausea and vomiting, as during surgery and the postoperative period, the average dose is 25 mg repeated at 4 to 6 \nhour intervals, as necessary.\n\n## Sedation\n\nThis product relieves apprehension and induces a quiet sleep from which the patient can be easily aroused. Administration of 12.5 to \n25 mg Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution by the oral route at bedtime will provide sedation in children. Adults usually require 25 \nto 50 mg for nighttime, presurgical, or obstetrical sedation.\n\n## Pre- and Postoperative Use\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution in 12.5 to 25 mg doses for children and 50 mg doses for adults the night before surgery relieves\n \napprehension and produces a quiet sleep.\n\nFor preoperative medication children require doses of 0.5 mg per pound of body weight in combination with an appropriately reduced\n \ndose of narcotic or barbiturate and the appropriate dose of an atropine-like drug.\n\nUsual adult dosage is 50 mg Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution with an appropriately reduced dose of narcotic or barbiturate and\n \nthe required amount of a belladonna alkaloid.\n\nPostoperative sedation and adjunctive use with analgesics may be obtained by the administration of 12.5 to 25 mg in children and 25\n \nto 50 mg doses in adults.\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution is contraindicated for children under 2 years of age.\n\n## HOW SUPPLIED\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution is a clear, green solution supplied as follows:\n\nNDC 42769-7481-4 – bottle of 4 fl. oz. (118 mL)\n\nNDC 42769-7481-6 – bottle of 16 fl. oz. (473 mL)\n\n**Keep bottles tightly closed.**\n\n**Store at 20º to 25ºC (68º to 77ºF) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature.]**\n\n**Protect from light.**\n\n**Dispense in tight, light-resistant container (USP/NF) with a child-resistant closure.**\n\n## BayPharma\n\nManufactured for\n\nBayPharmaTM, Inc.\n\nBaltimore, MD 21244\n\n501-74816-0\n\nRev 05/08', 'pages': None, 'truncated': False, 'extraction': 'firecrawl-public-document-markdown', 'request_id': 'e1ba4627-af58-41e4-8d08-ce6544228b59', 'source_url': 'https://downloads.regulations.gov/FDA-2026-P-12278-0005/content.pdf', 'observed_at': '2026-10-12T09:21:39.125467+00:00', 'content_hash': '5471b241264da11a9da88d775720c6ea47be678c50849ebd981de9a41dc0e50b'}, 'title': 'pdf'}]}

      Collection history starts with our observations; it is not complete legislative amendment history.

      Source selection: autonomous systems. Observed 2026-10-13T01:29:06.434968+00:00.

      Read original source ↗

      Supporting & Related Material Federal · FDA

      Attachment 3 - Proposed Outsert -12.5 mg 5 mL-Quagen

      Source ID: FDA-2026-P-12277-0006 · Posted: 2026-10-09

      Source document type: Supporting & Related Material

      Read docket FDA-2026-P-12277 and supporting material ↗

      Source details and legislative history

      Detail checked 2026-10-13T01:29:06.434968+00:00.

        • pdf
          Collected source text excerpt

          Observed 2026-10-12T09:21:44.135790+00:00.

          **3.625”**

          **0.5”**
          **0.5”**

          ## 7.75”W

          **11”L**

          **6.375”**

          ### Width: 7.75”

          ### Length: 11.0”

          ### Fold: 2.75” × 3.875”

          #### Promethazine Hydrochloride Oral Solution, USP 6.25 mg/5 mL

          #### Rx only

          #### DESCRIPTION

          Promethazine Hydrochloride
          52014
          52014
          Promethazine Hydrochloride
          Oral Solution, USP 6.25 mg/5 mL

          Each 5 mL (teaspoonful) of Promethazine HCl Oral Solution contains 6.25 mg of Promethazine HCl. The
          inactive ingredients present are artificial banana flavor, artificial fruit flavor, artificial strawberry flavor,
          ascorbic acid, citric acid anhydrous, dehydrated alcohol, D&C Yellow No. 10, edetate disodium, FD&C
          Blue No. 1, FD&C Red No. 40, glycerin, sucrose, methylparaben, propylparaben, purified water, saccharin
          sodium, sodium benzoate, and sodium citrate dihydrate.

          Promethazine HCl is a racemic compound; the molecular formula is C<sub>17</sub>H<sub>20</sub>N<sub>2</sub>S•HCl and its
          molecular weight is 320.88.

          Promethazine HCl, a phenothiazine derivative, is designated chemically as 10H-Phenothiazine-10-
          ethanamine, *N,N,* α-trimethyl-, monohydrochloride, (±)- with the following structural formula:

          ## $ \mathrm{C H_{2} C H(CH_{3}) N(CH_{3})_{2}} $

          Promethazine HCl occurs as a white to faint yellow, practically odorless, crystalline powder which
          slowly oxidizes and turns blue on prolonged exposure to air. It is freely soluble in water and soluble
          in alcohol.

          #### CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

          Promethazine is a phenothiazine derivative which differs structurally from the antipsychotic
          phenothiazines by the presence of a branched side chain and no ring substitution. It is thought
          that this configuration is responsible for its relative lack (1/10 that of chlorpromazine) of dopamine
          antagonist properties.

          Promethazine is an H<sub>1</sub> receptor blocking agent. In addition to its antihistaminic action, it provides
          clinically useful sedative and antiemetic effects.

          Promethazine is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Clinical effects are apparent within 20
          minutes after oral administration and generally last four to six hours, although they may persist as
          long as 12 hours. Promethazine is metabolized by the liver to a variety of compounds; the sulfoxides
          of Promethazine and N-demethylpromethazine are the predominant metabolites appearing in the
          urine.

          #### INDICATIONS AND USAGE

          Promethazine is useful for:

          Perennial and seasonal allergic rhinitis.

          Vasomotor rhinitis.

          Allergic conjunctivitis due to inhalant allergens and foods.

          Mild, uncomplicated allergic skin manifestations of urticaria and angioedema.

          Amelioration of allergic reactions to blood or plasma.

          #### Dermographism.

          Anaphylactic reactions, as adjunctive therapy to epinephrine and other standard measures, after
          the acute manifestations have been controlled.

          #### Preoperative, postoperative, or obstetric sedation.

          Prevention and control of nausea and vomiting associated with certain types of anesthesia and
          surgery.

          Therapy adjunctive to meperidine or other analgesics for control of post-operative pain.

          Sedation in both children and adults, as well as relief of apprehension and production of light sleep from
          which the patient can be easily aroused.

          Active and prophylactic treatment of motion sickness.

          Antiemetic therapy in postoperative patients.

          #### CONTRAINDICATIONS

          Promethazine HCl Oral Solution is contraindicated for use in pediatric patients less than two years
          of age.

          Promethazine HCl Oral Solution is contraindicated in comatose states, and in individuals known to be
          hypersensitive or to have had an idiosyncratic reaction to Promethazine or to other phenothiazines.

          Antihistamines are contraindicated for use in the treatment of lower respiratory tract symptoms
          including asthma.

          #### WARNINGS

          **Promethazine should not be used in pediatric patients less than 2 years of age because
          of the potential for fatal respiratory depression.**

          **Postmarketing cases of respiratory depression, including fatalities, have been reported
          with use of promethazine in pediatric patients less than 2 years of age. A wide range of
          weight-based doses of promethazine have resulted in respiratory depression in these
          patients.**

          **Caution should be exercised when administering promethazine to pediatric patients 2
          years of age and older. It is recommended that the lowest effective dose of promethazine
          be used in pediatric patients 2 years of age and older and concomitant administration of
          other drugs with respiratory depressant effects be avoided.**

          #### CNS Depression

          Promethazine HCl Oral Solution may impair the mental and/or physical abilities required for the performance
          of potentially hazardous tasks, such as driving a vehicle or operating machinery. The impairment may be
          amplified by concomitant use of other central-nervous-system depressants such as alcohol, sedatives/
          hypnotics (including barbiturates), narcotics, narcotic analgesics, general anesthetics, tricyclic antidepressants,
          and tranquilizers; therefore such agents should either be eliminated or given in reduced dosage in the presence
          of Promethazine HCl (see **PRECAUTIONS-Information for Patients** and **Drug Interactions).**

          #### Respiratory Depression

          Promethazine HCl Oral Solution may lead to potentially fatal respiratory depression. Use of Promethazine
          HCl Oral Solution in patients with compromised respiratory function (e.g., COPD, sleep apnea) should
          be avoided.

          #### Lower Seizure Threshold

          Promethazine HCl Oral Solution may lower seizure threshold. It should be used with caution in
          persons with seizure disorders or in persons who are using concomitant medications, such as
          narcotics or local anesthetics, which may also affect seizure threshold.

          #### Bone-Marrow Depression

          Promethazine HCl Oral Solution should be used with caution in patients with bone-marrow depression.
          Leukopenia and agranulocytosis have been reported, usually when Promethazine (Promethazine HCl)
          has been used in association with other known marrow-toxic agents.

          #### Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

          A potentially fatal symptom complex sometimes referred to as **Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome**
          (NMS) has been reported in association with Promethazine HCl alone or in combination with antipsychotic

          drugs. Clinical manifestations of NMS are hyperpyrexia, muscle rigidity, altered mental status and
          evidence of autonomic instability (irregular pulse or blood pressure, tachycardia, diaphoresis and
          cardiac dysrhythmias).

          The diagnostic evaluation of patients with this syndrome is complicated. In arriving at a diagnosis,
          it is important to identify cases where the clinical presentation includes both serious medical illness
          (e.g. pneumonia, systemic infection, etc.) and untreated or inadequately treated extrapyramidal
          signs and symptoms (EPS). Other important considerations in the differential diagnosis include
          central anticholinergic toxicity, heat stroke, drug fever and primary central nervous system (CNS)
          pathology.

          The management of NMS should include 1) immediate discontinuation of Promethazine HCl, antipsychotic
          drugs, if any, and other drugs not essential to concurrent therapy, 2) intensive symptomatic treatment
          and medical monitoring, and 3) treatment of any concomitant serious medical problems for which
          specific treatments are available. There is no general agreement about specific pharmacological
          treatment regimens for uncomplicated NMS.

          Since recurrences of NMS have been reported with phenothiazines, the reintroduction of Promethazine
          HCl should be carefully considered.

          #### Use in Pediatric Patients

          **Promethazine HCl Oral Solution is contraindicated for use in pediatric patients less than
          two years of age.**

          **Caution should be exercised when administering Promethazine HCl Oral Solution to pediatric
          patients 2 years of age and older because of the potential for fatal respiratory depression.**
          **Respiratory depression and apnea, sometimes associated with deat…

        Observed changes

        Oct. 13, 2026, 1:30 a.m.: attachments changed since Oct. 12, 2026, 9:21 a.m..

        {'attachments': [{'url': 'https://downloads.regulations.gov/FDA-2026-P-12277-0006/content.pdf', 'body': {'text': '**3.625”**\n\n**0.5”**\n**0.5”**\n\n## 7.75”W\n\n**11”L**\n\n**6.375”**\n\n### Width: 7.75”\n\n### Length: 11.0”\n\n### Fold: 2.75” × 3.875”\n\n#### Promethazine Hydrochloride Oral Solution, USP 6.25 mg/5 mL\n\n#### Rx only\n\n#### DESCRIPTION\n\nPromethazine Hydrochloride\n52014\n52014\nPromethazine Hydrochloride\nOral Solution, USP 6.25 mg/5 mL\n\nEach 5 mL (teaspoonful) of Promethazine HCl Oral Solution contains 6.25 mg of Promethazine HCl. The \ninactive ingredients present are artificial banana flavor, artificial fruit flavor, artificial strawberry flavor, \nascorbic acid, citric acid anhydrous, dehydrated alcohol, D&C Yellow No. 10, edetate disodium, FD&C \nBlue No. 1, FD&C Red No. 40, glycerin, sucrose, methylparaben, propylparaben, purified water, saccharin \nsodium, sodium benzoate, and sodium citrate dihydrate.\n\nPromethazine HCl is a racemic compound; the molecular formula is C<sub>17</sub>H<sub>20</sub>N<sub>2</sub>S•HCl and its \nmolecular weight is 320.88.\n\nPromethazine HCl, a phenothiazine derivative, is designated chemically as 10H-Phenothiazine-10-\nethanamine, *N,N,* α-trimethyl-, monohydrochloride, (±)- with the following structural formula:\n\n## $ \\mathrm{C H_{2} C H(CH_{3}) N(CH_{3})_{2}} $\n\nPromethazine HCl occurs as a white to faint yellow, practically odorless, crystalline powder which \nslowly oxidizes and turns blue on prolonged exposure to air. It is freely soluble in water and soluble \nin alcohol.\n\n#### CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY\n\nPromethazine is a phenothiazine derivative which differs structurally from the antipsychotic \nphenothiazines by the presence of a branched side chain and no ring substitution. It is thought \nthat this configuration is responsible for its relative lack (1/10 that of chlorpromazine) of dopamine \nantagonist properties.\n\nPromethazine is an H<sub>1</sub> receptor blocking agent. In addition to its antihistaminic action, it provides \nclinically useful sedative and antiemetic effects.\n\nPromethazine is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Clinical effects are apparent within 20 \nminutes after oral administration and generally last four to six hours, although they may persist as \nlong as 12 hours. Promethazine is metabolized by the liver to a variety of compounds; the sulfoxides \nof Promethazine and N-demethylpromethazine are the predominant metabolites appearing in the \nurine.\n\n#### INDICATIONS AND USAGE\n\nPromethazine is useful for:\n\nPerennial and seasonal allergic rhinitis.\n\nVasomotor rhinitis.\n\nAllergic conjunctivitis due to inhalant allergens and foods.\n\nMild, uncomplicated allergic skin manifestations of urticaria and angioedema.\n\nAmelioration of allergic reactions to blood or plasma.\n\n#### Dermographism.\n\nAnaphylactic reactions, as adjunctive therapy to epinephrine and other standard measures, after \nthe acute manifestations have been controlled.\n\n#### Preoperative, postoperative, or obstetric sedation.\n\nPrevention and control of nausea and vomiting associated with certain types of anesthesia and \nsurgery.\n\nTherapy adjunctive to meperidine or other analgesics for control of post-operative pain.\n\nSedation in both children and adults, as well as relief of apprehension and production of light  sleep from \nwhich the patient can be easily aroused.\n\nActive and prophylactic treatment of motion sickness.\n\nAntiemetic therapy in postoperative patients.\n\n#### CONTRAINDICATIONS\n\nPromethazine HCl Oral Solution is contraindicated for use in pediatric patients less than two years \nof age.\n\nPromethazine HCl Oral Solution is contraindicated in comatose states, and in individuals known to be \nhypersensitive or to have had an idiosyncratic reaction to Promethazine or to other phenothiazines.\n\nAntihistamines are contraindicated for use in the treatment of lower respiratory tract symptoms \nincluding asthma.\n\n#### WARNINGS\n\n**Promethazine should not be used in pediatric patients less than 2 years of age because \nof the potential for fatal respiratory depression.**\n\n**Postmarketing cases of respiratory depression, including fatalities, have been reported \nwith use of promethazine in pediatric patients less than 2 years of age. A wide range of \nweight-based doses of promethazine have resulted in respiratory depression in these \npatients.**\n\n**Caution should be exercised when administering promethazine to pediatric patients 2 \nyears of age and older. It is recommended that the lowest effective dose of promethazine \nbe used in pediatric patients 2 years of age and older and concomitant administration of \nother drugs with respiratory depressant effects be avoided.**\n\n#### CNS Depression\n\nPromethazine HCl Oral Solution may impair the mental and/or physical abilities required for the performance \nof potentially hazardous tasks, such as driving a vehicle or operating machinery. The impairment may be \namplified by concomitant use of other central-nervous-system depressants such as alcohol, sedatives/\nhypnotics (including barbiturates), narcotics, narcotic analgesics, general anesthetics, tricyclic antidepressants, \nand tranquilizers; therefore such agents should either be eliminated or given in reduced dosage in the presence \nof Promethazine HCl (see **PRECAUTIONS-Information for Patients** and **Drug Interactions).**\n\n#### Respiratory Depression\n\nPromethazine HCl Oral Solution may lead to potentially fatal respiratory depression. Use of Promethazine \nHCl Oral Solution in patients with compromised respiratory function (e.g., COPD, sleep apnea) should \nbe avoided.\n\n#### Lower Seizure Threshold\n\nPromethazine HCl Oral Solution may lower seizure threshold. It should be used with caution in \npersons with seizure disorders or in persons who are using concomitant medications, such as \nnarcotics or local anesthetics, which may also affect seizure threshold.\n\n#### Bone-Marrow Depression\n\nPromethazine HCl Oral Solution should be used with caution in patients with bone-marrow depression. \nLeukopenia and agranulocytosis have been reported, usually when Promethazine (Promethazine HCl) \nhas been used in association with other known marrow-toxic agents.\n\n#### Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome\n\nA potentially fatal symptom complex sometimes referred to as **Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome** \n(NMS) has been reported in association with Promethazine HCl alone or in combination with antipsychotic\n\ndrugs. Clinical manifestations of NMS are hyperpyrexia, muscle rigidity, altered mental status and \nevidence of autonomic instability (irregular pulse or blood pressure, tachycardia, diaphoresis and \ncardiac dysrhythmias).\n\nThe diagnostic evaluation of patients with this syndrome is complicated. In arriving at a diagnosis, \nit is important to identify cases where the clinical presentation includes both serious medical illness \n(e.g. pneumonia, systemic infection, etc.) and untreated or inadequately treated extrapyramidal \nsigns and symptoms (EPS). Other important considerations in the differential diagnosis include \ncentral anticholinergic toxicity, heat stroke, drug fever and primary central nervous system (CNS) \npathology.\n\nThe management of NMS should include 1) immediate discontinuation of Promethazine HCl, antipsychotic \ndrugs, if any, and other drugs not essential to concurrent therapy, 2) intensive symptomatic treatment \nand medical monitoring, and 3) treatment of any concomitant serious medical problems for which \nspecific treatments are available. There is no general agreement about specific pharmacological \ntreatment regimens for uncomplicated NMS.\n\nSince recurrences of NMS have been reported with phenothiazines, the reintroduction of Promethazine \nHCl should be carefully considered.\n\n#### Use in Pediatric Patients\n\n**Promethazine HCl Oral Solution is contraindicated for use in pediatric patients less than \ntwo years of age.**\n\n**Caution should be exercised when administering Promethazine HCl Oral Solution to pediatric \npatients 2 years of age and older because of the potential for fatal respiratory depression.** \n**Respiratory depression and apnea, sometimes associated with death, are strongly associated \nwith Promethazine products and are not directly related to individualized weight-based dosing, \nwhich might otherwise permit safe administration. Concomitant administration of Promethazine \nproducts with other respiratory depressants has an association with respiratory depression, and \nsometimes death, in pediatric patients.**\n\n**Antiemetics are not recommended for treatment of uncomplicated vomiting in pediatric patients, \nand their use should be limited to prolonged vomiting of known etiology. The extrapyramidal \nsymptoms which can occur secondary to Promethazine HCl Oral Solution administration may \nbe confused with the CNS signs of undiagnosed primary disease, e.g., encephalopathy or Reye’s \nsyndrome. The use of Promethazine HCl Oral Solution should be avoided in pediatric patients \nwhose signs and symptoms may suggest Reye’s syndrome or other hepatic diseases.**\n\nExcessively large dosages of antihistamines, including Promethazine HCl Oral Solution, in pediatric \npatients may cause sudden death (see **OVERDOSAGE).** Hallucinations and convulsions have\noccurred with therapeutic doses and overdoses of Promethazine in pediatric patients. In pediatric \npatients who are acutely ill associated with dehydration, there is an increased susceptibility to \ndystonias with the use of Promethazine HCl.\n\n#### Other Considerations\n\nAdministration of Promethazine HCl has been associated with reported cholestatic jaundice.\n\n#### PRECAUTIONS\n\n#### General\n\nDrugs having anticholinergic properties should be used with caution in patients with narrow-angle \nglaucoma, prostatic hypertrophy, stenosing peptic ulcer, pyloroduodenal obstruction, and bladderneck obstruction.\n\nPromethazine HCl Oral Solution should be used cautiously in persons with cardiovascular disease \nor with impairment of liver function.\n\n#### Information for Patients\n\nPatients should be advised to measure Promethazine HCl Oral Solution with an accurate measuring \ndevice. A household teaspoon is not an accurate measuring device and could lead to overdosage,\nespecially when a half a teaspoon is measured. A pharmacist can recommend an appropriate \nmeasuring device and can provide instructions for measuring the correct dose.\n\nPromethazine HCl Oral Solution may cause marked drowsiness or impair the mental and/or physical \nabilities required for the performance of potentially hazardous tasks, such as driving a vehicle or operating \nmachinery. The use of alcohol or other central-nervous-system depressants such as sedatives/hypnotics \n(including barbiturates), narcotics, narcotic analgesics, general anesthetics, tricyclic antidepressants, and \ntranquilizers, may enhance impairment (see **WARNINGS-CNS Depression9** and **PRECAUTIONS-Drug \nInteractions).** Pediatric patients should be supervised to avoid potential harm in bike riding or in other \nhazardous activities.\n\nPatients should be advised to report any involuntary muscle movements.\n\nAvoid prolonged exposure to the sun.\n\n#### Drug Interactions CNS Depressants\n\nPromethazine HCl Oral Solution may increase, prolong, or intensify the sedative action of other \ncentral-nervous-system depressants, such as alcohol, sedatives/hypnotics (including barbiturates), \nnarcotics, narcotic analgesics, general anesthetics, tricyclic antidepressants, and tranquilizers; \ntherefore, such agents should be avoided or administered in reduced dosage to patients receiving \nPromethazine HCl. When given concomitantly with Promethazine HCl Oral Solution, the dose of \nbarbiturates should be reduced by at least one-half, and the dose of narcotics should be reduced \nby one-quarter to one-half. Dosage must be individualized. Excessive amounts of Promethazine \nHCl relative to a narcotic may lead to restlessness and motor hyperactivity in the patient with pain; \nthese symptoms usually disappear with adequate control of the pain.\n\n#### Epinephrine\n\nBecause of the potential for Promethazine to reverse epinephrine’s vasopressor effect, epinephrine \nshould NOT be used to treat hypotension associated with Promethazine HCl Oral Solution overdose.\n\n#### Anticholinergics\n\nConcomitant use of other agents with anticholinergic properties should be undertaken with caution.\n\n#### Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI)\n\nDrug interactions, including an increased incidence of extrapyramidal effects, have been reported \nwhen some MAOI and phenothiazines are used concomitantly. This possibility should be considered \nwith Promethazine HCl Oral Solution.\n\n#### Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions\n\nThe following laboratory tests may be affected in patients who are receiving therapy with Promethazine HCl:\n\n#### Pregnancy Tests\n\nDiagnostic pregnancy tests based on immunological reactions between HCG and anti-HCG may \nresult in false-negative or false-positive interpretations.\n\n#### Glucose Tolerance Test\n\nAn increase in blood glucose has been reported in patients receiving Promethazine HCl.\n\n#### Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility\n\nLong-term animal studies have not been performed to assess the carcinogenic potential of Promethazine, \nnor are there other animal or human data concerning carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or impairment of \nfertility with this drug. Promethazine was nonmutagenic in the *Salmonella* test system of Ames.\n\n#### Pregnancy\n\nTeratogenic Effects-Pregnancy Category C\nTeratogenic effects have not been demonstrated in rat-feeding studies at doses of 6.25 and 12.5 \nmg/kg of Promethazine HCl. These doses are from approximately 2.1 to 4.2 times the maximum \nrecommended total daily dose of Promethazine for a 50-kg subject, depending upon the indication \nfor which the drug is prescribed. Daily doses of 25 mg/kg intraperitoneally have been found to \nproduce fetal mortality in rats.\n\nSpecific studies to test the action of the drug on parturition, lactation, and development of the \nanimal neonate were not done, but a general preliminary study in rats indicated no effect on \nthese parameters. Although antihistamines have been found to produce fetal mortality in rodents, \nthe pharmacological effects of histamine in the rodent do not parallel those in man. There are \nno adequate and well-controlled studies of Promethazine HCl Oral Solution in pregnant women.\n\n---\n\n# 7.75”W\n\nPromethazine HCl Oral Solution should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit \njustifies the potential risk to the fetus.\n\n#### Nonteratogenic Effects\n\nPromethazine HCl Oral Solution administered to a pregnant woman within two weeks of delivery \nmay inhibit platelet aggregation in the newborn.\n\n#### Labor and Delivery\n\nPromethazine HCl may be used alone or as an adjunct to narcotic analgesics during labor (see \n**DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).** Limited data suggest that use of Promethazine during labor\nand delivery does not have an appreciable effect on the duration of labor or delivery and does \nnot increase the risk of need for intervention in the newborn. The effect on later growth and \ndevelopment of the newborn is unknown. (See also *Nonteratogenic Effects.*)\n\n#### Nursing Mothers\n\nIt is not known whether Promethazine HCl is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are \nexcreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing \ninfants from Promethazine HCl Oral Solution, a decision should be made whether to discontinue \nnursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.\n\n#### Pediatric Use\n\n**Promethazine HCl Oral Solution are contraindicated for use in pediatric patients less than \ntwo years of age** (see **WARNINGS-Black Box Warning and Use in Pediatric Patients).**\n\nPromethazine HCl Oral Solution should be used with caution in pediatric patients 2 years of age and \nolder (see **WARNINGS-Use in Pediatric Patients).**\n\n#### Geriatric Use\n\nClinical studies of Promethazine formulations did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged \n65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported \nclinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger \npatients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the \nlow end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal or cardiac \nfunction, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.\n\nSedating drugs may cause confusion and over-sedation in the elderly; elderly patients generally \nshould be started on low doses of Promethazine HCl Oral Solution and observed closely.\n\n#### ADVERSE REACTIONS\n\n#### Central Nervous System\n\nDrowsiness is the most prominent CNS effect of this drug. Sedation, somnolence, blurred vision, dizziness; \nconfusion, disorientation, and extrapyramidal symptoms such as oculogyric crisis, torticollis, and tongue \nprotrusion; lassitude, tinnitus, incoordination, fatigue, euphoria, nervousness, diplopia, insomnia, tremors, \nconvulsive seizures, excitation, catatonic-like states, hysteria. Hallucinations have also been reported.\n\n**Cardiovascular**-Increased or decreased blood pressure, tachycardia, bradycardia, faintness.\n\n**Dermatologic**-Dermatitis, photosensitivity, urticaria.\n\n**Hematologic**-Leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, thrombocytopenic purpura, agranulocytosis.\n\n**Gastrointestinal**-Dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, jaundice.\n\n**Respiratory**-Asthma, nasal stuffiness, respiratory depression (potentially fatal) and apnea (potentially \nfatal). (See **WARNINGS-Respiratory Depression.**)\n\n**Other**-Angioneurotic edema. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (potentially fatal) has also been\nreported. (See **WARNINGS-Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome.**)\n\n#### Paradoxical Reactions\n\nHyperexcitability and abnormal movements have been reported in patients following a single \nadministration of Promethazine HCl. Consideration should be given to the discontinuation of Promethazine \nHCl and to the use of other drugs if these reactions occur. Respiratory depression, nightmares, delirium, \nand agitated behavior have also been reported in some of these patients.\n\n#### OVERDOSAGE\n\nSigns and symptoms of overdosage with Promethazine HCl range from mild depression of the central nervous \nsystem and cardiovascular system to profound hypotension, respiratory depression, unconsciousness, and \nsudden death. Other reported reactions include hyperreflexia, hypertonia, ataxia, athetosis, and extensorplantar reflexes (Babinski reflex).\n\nStimulation may be evident, especially in children and geriatric patients. Convulsions may rarely \noccur. A paradoxical-type reaction has been reported in children receiving single doses of 75 mg to \n125 mg orally, characterized by hyperexcitability and nightmares.\n\nAtropine-like signs and symptoms-dry mouth, fixed, dilated pupils, flushing, as well as gastrointestinal \nsymptoms-may occur.\n\n#### Treatment\n\nTreatment of overdosage is essentially symptomatic and supportive. Only in cases of extreme overdosage \nor individual sensitivity do vital signs, including respiration, pulse, blood pressure, temperature, and \nEKG, need to be monitored. Activated charcoal orally or by lavage may be given, or sodium or \nmagnesium sulfate orally as a cathartic. Attention should be given to the reestablishment of \nadequate respiratory exchange through provision of a patent airway and institution of assisted \nor controlled ventilation. Diazepam may be used to control convulsions. Acidosis and electrolyte \nlosses should be corrected. Note that any depressant effects of Promethazine HCl are not reversed \nby naloxone. Avoid analeptics which may cause convulsions.\n\nThe treatment of choice for resulting hypotension is administration of intravenous fluids, accompanied \nby repositioning if indicated. In the event that vasopressors are considered for the management of \nsevere hypotension which does not respond to intravenous fluids and repositioning, the administration \nof norepinephrine or phenylephrine should be considered. EPINEPHRINE SHOULD NOT BE USED, since \nits use in patients with partial adrenergic blockade may further lower the blood pressure. Extrapyramidal \nreactions may be treated with anticholinergic antiparkinsonian agents, diphenhydramine, or barbiturates. \nOxygen may also be administered.\n\nLimited experience with dialysis indicates that it is not helpful.\n\n#### DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION\n\n*It is important that Promethazine HCl Oral Solution is measured with an accurate measuring device* \n(see **PRECAUTIONS-Information for Patients).** A household teaspoon is not an accurate measuring \ndevice and could lead to overdosage, especially when half a teaspoon is to be measured. It is strongly \nrecommended that an accurate measuring device be used. A pharmacist can provide an appropriate \ndevice and can provide instructions for measuring the correct dose.\n\n**Promethazine HCl Oral Solution is contraindicated for children under 2 years of age** (see\n**WARNINGS-Black Box Warning and Use in Pediatric Patients).**\n\n#### Allergy\n\nThe average oral dose is 25 mg taken before retiring; however, 12.5 mg may be taken before meals \nand on retiring, if necessary. Single 25-mg doses at bedtime or 6.25 to 12.5 mg taken three times daily \nwill usually suffice. After initiation of treatment in children or adults, dosage should be adjusted to the \nsmallest amount adequate to relieve symptoms. The administration of Promethazine HCl in 25-mg doses \nwill control minor transfusion reactions of an allergic nature.\n\nThe average effective dose of Promethazine for the active therapy of nausea and vomiting in \nchildren or adults is 25 mg. When oral medication cannot be tolerated, the dose should be given \nparenterally (cf. Promethazine Injection) or by rectal suppository. 12.5- to 25-mg doses may be \nrepeated, as necessary, at 4- to 6-hour intervals.\n\n#### Motion Sickness\n\nFor nausea and vomiting in children, the usual dose is 0.5 mg per pound of body weight, and the \ndose should be adjusted to the age and weight of the patient and the severity of the condition \nbeing treated.\n\nFor prophylaxis of nausea and vomiting, as during surgery and the postoperative period, the average dose \nis 25 mg repeated at 4- to 6-hour intervals, as necessary.\n\nThe average adult dose is 25 mg taken twice daily. The initial dose should be taken one-half to one hour \nbefore anticipated travel and be repeated 8 to 12 hours later, if necessary. On succeeding days of travel, \nit is recommended that 25 mg be given on arising and again before the evening meal. For children, \nPromethazine HCl Oral Solution, 12.5 to 25 mg, twice daily, may be administered.\n\n#### Nausea and Vomiting\n\nAntiemetics should not be used in vomiting of unknown etiology in children and adolescents (see \n**WARNINGS-Use in Pediatric Patients).**\n\n#### Sedation\n\nThis product relieves apprehension and induces a quiet sleep from which the patient can be easily \naroused. Administration of 12.5 to 25 mg Promethazine by the oral route will provide sedation in \nchildren. Adults usually require 25 to 50 mg for nighttime, presurgical, or obstetrical sedation.\n\n#### Pre- and Postoperative Use\n\nPromethazine in 12.5- to 25-mg doses for children and 50-mg doses for adults the night before \nsurgery relieves apprehension and produces a quiet sleep.\n\nFor preoperative medication, children require doses of 0.5 mg per pound of body weight in combination \nwith an appropriately reduced dose of narcotic or barbiturate and the appropriate dose of an \natropine-like drug. Usual adult dosage is 50 mg Promethazine with an appropriately reduced dose \nof narcotic or barbiturate and the required amount of a belladonna alkaloid.\n\nPostoperative sedation and adjunctive use with analgesics may be obtained by the administration \nof 12.5 to 25 mg in children and 25- to 50-mg doses in adults.\n\nPromethazine HCl Oral Solution is contraindicated for children under 2 years of age.\n\n#### HOW SUPPLIED\n\nPromethazine HCl Oral Solution, USP 12.5 mg/5 mL is a clear, green colored solution available \nin PET plastic bottles as follows:\n\n4 fl oz 4 fl oz (118 mL) NDC 70752-316-06\n\n8 fl oz (237 mL) NDC 70752-316-15\n\n16 fl oz (473 mL) NDC-70752-316-12\n\n#### STORAGE AND HANDLING\n\n#### Keep tightly closed.\n\n**Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature] Protect from \nlight. Dispense in light-resistant, tight container.**\n\n#### Manufactured by:\n\n**Quagen Pharmaceuticals LLC**\nWest Caldwell, NJ 07006\n\nRev. 10/26\n\n**Width: 7.75”**\n**Length: 11.0”**\n**Fold: 2.75” × 3.875”**\n\nOral Solution, USP 6.25 mg/5 mL\nPromethazine Hydrochloride\n52014\n52014\n\n52014 Promethazine Hydrochloride\n\n**6.375”**\n\n3/31/26   1:23\u202fPM\n\n**3.625”**', 'pages': None, 'truncated': False, 'extraction': 'firecrawl-public-document-markdown', 'request_id': '518b4e85-06a2-40a8-94b4-87914cee9ab9', 'source_url': 'https://downloads.regulations.gov/FDA-2026-P-12277-0006/content.pdf', 'observed_at': '2026-10-12T09:21:44.135790+00:00', 'content_hash': 'be872728dca2850b19e21dbd77a1507b8bb2e5a0fb2a700f1f2343fd9c24a25f'}, 'title': 'pdf', 'check_failed': False}]}
        {'attachments': [{'url': 'https://downloads.regulations.gov/FDA-2026-P-12277-0006/content.pdf', 'body': {'text': '**3.625”**\n\n**0.5”**\n**0.5”**\n\n## 7.75”W\n\n**11”L**\n\n**6.375”**\n\n### Width: 7.75”\n\n### Length: 11.0”\n\n### Fold: 2.75” × 3.875”\n\n#### Promethazine Hydrochloride Oral Solution, USP 6.25 mg/5 mL\n\n#### Rx only\n\n#### DESCRIPTION\n\nPromethazine Hydrochloride\n52014\n52014\nPromethazine Hydrochloride\nOral Solution, USP 6.25 mg/5 mL\n\nEach 5 mL (teaspoonful) of Promethazine HCl Oral Solution contains 6.25 mg of Promethazine HCl. The \ninactive ingredients present are artificial banana flavor, artificial fruit flavor, artificial strawberry flavor, \nascorbic acid, citric acid anhydrous, dehydrated alcohol, D&C Yellow No. 10, edetate disodium, FD&C \nBlue No. 1, FD&C Red No. 40, glycerin, sucrose, methylparaben, propylparaben, purified water, saccharin \nsodium, sodium benzoate, and sodium citrate dihydrate.\n\nPromethazine HCl is a racemic compound; the molecular formula is C<sub>17</sub>H<sub>20</sub>N<sub>2</sub>S•HCl and its \nmolecular weight is 320.88.\n\nPromethazine HCl, a phenothiazine derivative, is designated chemically as 10H-Phenothiazine-10-\nethanamine, *N,N,* α-trimethyl-, monohydrochloride, (±)- with the following structural formula:\n\n## $ \\mathrm{C H_{2} C H(CH_{3}) N(CH_{3})_{2}} $\n\nPromethazine HCl occurs as a white to faint yellow, practically odorless, crystalline powder which \nslowly oxidizes and turns blue on prolonged exposure to air. It is freely soluble in water and soluble \nin alcohol.\n\n#### CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY\n\nPromethazine is a phenothiazine derivative which differs structurally from the antipsychotic \nphenothiazines by the presence of a branched side chain and no ring substitution. It is thought \nthat this configuration is responsible for its relative lack (1/10 that of chlorpromazine) of dopamine \nantagonist properties.\n\nPromethazine is an H<sub>1</sub> receptor blocking agent. In addition to its antihistaminic action, it provides \nclinically useful sedative and antiemetic effects.\n\nPromethazine is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Clinical effects are apparent within 20 \nminutes after oral administration and generally last four to six hours, although they may persist as \nlong as 12 hours. Promethazine is metabolized by the liver to a variety of compounds; the sulfoxides \nof Promethazine and N-demethylpromethazine are the predominant metabolites appearing in the \nurine.\n\n#### INDICATIONS AND USAGE\n\nPromethazine is useful for:\n\nPerennial and seasonal allergic rhinitis.\n\nVasomotor rhinitis.\n\nAllergic conjunctivitis due to inhalant allergens and foods.\n\nMild, uncomplicated allergic skin manifestations of urticaria and angioedema.\n\nAmelioration of allergic reactions to blood or plasma.\n\n#### Dermographism.\n\nAnaphylactic reactions, as adjunctive therapy to epinephrine and other standard measures, after \nthe acute manifestations have been controlled.\n\n#### Preoperative, postoperative, or obstetric sedation.\n\nPrevention and control of nausea and vomiting associated with certain types of anesthesia and \nsurgery.\n\nTherapy adjunctive to meperidine or other analgesics for control of post-operative pain.\n\nSedation in both children and adults, as well as relief of apprehension and production of light  sleep from \nwhich the patient can be easily aroused.\n\nActive and prophylactic treatment of motion sickness.\n\nAntiemetic therapy in postoperative patients.\n\n#### CONTRAINDICATIONS\n\nPromethazine HCl Oral Solution is contraindicated for use in pediatric patients less than two years \nof age.\n\nPromethazine HCl Oral Solution is contraindicated in comatose states, and in individuals known to be \nhypersensitive or to have had an idiosyncratic reaction to Promethazine or to other phenothiazines.\n\nAntihistamines are contraindicated for use in the treatment of lower respiratory tract symptoms \nincluding asthma.\n\n#### WARNINGS\n\n**Promethazine should not be used in pediatric patients less than 2 years of age because \nof the potential for fatal respiratory depression.**\n\n**Postmarketing cases of respiratory depression, including fatalities, have been reported \nwith use of promethazine in pediatric patients less than 2 years of age. A wide range of \nweight-based doses of promethazine have resulted in respiratory depression in these \npatients.**\n\n**Caution should be exercised when administering promethazine to pediatric patients 2 \nyears of age and older. It is recommended that the lowest effective dose of promethazine \nbe used in pediatric patients 2 years of age and older and concomitant administration of \nother drugs with respiratory depressant effects be avoided.**\n\n#### CNS Depression\n\nPromethazine HCl Oral Solution may impair the mental and/or physical abilities required for the performance \nof potentially hazardous tasks, such as driving a vehicle or operating machinery. The impairment may be \namplified by concomitant use of other central-nervous-system depressants such as alcohol, sedatives/\nhypnotics (including barbiturates), narcotics, narcotic analgesics, general anesthetics, tricyclic antidepressants, \nand tranquilizers; therefore such agents should either be eliminated or given in reduced dosage in the presence \nof Promethazine HCl (see **PRECAUTIONS-Information for Patients** and **Drug Interactions).**\n\n#### Respiratory Depression\n\nPromethazine HCl Oral Solution may lead to potentially fatal respiratory depression. Use of Promethazine \nHCl Oral Solution in patients with compromised respiratory function (e.g., COPD, sleep apnea) should \nbe avoided.\n\n#### Lower Seizure Threshold\n\nPromethazine HCl Oral Solution may lower seizure threshold. It should be used with caution in \npersons with seizure disorders or in persons who are using concomitant medications, such as \nnarcotics or local anesthetics, which may also affect seizure threshold.\n\n#### Bone-Marrow Depression\n\nPromethazine HCl Oral Solution should be used with caution in patients with bone-marrow depression. \nLeukopenia and agranulocytosis have been reported, usually when Promethazine (Promethazine HCl) \nhas been used in association with other known marrow-toxic agents.\n\n#### Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome\n\nA potentially fatal symptom complex sometimes referred to as **Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome** \n(NMS) has been reported in association with Promethazine HCl alone or in combination with antipsychotic\n\ndrugs. Clinical manifestations of NMS are hyperpyrexia, muscle rigidity, altered mental status and \nevidence of autonomic instability (irregular pulse or blood pressure, tachycardia, diaphoresis and \ncardiac dysrhythmias).\n\nThe diagnostic evaluation of patients with this syndrome is complicated. In arriving at a diagnosis, \nit is important to identify cases where the clinical presentation includes both serious medical illness \n(e.g. pneumonia, systemic infection, etc.) and untreated or inadequately treated extrapyramidal \nsigns and symptoms (EPS). Other important considerations in the differential diagnosis include \ncentral anticholinergic toxicity, heat stroke, drug fever and primary central nervous system (CNS) \npathology.\n\nThe management of NMS should include 1) immediate discontinuation of Promethazine HCl, antipsychotic \ndrugs, if any, and other drugs not essential to concurrent therapy, 2) intensive symptomatic treatment \nand medical monitoring, and 3) treatment of any concomitant serious medical problems for which \nspecific treatments are available. There is no general agreement about specific pharmacological \ntreatment regimens for uncomplicated NMS.\n\nSince recurrences of NMS have been reported with phenothiazines, the reintroduction of Promethazine \nHCl should be carefully considered.\n\n#### Use in Pediatric Patients\n\n**Promethazine HCl Oral Solution is contraindicated for use in pediatric patients less than \ntwo years of age.**\n\n**Caution should be exercised when administering Promethazine HCl Oral Solution to pediatric \npatients 2 years of age and older because of the potential for fatal respiratory depression.** \n**Respiratory depression and apnea, sometimes associated with death, are strongly associated \nwith Promethazine products and are not directly related to individualized weight-based dosing, \nwhich might otherwise permit safe administration. Concomitant administration of Promethazine \nproducts with other respiratory depressants has an association with respiratory depression, and \nsometimes death, in pediatric patients.**\n\n**Antiemetics are not recommended for treatment of uncomplicated vomiting in pediatric patients, \nand their use should be limited to prolonged vomiting of known etiology. The extrapyramidal \nsymptoms which can occur secondary to Promethazine HCl Oral Solution administration may \nbe confused with the CNS signs of undiagnosed primary disease, e.g., encephalopathy or Reye’s \nsyndrome. The use of Promethazine HCl Oral Solution should be avoided in pediatric patients \nwhose signs and symptoms may suggest Reye’s syndrome or other hepatic diseases.**\n\nExcessively large dosages of antihistamines, including Promethazine HCl Oral Solution, in pediatric \npatients may cause sudden death (see **OVERDOSAGE).** Hallucinations and convulsions have\noccurred with therapeutic doses and overdoses of Promethazine in pediatric patients. In pediatric \npatients who are acutely ill associated with dehydration, there is an increased susceptibility to \ndystonias with the use of Promethazine HCl.\n\n#### Other Considerations\n\nAdministration of Promethazine HCl has been associated with reported cholestatic jaundice.\n\n#### PRECAUTIONS\n\n#### General\n\nDrugs having anticholinergic properties should be used with caution in patients with narrow-angle \nglaucoma, prostatic hypertrophy, stenosing peptic ulcer, pyloroduodenal obstruction, and bladderneck obstruction.\n\nPromethazine HCl Oral Solution should be used cautiously in persons with cardiovascular disease \nor with impairment of liver function.\n\n#### Information for Patients\n\nPatients should be advised to measure Promethazine HCl Oral Solution with an accurate measuring \ndevice. A household teaspoon is not an accurate measuring device and could lead to overdosage,\nespecially when a half a teaspoon is measured. A pharmacist can recommend an appropriate \nmeasuring device and can provide instructions for measuring the correct dose.\n\nPromethazine HCl Oral Solution may cause marked drowsiness or impair the mental and/or physical \nabilities required for the performance of potentially hazardous tasks, such as driving a vehicle or operating \nmachinery. The use of alcohol or other central-nervous-system depressants such as sedatives/hypnotics \n(including barbiturates), narcotics, narcotic analgesics, general anesthetics, tricyclic antidepressants, and \ntranquilizers, may enhance impairment (see **WARNINGS-CNS Depression9** and **PRECAUTIONS-Drug \nInteractions).** Pediatric patients should be supervised to avoid potential harm in bike riding or in other \nhazardous activities.\n\nPatients should be advised to report any involuntary muscle movements.\n\nAvoid prolonged exposure to the sun.\n\n#### Drug Interactions CNS Depressants\n\nPromethazine HCl Oral Solution may increase, prolong, or intensify the sedative action of other \ncentral-nervous-system depressants, such as alcohol, sedatives/hypnotics (including barbiturates), \nnarcotics, narcotic analgesics, general anesthetics, tricyclic antidepressants, and tranquilizers; \ntherefore, such agents should be avoided or administered in reduced dosage to patients receiving \nPromethazine HCl. When given concomitantly with Promethazine HCl Oral Solution, the dose of \nbarbiturates should be reduced by at least one-half, and the dose of narcotics should be reduced \nby one-quarter to one-half. Dosage must be individualized. Excessive amounts of Promethazine \nHCl relative to a narcotic may lead to restlessness and motor hyperactivity in the patient with pain; \nthese symptoms usually disappear with adequate control of the pain.\n\n#### Epinephrine\n\nBecause of the potential for Promethazine to reverse epinephrine’s vasopressor effect, epinephrine \nshould NOT be used to treat hypotension associated with Promethazine HCl Oral Solution overdose.\n\n#### Anticholinergics\n\nConcomitant use of other agents with anticholinergic properties should be undertaken with caution.\n\n#### Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI)\n\nDrug interactions, including an increased incidence of extrapyramidal effects, have been reported \nwhen some MAOI and phenothiazines are used concomitantly. This possibility should be considered \nwith Promethazine HCl Oral Solution.\n\n#### Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions\n\nThe following laboratory tests may be affected in patients who are receiving therapy with Promethazine HCl:\n\n#### Pregnancy Tests\n\nDiagnostic pregnancy tests based on immunological reactions between HCG and anti-HCG may \nresult in false-negative or false-positive interpretations.\n\n#### Glucose Tolerance Test\n\nAn increase in blood glucose has been reported in patients receiving Promethazine HCl.\n\n#### Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility\n\nLong-term animal studies have not been performed to assess the carcinogenic potential of Promethazine, \nnor are there other animal or human data concerning carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or impairment of \nfertility with this drug. Promethazine was nonmutagenic in the *Salmonella* test system of Ames.\n\n#### Pregnancy\n\nTeratogenic Effects-Pregnancy Category C\nTeratogenic effects have not been demonstrated in rat-feeding studies at doses of 6.25 and 12.5 \nmg/kg of Promethazine HCl. These doses are from approximately 2.1 to 4.2 times the maximum \nrecommended total daily dose of Promethazine for a 50-kg subject, depending upon the indication \nfor which the drug is prescribed. Daily doses of 25 mg/kg intraperitoneally have been found to \nproduce fetal mortality in rats.\n\nSpecific studies to test the action of the drug on parturition, lactation, and development of the \nanimal neonate were not done, but a general preliminary study in rats indicated no effect on \nthese parameters. Although antihistamines have been found to produce fetal mortality in rodents, \nthe pharmacological effects of histamine in the rodent do not parallel those in man. There are \nno adequate and well-controlled studies of Promethazine HCl Oral Solution in pregnant women.\n\n---\n\n# 7.75”W\n\nPromethazine HCl Oral Solution should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit \njustifies the potential risk to the fetus.\n\n#### Nonteratogenic Effects\n\nPromethazine HCl Oral Solution administered to a pregnant woman within two weeks of delivery \nmay inhibit platelet aggregation in the newborn.\n\n#### Labor and Delivery\n\nPromethazine HCl may be used alone or as an adjunct to narcotic analgesics during labor (see \n**DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION).** Limited data suggest that use of Promethazine during labor\nand delivery does not have an appreciable effect on the duration of labor or delivery and does \nnot increase the risk of need for intervention in the newborn. The effect on later growth and \ndevelopment of the newborn is unknown. (See also *Nonteratogenic Effects.*)\n\n#### Nursing Mothers\n\nIt is not known whether Promethazine HCl is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are \nexcreted in human milk and because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing \ninfants from Promethazine HCl Oral Solution, a decision should be made whether to discontinue \nnursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.\n\n#### Pediatric Use\n\n**Promethazine HCl Oral Solution are contraindicated for use in pediatric patients less than \ntwo years of age** (see **WARNINGS-Black Box Warning and Use in Pediatric Patients).**\n\nPromethazine HCl Oral Solution should be used with caution in pediatric patients 2 years of age and \nolder (see **WARNINGS-Use in Pediatric Patients).**\n\n#### Geriatric Use\n\nClinical studies of Promethazine formulations did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged \n65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported \nclinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger \npatients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the \nlow end of the dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal or cardiac \nfunction, and of concomitant disease or other drug therapy.\n\nSedating drugs may cause confusion and over-sedation in the elderly; elderly patients generally \nshould be started on low doses of Promethazine HCl Oral Solution and observed closely.\n\n#### ADVERSE REACTIONS\n\n#### Central Nervous System\n\nDrowsiness is the most prominent CNS effect of this drug. Sedation, somnolence, blurred vision, dizziness; \nconfusion, disorientation, and extrapyramidal symptoms such as oculogyric crisis, torticollis, and tongue \nprotrusion; lassitude, tinnitus, incoordination, fatigue, euphoria, nervousness, diplopia, insomnia, tremors, \nconvulsive seizures, excitation, catatonic-like states, hysteria. Hallucinations have also been reported.\n\n**Cardiovascular**-Increased or decreased blood pressure, tachycardia, bradycardia, faintness.\n\n**Dermatologic**-Dermatitis, photosensitivity, urticaria.\n\n**Hematologic**-Leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, thrombocytopenic purpura, agranulocytosis.\n\n**Gastrointestinal**-Dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, jaundice.\n\n**Respiratory**-Asthma, nasal stuffiness, respiratory depression (potentially fatal) and apnea (potentially \nfatal). (See **WARNINGS-Respiratory Depression.**)\n\n**Other**-Angioneurotic edema. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (potentially fatal) has also been\nreported. (See **WARNINGS-Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome.**)\n\n#### Paradoxical Reactions\n\nHyperexcitability and abnormal movements have been reported in patients following a single \nadministration of Promethazine HCl. Consideration should be given to the discontinuation of Promethazine \nHCl and to the use of other drugs if these reactions occur. Respiratory depression, nightmares, delirium, \nand agitated behavior have also been reported in some of these patients.\n\n#### OVERDOSAGE\n\nSigns and symptoms of overdosage with Promethazine HCl range from mild depression of the central nervous \nsystem and cardiovascular system to profound hypotension, respiratory depression, unconsciousness, and \nsudden death. Other reported reactions include hyperreflexia, hypertonia, ataxia, athetosis, and extensorplantar reflexes (Babinski reflex).\n\nStimulation may be evident, especially in children and geriatric patients. Convulsions may rarely \noccur. A paradoxical-type reaction has been reported in children receiving single doses of 75 mg to \n125 mg orally, characterized by hyperexcitability and nightmares.\n\nAtropine-like signs and symptoms-dry mouth, fixed, dilated pupils, flushing, as well as gastrointestinal \nsymptoms-may occur.\n\n#### Treatment\n\nTreatment of overdosage is essentially symptomatic and supportive. Only in cases of extreme overdosage \nor individual sensitivity do vital signs, including respiration, pulse, blood pressure, temperature, and \nEKG, need to be monitored. Activated charcoal orally or by lavage may be given, or sodium or \nmagnesium sulfate orally as a cathartic. Attention should be given to the reestablishment of \nadequate respiratory exchange through provision of a patent airway and institution of assisted \nor controlled ventilation. Diazepam may be used to control convulsions. Acidosis and electrolyte \nlosses should be corrected. Note that any depressant effects of Promethazine HCl are not reversed \nby naloxone. Avoid analeptics which may cause convulsions.\n\nThe treatment of choice for resulting hypotension is administration of intravenous fluids, accompanied \nby repositioning if indicated. In the event that vasopressors are considered for the management of \nsevere hypotension which does not respond to intravenous fluids and repositioning, the administration \nof norepinephrine or phenylephrine should be considered. EPINEPHRINE SHOULD NOT BE USED, since \nits use in patients with partial adrenergic blockade may further lower the blood pressure. Extrapyramidal \nreactions may be treated with anticholinergic antiparkinsonian agents, diphenhydramine, or barbiturates. \nOxygen may also be administered.\n\nLimited experience with dialysis indicates that it is not helpful.\n\n#### DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION\n\n*It is important that Promethazine HCl Oral Solution is measured with an accurate measuring device* \n(see **PRECAUTIONS-Information for Patients).** A household teaspoon is not an accurate measuring \ndevice and could lead to overdosage, especially when half a teaspoon is to be measured. It is strongly \nrecommended that an accurate measuring device be used. A pharmacist can provide an appropriate \ndevice and can provide instructions for measuring the correct dose.\n\n**Promethazine HCl Oral Solution is contraindicated for children under 2 years of age** (see\n**WARNINGS-Black Box Warning and Use in Pediatric Patients).**\n\n#### Allergy\n\nThe average oral dose is 25 mg taken before retiring; however, 12.5 mg may be taken before meals \nand on retiring, if necessary. Single 25-mg doses at bedtime or 6.25 to 12.5 mg taken three times daily \nwill usually suffice. After initiation of treatment in children or adults, dosage should be adjusted to the \nsmallest amount adequate to relieve symptoms. The administration of Promethazine HCl in 25-mg doses \nwill control minor transfusion reactions of an allergic nature.\n\nThe average effective dose of Promethazine for the active therapy of nausea and vomiting in \nchildren or adults is 25 mg. When oral medication cannot be tolerated, the dose should be given \nparenterally (cf. Promethazine Injection) or by rectal suppository. 12.5- to 25-mg doses may be \nrepeated, as necessary, at 4- to 6-hour intervals.\n\n#### Motion Sickness\n\nFor nausea and vomiting in children, the usual dose is 0.5 mg per pound of body weight, and the \ndose should be adjusted to the age and weight of the patient and the severity of the condition \nbeing treated.\n\nFor prophylaxis of nausea and vomiting, as during surgery and the postoperative period, the average dose \nis 25 mg repeated at 4- to 6-hour intervals, as necessary.\n\nThe average adult dose is 25 mg taken twice daily. The initial dose should be taken one-half to one hour \nbefore anticipated travel and be repeated 8 to 12 hours later, if necessary. On succeeding days of travel, \nit is recommended that 25 mg be given on arising and again before the evening meal. For children, \nPromethazine HCl Oral Solution, 12.5 to 25 mg, twice daily, may be administered.\n\n#### Nausea and Vomiting\n\nAntiemetics should not be used in vomiting of unknown etiology in children and adolescents (see \n**WARNINGS-Use in Pediatric Patients).**\n\n#### Sedation\n\nThis product relieves apprehension and induces a quiet sleep from which the patient can be easily \naroused. Administration of 12.5 to 25 mg Promethazine by the oral route will provide sedation in \nchildren. Adults usually require 25 to 50 mg for nighttime, presurgical, or obstetrical sedation.\n\n#### Pre- and Postoperative Use\n\nPromethazine in 12.5- to 25-mg doses for children and 50-mg doses for adults the night before \nsurgery relieves apprehension and produces a quiet sleep.\n\nFor preoperative medication, children require doses of 0.5 mg per pound of body weight in combination \nwith an appropriately reduced dose of narcotic or barbiturate and the appropriate dose of an \natropine-like drug. Usual adult dosage is 50 mg Promethazine with an appropriately reduced dose \nof narcotic or barbiturate and the required amount of a belladonna alkaloid.\n\nPostoperative sedation and adjunctive use with analgesics may be obtained by the administration \nof 12.5 to 25 mg in children and 25- to 50-mg doses in adults.\n\nPromethazine HCl Oral Solution is contraindicated for children under 2 years of age.\n\n#### HOW SUPPLIED\n\nPromethazine HCl Oral Solution, USP 12.5 mg/5 mL is a clear, green colored solution available \nin PET plastic bottles as follows:\n\n4 fl oz 4 fl oz (118 mL) NDC 70752-316-06\n\n8 fl oz (237 mL) NDC 70752-316-15\n\n16 fl oz (473 mL) NDC-70752-316-12\n\n#### STORAGE AND HANDLING\n\n#### Keep tightly closed.\n\n**Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature] Protect from \nlight. Dispense in light-resistant, tight container.**\n\n#### Manufactured by:\n\n**Quagen Pharmaceuticals LLC**\nWest Caldwell, NJ 07006\n\nRev. 10/26\n\n**Width: 7.75”**\n**Length: 11.0”**\n**Fold: 2.75” × 3.875”**\n\nOral Solution, USP 6.25 mg/5 mL\nPromethazine Hydrochloride\n52014\n52014\n\n52014 Promethazine Hydrochloride\n\n**6.375”**\n\n3/31/26   1:23\u202fPM\n\n**3.625”**', 'pages': None, 'truncated': False, 'extraction': 'firecrawl-public-document-markdown', 'request_id': '518b4e85-06a2-40a8-94b4-87914cee9ab9', 'source_url': 'https://downloads.regulations.gov/FDA-2026-P-12277-0006/content.pdf', 'observed_at': '2026-10-12T09:21:44.135790+00:00', 'content_hash': 'be872728dca2850b19e21dbd77a1507b8bb2e5a0fb2a700f1f2343fd9c24a25f'}, 'title': 'pdf'}]}

        Collection history starts with our observations; it is not complete legislative amendment history.

        Source selection: autonomous systems. Observed 2026-10-13T01:29:06.434968+00:00.

        Read original source ↗

        Supporting & Related Material Federal · FDA

        Attachment 2 - Approved Labeling of RLD

        Source ID: FDA-2026-P-12277-0005 · Posted: 2026-10-09

        Source document type: Supporting & Related Material

        Read docket FDA-2026-P-12277 and supporting material ↗

        Source details and legislative history

        Detail checked 2026-10-13T01:29:06.434968+00:00.

          • pdf
            Collected source text excerpt

            Observed 2026-10-12T09:21:34.737177+00:00.

            **This label may not be the latest approved by FDA.**
            **For current labeling information, please visit https://www.fda.gov/drugsatfda**

            **PROMETHAZINE HCL PLAIN ORAL SOLUTION - promethazine hcl solution**

            ANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

            ----------

            Barcode = 7489

            Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution

            Rx Only

            ## Rx Only

            ## DESCRIPTION

            Each teaspoon (5 mL) of Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution contains 6.25 mg promethazine HCl in a flavored syrup base with a

            pH between 4.7 and 5.2. Alcohol 7%. The inactive ingredients present are artificial and natural flavors, citric acid, D&C Red 33, D&C

            Yellow 10, FD&C Blue 1, FD&C Yellow 6, glycerin, saccharin sodium, sodium benzoate, sodium citrate, sodium propionate, water,

            and other ingredients.

            Promethazine HCl is a racemic compound; the empirical formula is C17H20N2S•HCl and its molecular weight is 320.88.

            $$
            \mathrm{C_{17}H_{20}N_{2}S\bullet HCl}
            $$

            Promethazine HCl, a phenothiazine derivative, is designated chemically as 10H-Phenothiazine-10-ethanamine, *N,N,* α-trimethyl-,

            monohydrochloride, (±)- with the following structural formula:

            $ \cdot $ HO $ \mathrm{C H_{2} C H(CH_{3}) N(CH_{3})_{2}} $

            Promethazine HCl occurs as a white to faint yellow, practically odorless, crystalline powder which slowly oxidizes and turns blue on
            prolonged exposure to air. It is freely soluble in water and soluble in alcohol.

            ## CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

            Promethazine is a phenothiazine derivative which differs structurally from the antipsychotic phenothiazines by the presence of a
            branched side chain and no ring substitution. It is thought that this configuration is responsible for its relative lack (1/10 that of
            chlorpromazine) of dopamine antagonist properties.

            Promethazine is an H1 receptor blocking agent. In addition to its antihistaminic action, it provides clinically useful sedative and
            antiemetic effects.

            $$
            \mathrm{H}_{1}
            $$

            Promethazine is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Clinical effects are apparent within 20 minutes after oral administration
            and generally last four to six hours, although they may persist as long as 12 hours. Promethazine is metabolized by the liver to a
            variety of compounds; the sulfoxides of promethazine and N-demethylpromethazine are the predominant metabolites appearing in the
            urine.

            ## INDICATIONS AND USAGE

            Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution is useful for:

            Perennial and seasonal allergic rhinitis.

            Vasomotor rhinitis.

            Allergic conjunctivitis due to inhalant allergens and foods.

            Mild, uncomplicated allergic skin manifestations of urticaria and angioedema.

            Amelioration of allergic reactions to blood or plasma.

            Dermographism.

            Anaphylactic reactions, as adjunctive therapy to epinephrine and other standard measures, after the acute manifestations have been

            controlled.

            Preoperative, postoperative, or obstetric sedation.

            Prevention and control of nausea and vomiting associated with certain types of anesthesia and surgery.

            Therapy adjunctive to meperidine or other analgesics for control of post-operative pain.

            Sedation in both children and adults, as well as relief of apprehension and production of light sleep from which the patient can be

            easily aroused.

            Active and prophylactic treatment of motion sickness.

            Antiemetic therapy in postoperative patients.

            ## CONTRAINDICATIONS

            Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution is contraindicated for use in pediatric patients less than two years of age.

            ---

            **This label may not be the latest approved by FDA.**
            **For current labeling information, please visit https://www.fda.gov/drugsatfda**

            Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution is contraindicated in comatose states, and in individuals known to be hypersensitive or to have

            had an idiosyncratic reaction to promethazine or to other phenothiazines.

            Antihistamines are contraindicated for use in the treatment of lower respiratory tract symptoms including asthma.

            ## WARNINGS

            | Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution should not be used in pediatric patients less than 2 years of age because of the potential for fatal respiratory depression. Postmarketing cases of respiratory depression, including fatalities, have been reported with use of promethazine in pediatric patients less than 2 years of age. A wide range of weight-based doses of promethazine have resulted in respiratory depression in these patients. Caution should be exercised when administering promethazine to pediatric patients 2 years of age and older. It is recommended that the lowest effective dose of promethazine be used in pediatric patients 2 years of age and older and concomitant administration of other drugs with respiratory depressant effects be avoided. |
            | --- |

            ## CNS Depression

            Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution may impair the mental and/or physical abilities required for the performance of potentially
            hazardous tasks, such as driving a vehicle or operating machinery. The impairment may be amplified by concomitant use of other
            central-nervous-system depressants such as alcohol, sedatives/hypnotics (including barbiturates), narcotics, narcotic analgesics,
            general anesthetics, tricyclic antidepressants, and tranquilizers; therefore such agents should either be eliminated or given in reduced
            dosage in the presence of promethazine HCl (**seePRECAUTIONS – Information for Patients andDrug Interactions).**

            ## Respiratory Depression

            Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution may lead to potentially fatal respiratory depression.

            Use of Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution in patients with compromised respiratory function (e.g. COPD, sleep apnea) should be

            avoided.

            ## Lower Seizure Threshold

            Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution may lower seizure threshold. It should be used with caution in persons with seizure disorders or
            in persons who are using concomitant medications, such as narcotics or local anesthetics, which may also affect seizure threshold.

            ## Bone-Marrow Depression

            Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution should be used with caution in patients with bone-marrow depression. Leukopenia and
            agranulocytosis have been reported, usually when Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution has been used in association with other
            known marrow-toxic agents.

            ## Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

            A potentially fatal symptom complex sometimes referred to as Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) has been reported
            in association with promethazine HCl alone or in combination with antipsychotic drugs. Clinical manifestations of NMS are
            hyperpyrexia, muscle rigidity, altered mental status and evidence of autonomic instability (irregular pulse or blood pressure,
            tachycardia, diaphoresis and cardiac dysrhythmias).

            The diagnostic evaluation of patients with this syndrome is complicated. In arriving at a diagnosis, it is important to identify cases
            where the clinical presentation includes both serious medical illness (e.g., pneumonia, systemic infection, etc.) and untreated or
            inadequately treated extrapyramidal signs and symptoms (EPS). Other important considerations in the differential diagnosis include
            central anticholinergic toxicity, heat stroke, drug fever and primary central nervous system (CNS) pathology.

            The management of NMS should include 1) immediate discontinuation of promethazine HCl, antipsychotic drugs, if any, and other
            drugs not essential to concurrent therapy, 2) intensive symptomatic treatment and medical monitoring, and 3) treatment of any
            concomitant serious medical problems for which specific treatments are available. There is no general agreement about specific
            pharmacological treatment regimens for uncomplicated NMS.

            Since recurrences of NMS have been reported with phenothiazines, the reintroduction of promethazine HCl should be carefully
            considered.

            ## Use in Pediatric Patients

            **Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution is contraindicated for use in pediatric patients less than two years of age.**

            ---

            **This label may not be the latest approved by FDA.**
            **For current labe…

          Observed changes

          Oct. 13, 2026, 1:30 a.m.: attachments changed since Oct. 12, 2026, 9:21 a.m..

          {'attachments': [{'url': 'https://downloads.regulations.gov/FDA-2026-P-12277-0005/content.pdf', 'body': {'text': '**This label may not be the latest approved by FDA.**  \n**For current labeling information, please visit https://www.fda.gov/drugsatfda**\n\n**PROMETHAZINE HCL PLAIN ORAL SOLUTION - promethazine hcl solution**\n\nANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc.\n\n----------\n\nBarcode = 7489\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution\n\nRx Only\n\n## Rx Only\n\n## DESCRIPTION\n\nEach teaspoon (5 mL) of Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution contains 6.25 mg promethazine HCl in a flavored syrup base with a\n \npH between 4.7 and 5.2. Alcohol 7%. The inactive ingredients present are artificial and natural flavors, citric acid, D&C Red 33, D&C\n \nYellow 10, FD&C Blue 1, FD&C Yellow 6, glycerin, saccharin sodium, sodium benzoate, sodium citrate, sodium propionate, water,\n \nand other ingredients.\n\nPromethazine HCl is a racemic compound; the empirical formula is C17H20N2S•HCl and its molecular weight is 320.88.\n\n$$\n\\mathrm{C_{17}H_{20}N_{2}S\\bullet HCl}\n$$\n\nPromethazine HCl, a phenothiazine derivative, is designated chemically as 10H-Phenothiazine-10-ethanamine, *N,N,* α-trimethyl-,\n \nmonohydrochloride, (±)- with the following structural formula:\n\n$ \\cdot $ HO $ \\mathrm{C H_{2} C H(CH_{3}) N(CH_{3})_{2}} $\n\nPromethazine HCl occurs as a white to faint yellow, practically odorless, crystalline powder which slowly oxidizes and turns blue on \nprolonged exposure to air. It is freely soluble in water and soluble in alcohol.\n\n## CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY\n\nPromethazine is a phenothiazine derivative which differs structurally from the antipsychotic phenothiazines by the presence of a \nbranched side chain and no ring substitution. It is thought that this configuration is responsible for its relative lack (1/10 that of \nchlorpromazine) of dopamine antagonist properties.\n\nPromethazine is an H1 receptor blocking agent. In addition to its antihistaminic action, it provides clinically useful sedative and \nantiemetic effects.\n\n$$\n\\mathrm{H}_{1}\n$$\n\nPromethazine is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Clinical effects are apparent within 20 minutes after oral administration \nand generally last four to six hours, although they may persist as long as 12 hours. Promethazine is metabolized by the liver to a \nvariety of compounds; the sulfoxides of promethazine and N-demethylpromethazine are the predominant metabolites appearing in the \nurine.\n\n## INDICATIONS AND USAGE\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution is useful for:\n\nPerennial and seasonal allergic rhinitis.\n\nVasomotor rhinitis.\n\nAllergic conjunctivitis due to inhalant allergens and foods.\n\nMild, uncomplicated allergic skin manifestations of urticaria and angioedema.\n\nAmelioration of allergic reactions to blood or plasma.\n\nDermographism.\n\nAnaphylactic reactions, as adjunctive therapy to epinephrine and other standard measures, after the acute manifestations have been\n \ncontrolled.\n\nPreoperative, postoperative, or obstetric sedation.\n\nPrevention and control of nausea and vomiting associated with certain types of anesthesia and surgery.\n\nTherapy adjunctive to meperidine or other analgesics for control of post-operative pain.\n\nSedation in both children and adults, as well as relief of apprehension and production of light sleep from which the patient can be\n \neasily aroused.\n\nActive and prophylactic treatment of motion sickness.\n\nAntiemetic therapy in postoperative patients.\n\n## CONTRAINDICATIONS\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution is contraindicated for use in pediatric patients less than two years of age.\n\n---\n\n**This label may not be the latest approved by FDA.**  \n**For current labeling information, please visit https://www.fda.gov/drugsatfda**\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution is contraindicated in comatose states, and in individuals known to be hypersensitive or to have\n \nhad an idiosyncratic reaction to promethazine or to other phenothiazines.\n\nAntihistamines are contraindicated for use in the treatment of lower respiratory tract symptoms including asthma.\n\n## WARNINGS\n\n| Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution should not be used in pediatric patients less than 2 years of age because of the potential for fatal respiratory depression. Postmarketing cases of respiratory depression, including fatalities, have been reported with use of promethazine in pediatric patients less than 2 years of age. A wide range of weight-based doses of promethazine have resulted in respiratory depression in these patients. Caution should be exercised when administering promethazine to pediatric patients 2 years of age and older. It is recommended that the lowest effective dose of promethazine be used in pediatric patients 2 years of age and older and concomitant administration of other drugs with respiratory depressant effects be avoided. |\n| --- |\n\n## CNS Depression\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution may impair the mental and/or physical abilities required for the performance of potentially \nhazardous tasks, such as driving a vehicle or operating machinery. The impairment may be amplified by concomitant use of other \ncentral-nervous-system depressants such as alcohol, sedatives/hypnotics (including barbiturates), narcotics, narcotic analgesics, \ngeneral anesthetics, tricyclic antidepressants, and tranquilizers; therefore such agents should either be eliminated or given in reduced \ndosage in the presence of promethazine HCl (**seePRECAUTIONS – Information for Patients andDrug Interactions).**\n\n## Respiratory Depression\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution may lead to potentially fatal respiratory depression.\n\nUse of Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution in patients with compromised respiratory function (e.g. COPD, sleep apnea) should be\n \navoided.\n\n## Lower Seizure Threshold\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution may lower seizure threshold. It should be used with caution in persons with seizure disorders or \nin persons who are using concomitant medications, such as narcotics or local anesthetics, which may also affect seizure threshold.\n\n## Bone-Marrow Depression\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution should be used with caution in patients with bone-marrow depression. Leukopenia and \nagranulocytosis have been reported, usually when Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution has been used in association with other \nknown marrow-toxic agents.\n\n## Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome\n\nA potentially fatal symptom complex sometimes referred to as Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) has been reported \nin association with promethazine HCl alone or in combination with antipsychotic drugs. Clinical manifestations of NMS are \nhyperpyrexia, muscle rigidity, altered mental status and evidence of autonomic instability (irregular pulse or blood pressure, \ntachycardia, diaphoresis and cardiac dysrhythmias).\n\nThe diagnostic evaluation of patients with this syndrome is complicated. In arriving at a diagnosis, it is important to identify cases \nwhere the clinical presentation includes both serious medical illness (e.g., pneumonia, systemic infection, etc.) and untreated or \ninadequately treated extrapyramidal signs and symptoms (EPS). Other important considerations in the differential diagnosis include \ncentral anticholinergic toxicity, heat stroke, drug fever and primary central nervous system (CNS) pathology.\n\nThe management of NMS should include 1) immediate discontinuation of promethazine HCl, antipsychotic drugs, if any, and other \ndrugs not essential to concurrent therapy, 2) intensive symptomatic treatment and medical monitoring, and 3) treatment of any \nconcomitant serious medical problems for which specific treatments are available. There is no general agreement about specific \npharmacological treatment regimens for uncomplicated NMS.\n\nSince recurrences of NMS have been reported with phenothiazines, the reintroduction of promethazine HCl should be carefully \nconsidered.\n\n## Use in Pediatric Patients\n\n**Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution is contraindicated for use in pediatric patients less than two years of age.**\n\n---\n\n**This label may not be the latest approved by FDA.**  \n**For current labeling information, please visit https://www.fda.gov/drugsatfda**\n\n**Caution should be exercised when administering Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution to pediatric patients 2 years of age \nand older because of the potential for fatal respiratory depression. Respiratory depression and apnea, sometimes associated \nwith death, are strongly associated with promethazine products and are not directly related to individualized weight-based \ndosing, which might otherwise permit safe administration. Concomitant administration of promethazine products with other \nrespiratory depressants has an association with respiratory depression, and sometimes death, in pediatric patients.**\n\n**Antiemetics are not recommended for treatment of uncomplicated vomiting in pediatric patients, and their use should be \nlimited to prolonged vomiting of known etiology. The extrapyramidal symptoms which can occur secondary to Promethazine** \n**HCl Plain Oral Solution administration may be confused with the CNS signs of undiagnosed primary disease, e.g.,**\n\n**encephalopathy or Reye’s syndrome. The use of Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution should be avoided in pediatric patients \nwhose signs and symptoms may suggest Reye’s syndrome or other hepatic diseases.**\n\nExcessively large dosages of antihistamines, including Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution, in pediatric patients may cause sudden \ndeath (**seeOVERDOSAGE).** Hallucinations and convulsions have occurred with therapeutic doses and overdoses of Promethazine \nHCl Plain Oral Solution in pediatric patients. In pediatric patients who are acutely ill associated with dehydration, there is an increased \nsusceptibility to dystonias with the use of promethazine HCl.\n\n## Other Considerations\n\nAdministration of promethazine HCl has been associated with reported cholestatic jaundice.\n\n## PRECAUTIONS\n\n## General\n\nDrugs having anticholinergic properties should be used with caution in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma, prostatic hypertrophy,\n \nstenosing peptic ulcer, pyloroduodenal obstruction, and bladder-neck obstruction.\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution should be used cautiously in persons with cardiovascular disease or with impairment of liver\n \nfunction.\n\n## Information for Patients\n\nPatients should be advised to measure Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution with an accurate measuring device. A household\n \nteaspoon is not an accurate measuring device and could lead to overdosage, especially when a half a teaspoon is measured. A\n \npharmacist can recommend an appropriate measuring device and can provide instructions for measuring the correct dose.\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution may cause marked drowsiness or impair the mental and/or physical abilities required for the\n \nperformance of potentially hazardous tasks, such as driving a vehicle or operating machinery. Ambulatory patients should be told\n \nto avoid engaging in such activities until it is known that they do not become drowsy or dizzy from promethazine therapy. Pediatric\n \npatients should be supervised to avoid potential harm in bike riding or in other hazardous activities.\n\nThe concomitant use of alcohol or other central-nervous-system depressants, such as sedatives/hypnotics (including barbiturates),\n \nnarcotics, narcotic analgesics, general anesthetics, tricyclic antidepressants, and tranquilizers may enhance impairment\n\n(**seeWARNINGS-CNS Depression andPRECAUTIONS–Drug Interactions).**\n\nPatients should be advised to report any involuntary muscle movements.\n\nAvoid prolonged exposure to the sun.\n\n## Drug Interactions\n\n*CNS Depressants* – Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution may increase, prolong, or intensify the sedative action of other central\nnervous-system depressants such as alcohol, sedatives/hypnotics (including barbiturates), narcotics, narcotic analgesics, general \nanesthetics, tricyclic antidepressants, and tranquilizers; therefore, such agents should be avoided or administered in reduced dosage to \npatients receiving promethazine HCl. When given concomitantly with Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution, the dose of barbiturates \nshould be reduced by at least one-half, and the dose of narcotics should be reduced by one-quarter to one-half. Dosage must be \nindividualized. Excessive amounts of promethazine HCl relative to a narcotic may lead to restlessness and motor hyperactivity in the \npatient with pain; these symptoms usually disappear with adequate control of the pain.\n\n*Epinephrine* – Because of the potential for Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution to reverse epinephrine’s vasopressor effect, \nepinephrine should NOT be used to treat hypotension associated with Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution overdose.\n\n*Anticholinergics* – Concomitant use of other agents with anticholinergic properties should be undertaken with caution.\n\n*Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI)* – Drug interactions, including an increased incidence of extrapyramidal effects, have been \nreported when some MAOI and phenothiazines are used concomitantly. This possibility should be considered with Promethazine HCl \nPlain Oral Solution.\n\n## Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions\n\nThe following laboratory tests may be affected in patients who are receiving therapy with promethazine HCl: \n*Pregnancy Tests*\n\nDiagnostic pregnancy tests based on immunological reactions between HCG and anti-HCG may result in false-negative or falsepositive interpretations.\n\n*Glucose Tolerance Test*\n\n---\n\n**This label may not be the latest approved by FDA.**  \n**For current labeling information, please visit https://www.fda.gov/drugsatfda**\n\nAn increase in blood glucose has been reported in patients receiving promethazine HCl.\n\n## Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility\n\nLong-term animal studies have not been performed to assess the carcinogenic potential of promethazine, nor are there other animal or \nhuman data concerning carginogenicity, mutagenicity, or impairment of fertility with this drug. Promethazine was nonmutagenic in \nthe *Salmonella* test system of Ames.\n\n## Pregnancy\n\n## Teratogenic Effects-Pregnancy Category C\n\nTeratogenic effects have not been demonstrated in rat-feeding studies at doses of 6.25 and 12.5 mg/kg of promethazine HCl. These \ndoses are from approximately 2.1 to 4.2 times the maximum recommended total daily dose of promethazine for a 50-kg subject, \ndepending upon the indication for which the drug is prescribed. Daily doses of 25 mg/kg intraperitoneally have been found to produce \nfetal mortality in rats.\n\nSpecific studies to test the action of the drug on parturition, lactation, and development of the animal neonate were not done, but a \ngeneral preliminary study in rats indicated no effect on these parameters. Although antihistamines have been found to produce fetal \nmortality in rodents, the pharmacological effects of histamine in the rodent do not parallel those in man. There are no adequate and \nwell-controlled studies of Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution in pregnant women.\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the \nfetus.\n\n## Nonteratogenic Effects\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution administered to a pregnant woman within two weeks of delivery may inhibit platelet \naggregation in the newborn.\n\n## Labor and Delivery\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution may be used alone or as an adjunct to narcotic analgesics during labor (**seeDOSAGE AND \nADMINISTRATION).** Limited data suggest that use of Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution during labor and delivery does not \nhave an appreciable effect on the duration of labor or delivery and does not increase the risk of need for intervention in the newborn. \nThe effect on later growth and development of the newborn is unknown. (See *alsoNonteratogenic Effects.*)\n\n## Nursing Mothers\n\nIt is not known whether promethazine HCl is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because \nof the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution, a decision should be made \nwhether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.\n\n## Pediatric Use\n\n**Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution is contraindicated for use in pediatric patients less than two years of age** (see \n**WARNINGS –Boxed Warning** and **Use in Pediatric Patients).**\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution should be used with caution in pediatric patients 2 years of age and older (see **WARNINGS-\nUse in Pediatric Patients).**\n\n## Geriatric Use\n\nClinical studies of promethazine formulations did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether\n \nthey respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between\n \nthe elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of\n \nthe dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other\n \ndrug therapy.\n\nSedating drugs may cause confusion and over-sedation in the elderly; elderly patients generally should be started on low doses of\n \nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution and observed closely.\n\n## ADVERSE REACTIONS\n\n**Central Nervous System** – Drowsiness is the most prominent CNS effect of this drug. Sedation, somnolence, blurred vision,\n \ndizziness, confusion, disorientation, and extrapyramidal symptoms such as oculogyric crisis, torticollis, and tongue protrusion;\n \nlassitude, tinnitus, incoordination, fatigue, euphoria, nervousness, diplopia, insomnia, tremors, convulsive seizures, excitation,\n \ncatatonic-like states, hysteria. Hallucinations have also been reported.\n\n**Cardiovascular** – Increased or decreased blood pressure, tachycardia, bradycardia, faintness.\n\n**Dermatologic** – Dermatitis, photosensitivity, urticaria.\n\n**Hematologic** – Leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, thrombocytopenic purpura, agranulocytosis.\n\n---\n\n**This label may not be the latest approved by FDA.**  \n**For current labeling information, please visit https://www.fda.gov/drugsatfda**\n\n**Gastrointestinal** – Dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, jaundice.\n\n**Respiratory** – Asthma, nasal stuffiness, respiratory depression (potentially fatal) and apnea (potentially fatal). **(SeeWARNINGS-**\n\n**Respiratory Depression.)**\n\n**Other** – Angioneurotic edema. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (potentially fatal) has also been reported. **(SeeWARNINGS-**\n\n**Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome.)**\n\n## Paradoxical Reactions\n\nHyperexcitability and abnormal movements have been reported in patients following a single administration of promethazine HCl. \nConsideration should be given to the discontinuation of promethazine HCl and to the use of other drugs if these reactions occur. \nRespiratory depression, nightmares, delirium, and agitated behavior have also been reported in some of these patients.\n\n## OVERDOSAGE\n\nSigns and symptoms of overdosage with promethazine HCl range from mild depression of the central nervous system and\n \ncardiovascular system to profound hypotension, respiratory depression, unconsciousness, and sudden death. Other reported reactions\n \ninclude hyperreflexia, hypertonia, ataxia, athetosis, and extensor-plantar reflexes (Babinski reflex).\n\nStimulation may be evident, especially in children and geriatric patients. Convulsions may rarely occur. A paradoxical-type reaction\n \nhas been reported in children receiving single doses of 75 mg to 125 mg orally, characterized by hyperexcitability and nightmares.\n \nAtropine-like signs and symptoms – dry mouth, fixed, dilated pupils, flushing, as well as gastrointestinal symptoms - may occur.\n\n## Treatment\n\nTreatment of overdosage is essentially symptomatic and supportive. Only in cases of extreme overdosage or individual sensitivity \ndo vital signs, including respiration, pulse, blood pressure, temperature, and EKG, need to be monitored. Activated charcoal orally \nor by lavage may be given, or sodium or magnesium sulfate orally as a cathartic. Attention should be given to the reestablishment of \nadequate respiratory exchange through provision of a patent airway and institution of assisted or controlled ventilation. Diazepam may \nbe used to control convulsions. Acidosis and electrolyte losses should be corrected. Note that any depressant effects of promethazine \nHCl are not reversed by naloxone. Avoid analeptics which may cause convulsions.\n\nThe treatment of choice for resulting hypotension is administration of intravenous fluids, accompanied by repositioning if indicated. \nIn the event that vasopressors are considered for the management of severe hypotension which does not respond to intravenous fluids \nand repositioning, the administration of norepinephrine or phenylephrine should be considered. EPINEPHRINE SHOULD NOT BE \nUSED, since its use in patients with partial adrenergic blockade may further lower the blood pressure. Extrapyramidal reactions may \nbe treated with anticholinergic antiparkinson agents, diphenhydramine, or barbiturates. Oxygen may also be administered. \nLimited experience with dialysis indicates that it is not helpful.\n\n## DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION\n\n*It is important that Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution is measured with an accurate measuring device* (**seePRECAUTIONS**-\n\n**Information for Patients).** A household teaspoon is not an accurate measuring device and could lead to overdosage, especially when \nhalf a teaspoon is to be measured. It is strongly recommended that an accurate measuring device be used. A pharmacist can provide an \nappropriate device and can provide instructions for measuring the correct dose.\n\n**Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution is contraindicated for children under 2 years of age** (see **WARNINGS – Boxed \nWarning andUse in Pediatric Patients).**\n\n## Allergy\n\nThe average oral dose is 25 mg taken before retiring; however, 12.5 mg may be taken before meals and on retiring, if necessary.\n \nSingle 25 mg doses at bedtime or 6.25 to 12.5 mg taken three times daily will usually suffice.\n\nAfter initiation of treatment in children or adults, dosage should be adjusted to the smallest amount adequate to relieve symptoms.\n \nThe administration of promethazine HCl in 25 mg doses will control minor transfusion reactions of an allergic nature.\n\n## Motion Sickness\n\nThe average adult dose is 25 mg taken twice daily. The initial dose should be taken one-half to one hour before anticipated travel and \nbe repeated 8 to 12 hours later, if necessary. On succeeding days of travel, it is recommended that 25 mg be taken on arising and again \nbefore the evening meal. For children, 12.5 to 25 mg, twice daily, may be administered.\n\n## Nausea and Vomiting\n\nAntiemetics should not be used in vomiting of unknown etiology in children and adolescents (**seeWARNINGS-Use in Pediatric \nPatients).**\n\nThe average effective dose of Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution for the active therapy of nausea and vomiting in children or \nadults is 25 mg. When oral medication cannot be tolerated, the dose should be given parenterally (cf. Promethazine Hydrochloride \nInjection) or by rectal suppository. 12.5 to 25 mg doses may be repeated, as necessary, at 4 to 6 hour intervals.\n\nFor nausea and vomiting in children, the usual dose is 0.5 mg per pound of body weight, and the dose should be adjusted to the age \nand weight of the patient and the severity of the condition being treated.\n\n---\n\n**This label may not be the latest approved by FDA.**  \n**For current labeling information, please visit https://www.fda.gov/drugsatfda**\n\nFor prophylaxis of nausea and vomiting, as during surgery and the postoperative period, the average dose is 25 mg repeated at 4 to 6 \nhour intervals, as necessary.\n\n## Sedation\n\nThis product relieves apprehension and induces a quiet sleep from which the patient can be easily aroused. Administration of 12.5 to \n25 mg Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution by the oral route at bedtime will provide sedation in children. Adults usually require 25 \nto 50 mg for nighttime, presurgical, or obstetrical sedation.\n\n## Pre- and Postoperative Use\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution in 12.5 to 25 mg doses for children and 50 mg doses for adults the night before surgery relieves\n \napprehension and produces a quiet sleep.\n\nFor preoperative medication children require doses of 0.5 mg per pound of body weight in combination with an appropriately reduced\n \ndose of narcotic or barbiturate and the appropriate dose of an atropine-like drug.\n\nUsual adult dosage is 50 mg Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution with an appropriately reduced dose of narcotic or barbiturate and\n \nthe required amount of a belladonna alkaloid.\n\nPostoperative sedation and adjunctive use with analgesics may be obtained by the administration of 12.5 to 25 mg in children and 25\n \nto 50 mg doses in adults.\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution is contraindicated for children under 2 years of age.\n\n## HOW SUPPLIED\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution is a clear, green solution supplied as follows:\n\nNDC 42769-7481-4 – bottle of 4 fl. oz. (118 mL)\n\nNDC 42769-7481-6 – bottle of 16 fl. oz. (473 mL)\n\n**Keep bottles tightly closed.**\n\n**Store at 20º to 25ºC (68º to 77ºF) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature.]**\n\n**Protect from light.**\n\n**Dispense in tight, light-resistant container (USP/NF) with a child-resistant closure.**\n\n## BayPharma\n\nManufactured for\n\nBayPharmaTM, Inc.\n\nBaltimore, MD 21244\n\n501-74816-0\n\nRev 05/08', 'pages': None, 'truncated': False, 'extraction': 'firecrawl-public-document-markdown', 'request_id': 'd22b3b24-7f45-4ada-8b91-b34e16369254', 'source_url': 'https://downloads.regulations.gov/FDA-2026-P-12277-0005/content.pdf', 'observed_at': '2026-10-12T09:21:34.737177+00:00', 'content_hash': '5471b241264da11a9da88d775720c6ea47be678c50849ebd981de9a41dc0e50b'}, 'title': 'pdf', 'check_failed': False}]}
          {'attachments': [{'url': 'https://downloads.regulations.gov/FDA-2026-P-12277-0005/content.pdf', 'body': {'text': '**This label may not be the latest approved by FDA.**  \n**For current labeling information, please visit https://www.fda.gov/drugsatfda**\n\n**PROMETHAZINE HCL PLAIN ORAL SOLUTION - promethazine hcl solution**\n\nANI Pharmaceuticals, Inc.\n\n----------\n\nBarcode = 7489\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution\n\nRx Only\n\n## Rx Only\n\n## DESCRIPTION\n\nEach teaspoon (5 mL) of Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution contains 6.25 mg promethazine HCl in a flavored syrup base with a\n \npH between 4.7 and 5.2. Alcohol 7%. The inactive ingredients present are artificial and natural flavors, citric acid, D&C Red 33, D&C\n \nYellow 10, FD&C Blue 1, FD&C Yellow 6, glycerin, saccharin sodium, sodium benzoate, sodium citrate, sodium propionate, water,\n \nand other ingredients.\n\nPromethazine HCl is a racemic compound; the empirical formula is C17H20N2S•HCl and its molecular weight is 320.88.\n\n$$\n\\mathrm{C_{17}H_{20}N_{2}S\\bullet HCl}\n$$\n\nPromethazine HCl, a phenothiazine derivative, is designated chemically as 10H-Phenothiazine-10-ethanamine, *N,N,* α-trimethyl-,\n \nmonohydrochloride, (±)- with the following structural formula:\n\n$ \\cdot $ HO $ \\mathrm{C H_{2} C H(CH_{3}) N(CH_{3})_{2}} $\n\nPromethazine HCl occurs as a white to faint yellow, practically odorless, crystalline powder which slowly oxidizes and turns blue on \nprolonged exposure to air. It is freely soluble in water and soluble in alcohol.\n\n## CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY\n\nPromethazine is a phenothiazine derivative which differs structurally from the antipsychotic phenothiazines by the presence of a \nbranched side chain and no ring substitution. It is thought that this configuration is responsible for its relative lack (1/10 that of \nchlorpromazine) of dopamine antagonist properties.\n\nPromethazine is an H1 receptor blocking agent. In addition to its antihistaminic action, it provides clinically useful sedative and \nantiemetic effects.\n\n$$\n\\mathrm{H}_{1}\n$$\n\nPromethazine is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Clinical effects are apparent within 20 minutes after oral administration \nand generally last four to six hours, although they may persist as long as 12 hours. Promethazine is metabolized by the liver to a \nvariety of compounds; the sulfoxides of promethazine and N-demethylpromethazine are the predominant metabolites appearing in the \nurine.\n\n## INDICATIONS AND USAGE\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution is useful for:\n\nPerennial and seasonal allergic rhinitis.\n\nVasomotor rhinitis.\n\nAllergic conjunctivitis due to inhalant allergens and foods.\n\nMild, uncomplicated allergic skin manifestations of urticaria and angioedema.\n\nAmelioration of allergic reactions to blood or plasma.\n\nDermographism.\n\nAnaphylactic reactions, as adjunctive therapy to epinephrine and other standard measures, after the acute manifestations have been\n \ncontrolled.\n\nPreoperative, postoperative, or obstetric sedation.\n\nPrevention and control of nausea and vomiting associated with certain types of anesthesia and surgery.\n\nTherapy adjunctive to meperidine or other analgesics for control of post-operative pain.\n\nSedation in both children and adults, as well as relief of apprehension and production of light sleep from which the patient can be\n \neasily aroused.\n\nActive and prophylactic treatment of motion sickness.\n\nAntiemetic therapy in postoperative patients.\n\n## CONTRAINDICATIONS\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution is contraindicated for use in pediatric patients less than two years of age.\n\n---\n\n**This label may not be the latest approved by FDA.**  \n**For current labeling information, please visit https://www.fda.gov/drugsatfda**\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution is contraindicated in comatose states, and in individuals known to be hypersensitive or to have\n \nhad an idiosyncratic reaction to promethazine or to other phenothiazines.\n\nAntihistamines are contraindicated for use in the treatment of lower respiratory tract symptoms including asthma.\n\n## WARNINGS\n\n| Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution should not be used in pediatric patients less than 2 years of age because of the potential for fatal respiratory depression. Postmarketing cases of respiratory depression, including fatalities, have been reported with use of promethazine in pediatric patients less than 2 years of age. A wide range of weight-based doses of promethazine have resulted in respiratory depression in these patients. Caution should be exercised when administering promethazine to pediatric patients 2 years of age and older. It is recommended that the lowest effective dose of promethazine be used in pediatric patients 2 years of age and older and concomitant administration of other drugs with respiratory depressant effects be avoided. |\n| --- |\n\n## CNS Depression\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution may impair the mental and/or physical abilities required for the performance of potentially \nhazardous tasks, such as driving a vehicle or operating machinery. The impairment may be amplified by concomitant use of other \ncentral-nervous-system depressants such as alcohol, sedatives/hypnotics (including barbiturates), narcotics, narcotic analgesics, \ngeneral anesthetics, tricyclic antidepressants, and tranquilizers; therefore such agents should either be eliminated or given in reduced \ndosage in the presence of promethazine HCl (**seePRECAUTIONS – Information for Patients andDrug Interactions).**\n\n## Respiratory Depression\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution may lead to potentially fatal respiratory depression.\n\nUse of Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution in patients with compromised respiratory function (e.g. COPD, sleep apnea) should be\n \navoided.\n\n## Lower Seizure Threshold\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution may lower seizure threshold. It should be used with caution in persons with seizure disorders or \nin persons who are using concomitant medications, such as narcotics or local anesthetics, which may also affect seizure threshold.\n\n## Bone-Marrow Depression\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution should be used with caution in patients with bone-marrow depression. Leukopenia and \nagranulocytosis have been reported, usually when Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution has been used in association with other \nknown marrow-toxic agents.\n\n## Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome\n\nA potentially fatal symptom complex sometimes referred to as Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) has been reported \nin association with promethazine HCl alone or in combination with antipsychotic drugs. Clinical manifestations of NMS are \nhyperpyrexia, muscle rigidity, altered mental status and evidence of autonomic instability (irregular pulse or blood pressure, \ntachycardia, diaphoresis and cardiac dysrhythmias).\n\nThe diagnostic evaluation of patients with this syndrome is complicated. In arriving at a diagnosis, it is important to identify cases \nwhere the clinical presentation includes both serious medical illness (e.g., pneumonia, systemic infection, etc.) and untreated or \ninadequately treated extrapyramidal signs and symptoms (EPS). Other important considerations in the differential diagnosis include \ncentral anticholinergic toxicity, heat stroke, drug fever and primary central nervous system (CNS) pathology.\n\nThe management of NMS should include 1) immediate discontinuation of promethazine HCl, antipsychotic drugs, if any, and other \ndrugs not essential to concurrent therapy, 2) intensive symptomatic treatment and medical monitoring, and 3) treatment of any \nconcomitant serious medical problems for which specific treatments are available. There is no general agreement about specific \npharmacological treatment regimens for uncomplicated NMS.\n\nSince recurrences of NMS have been reported with phenothiazines, the reintroduction of promethazine HCl should be carefully \nconsidered.\n\n## Use in Pediatric Patients\n\n**Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution is contraindicated for use in pediatric patients less than two years of age.**\n\n---\n\n**This label may not be the latest approved by FDA.**  \n**For current labeling information, please visit https://www.fda.gov/drugsatfda**\n\n**Caution should be exercised when administering Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution to pediatric patients 2 years of age \nand older because of the potential for fatal respiratory depression. Respiratory depression and apnea, sometimes associated \nwith death, are strongly associated with promethazine products and are not directly related to individualized weight-based \ndosing, which might otherwise permit safe administration. Concomitant administration of promethazine products with other \nrespiratory depressants has an association with respiratory depression, and sometimes death, in pediatric patients.**\n\n**Antiemetics are not recommended for treatment of uncomplicated vomiting in pediatric patients, and their use should be \nlimited to prolonged vomiting of known etiology. The extrapyramidal symptoms which can occur secondary to Promethazine** \n**HCl Plain Oral Solution administration may be confused with the CNS signs of undiagnosed primary disease, e.g.,**\n\n**encephalopathy or Reye’s syndrome. The use of Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution should be avoided in pediatric patients \nwhose signs and symptoms may suggest Reye’s syndrome or other hepatic diseases.**\n\nExcessively large dosages of antihistamines, including Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution, in pediatric patients may cause sudden \ndeath (**seeOVERDOSAGE).** Hallucinations and convulsions have occurred with therapeutic doses and overdoses of Promethazine \nHCl Plain Oral Solution in pediatric patients. In pediatric patients who are acutely ill associated with dehydration, there is an increased \nsusceptibility to dystonias with the use of promethazine HCl.\n\n## Other Considerations\n\nAdministration of promethazine HCl has been associated with reported cholestatic jaundice.\n\n## PRECAUTIONS\n\n## General\n\nDrugs having anticholinergic properties should be used with caution in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma, prostatic hypertrophy,\n \nstenosing peptic ulcer, pyloroduodenal obstruction, and bladder-neck obstruction.\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution should be used cautiously in persons with cardiovascular disease or with impairment of liver\n \nfunction.\n\n## Information for Patients\n\nPatients should be advised to measure Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution with an accurate measuring device. A household\n \nteaspoon is not an accurate measuring device and could lead to overdosage, especially when a half a teaspoon is measured. A\n \npharmacist can recommend an appropriate measuring device and can provide instructions for measuring the correct dose.\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution may cause marked drowsiness or impair the mental and/or physical abilities required for the\n \nperformance of potentially hazardous tasks, such as driving a vehicle or operating machinery. Ambulatory patients should be told\n \nto avoid engaging in such activities until it is known that they do not become drowsy or dizzy from promethazine therapy. Pediatric\n \npatients should be supervised to avoid potential harm in bike riding or in other hazardous activities.\n\nThe concomitant use of alcohol or other central-nervous-system depressants, such as sedatives/hypnotics (including barbiturates),\n \nnarcotics, narcotic analgesics, general anesthetics, tricyclic antidepressants, and tranquilizers may enhance impairment\n\n(**seeWARNINGS-CNS Depression andPRECAUTIONS–Drug Interactions).**\n\nPatients should be advised to report any involuntary muscle movements.\n\nAvoid prolonged exposure to the sun.\n\n## Drug Interactions\n\n*CNS Depressants* – Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution may increase, prolong, or intensify the sedative action of other central\nnervous-system depressants such as alcohol, sedatives/hypnotics (including barbiturates), narcotics, narcotic analgesics, general \nanesthetics, tricyclic antidepressants, and tranquilizers; therefore, such agents should be avoided or administered in reduced dosage to \npatients receiving promethazine HCl. When given concomitantly with Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution, the dose of barbiturates \nshould be reduced by at least one-half, and the dose of narcotics should be reduced by one-quarter to one-half. Dosage must be \nindividualized. Excessive amounts of promethazine HCl relative to a narcotic may lead to restlessness and motor hyperactivity in the \npatient with pain; these symptoms usually disappear with adequate control of the pain.\n\n*Epinephrine* – Because of the potential for Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution to reverse epinephrine’s vasopressor effect, \nepinephrine should NOT be used to treat hypotension associated with Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution overdose.\n\n*Anticholinergics* – Concomitant use of other agents with anticholinergic properties should be undertaken with caution.\n\n*Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOI)* – Drug interactions, including an increased incidence of extrapyramidal effects, have been \nreported when some MAOI and phenothiazines are used concomitantly. This possibility should be considered with Promethazine HCl \nPlain Oral Solution.\n\n## Drug/Laboratory Test Interactions\n\nThe following laboratory tests may be affected in patients who are receiving therapy with promethazine HCl: \n*Pregnancy Tests*\n\nDiagnostic pregnancy tests based on immunological reactions between HCG and anti-HCG may result in false-negative or falsepositive interpretations.\n\n*Glucose Tolerance Test*\n\n---\n\n**This label may not be the latest approved by FDA.**  \n**For current labeling information, please visit https://www.fda.gov/drugsatfda**\n\nAn increase in blood glucose has been reported in patients receiving promethazine HCl.\n\n## Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility\n\nLong-term animal studies have not been performed to assess the carcinogenic potential of promethazine, nor are there other animal or \nhuman data concerning carginogenicity, mutagenicity, or impairment of fertility with this drug. Promethazine was nonmutagenic in \nthe *Salmonella* test system of Ames.\n\n## Pregnancy\n\n## Teratogenic Effects-Pregnancy Category C\n\nTeratogenic effects have not been demonstrated in rat-feeding studies at doses of 6.25 and 12.5 mg/kg of promethazine HCl. These \ndoses are from approximately 2.1 to 4.2 times the maximum recommended total daily dose of promethazine for a 50-kg subject, \ndepending upon the indication for which the drug is prescribed. Daily doses of 25 mg/kg intraperitoneally have been found to produce \nfetal mortality in rats.\n\nSpecific studies to test the action of the drug on parturition, lactation, and development of the animal neonate were not done, but a \ngeneral preliminary study in rats indicated no effect on these parameters. Although antihistamines have been found to produce fetal \nmortality in rodents, the pharmacological effects of histamine in the rodent do not parallel those in man. There are no adequate and \nwell-controlled studies of Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution in pregnant women.\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the \nfetus.\n\n## Nonteratogenic Effects\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution administered to a pregnant woman within two weeks of delivery may inhibit platelet \naggregation in the newborn.\n\n## Labor and Delivery\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution may be used alone or as an adjunct to narcotic analgesics during labor (**seeDOSAGE AND \nADMINISTRATION).** Limited data suggest that use of Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution during labor and delivery does not \nhave an appreciable effect on the duration of labor or delivery and does not increase the risk of need for intervention in the newborn. \nThe effect on later growth and development of the newborn is unknown. (See *alsoNonteratogenic Effects.*)\n\n## Nursing Mothers\n\nIt is not known whether promethazine HCl is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk and because \nof the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants from Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution, a decision should be made \nwhether to discontinue nursing or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.\n\n## Pediatric Use\n\n**Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution is contraindicated for use in pediatric patients less than two years of age** (see \n**WARNINGS –Boxed Warning** and **Use in Pediatric Patients).**\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution should be used with caution in pediatric patients 2 years of age and older (see **WARNINGS-\nUse in Pediatric Patients).**\n\n## Geriatric Use\n\nClinical studies of promethazine formulations did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether\n \nthey respond differently from younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between\n \nthe elderly and younger patients. In general, dose selection for an elderly patient should be cautious, usually starting at the low end of\n \nthe dosing range, reflecting the greater frequency of decreased hepatic, renal or cardiac function, and of concomitant disease or other\n \ndrug therapy.\n\nSedating drugs may cause confusion and over-sedation in the elderly; elderly patients generally should be started on low doses of\n \nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution and observed closely.\n\n## ADVERSE REACTIONS\n\n**Central Nervous System** – Drowsiness is the most prominent CNS effect of this drug. Sedation, somnolence, blurred vision,\n \ndizziness, confusion, disorientation, and extrapyramidal symptoms such as oculogyric crisis, torticollis, and tongue protrusion;\n \nlassitude, tinnitus, incoordination, fatigue, euphoria, nervousness, diplopia, insomnia, tremors, convulsive seizures, excitation,\n \ncatatonic-like states, hysteria. Hallucinations have also been reported.\n\n**Cardiovascular** – Increased or decreased blood pressure, tachycardia, bradycardia, faintness.\n\n**Dermatologic** – Dermatitis, photosensitivity, urticaria.\n\n**Hematologic** – Leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, thrombocytopenic purpura, agranulocytosis.\n\n---\n\n**This label may not be the latest approved by FDA.**  \n**For current labeling information, please visit https://www.fda.gov/drugsatfda**\n\n**Gastrointestinal** – Dry mouth, nausea, vomiting, jaundice.\n\n**Respiratory** – Asthma, nasal stuffiness, respiratory depression (potentially fatal) and apnea (potentially fatal). **(SeeWARNINGS-**\n\n**Respiratory Depression.)**\n\n**Other** – Angioneurotic edema. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (potentially fatal) has also been reported. **(SeeWARNINGS-**\n\n**Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome.)**\n\n## Paradoxical Reactions\n\nHyperexcitability and abnormal movements have been reported in patients following a single administration of promethazine HCl. \nConsideration should be given to the discontinuation of promethazine HCl and to the use of other drugs if these reactions occur. \nRespiratory depression, nightmares, delirium, and agitated behavior have also been reported in some of these patients.\n\n## OVERDOSAGE\n\nSigns and symptoms of overdosage with promethazine HCl range from mild depression of the central nervous system and\n \ncardiovascular system to profound hypotension, respiratory depression, unconsciousness, and sudden death. Other reported reactions\n \ninclude hyperreflexia, hypertonia, ataxia, athetosis, and extensor-plantar reflexes (Babinski reflex).\n\nStimulation may be evident, especially in children and geriatric patients. Convulsions may rarely occur. A paradoxical-type reaction\n \nhas been reported in children receiving single doses of 75 mg to 125 mg orally, characterized by hyperexcitability and nightmares.\n \nAtropine-like signs and symptoms – dry mouth, fixed, dilated pupils, flushing, as well as gastrointestinal symptoms - may occur.\n\n## Treatment\n\nTreatment of overdosage is essentially symptomatic and supportive. Only in cases of extreme overdosage or individual sensitivity \ndo vital signs, including respiration, pulse, blood pressure, temperature, and EKG, need to be monitored. Activated charcoal orally \nor by lavage may be given, or sodium or magnesium sulfate orally as a cathartic. Attention should be given to the reestablishment of \nadequate respiratory exchange through provision of a patent airway and institution of assisted or controlled ventilation. Diazepam may \nbe used to control convulsions. Acidosis and electrolyte losses should be corrected. Note that any depressant effects of promethazine \nHCl are not reversed by naloxone. Avoid analeptics which may cause convulsions.\n\nThe treatment of choice for resulting hypotension is administration of intravenous fluids, accompanied by repositioning if indicated. \nIn the event that vasopressors are considered for the management of severe hypotension which does not respond to intravenous fluids \nand repositioning, the administration of norepinephrine or phenylephrine should be considered. EPINEPHRINE SHOULD NOT BE \nUSED, since its use in patients with partial adrenergic blockade may further lower the blood pressure. Extrapyramidal reactions may \nbe treated with anticholinergic antiparkinson agents, diphenhydramine, or barbiturates. Oxygen may also be administered. \nLimited experience with dialysis indicates that it is not helpful.\n\n## DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION\n\n*It is important that Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution is measured with an accurate measuring device* (**seePRECAUTIONS**-\n\n**Information for Patients).** A household teaspoon is not an accurate measuring device and could lead to overdosage, especially when \nhalf a teaspoon is to be measured. It is strongly recommended that an accurate measuring device be used. A pharmacist can provide an \nappropriate device and can provide instructions for measuring the correct dose.\n\n**Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution is contraindicated for children under 2 years of age** (see **WARNINGS – Boxed \nWarning andUse in Pediatric Patients).**\n\n## Allergy\n\nThe average oral dose is 25 mg taken before retiring; however, 12.5 mg may be taken before meals and on retiring, if necessary.\n \nSingle 25 mg doses at bedtime or 6.25 to 12.5 mg taken three times daily will usually suffice.\n\nAfter initiation of treatment in children or adults, dosage should be adjusted to the smallest amount adequate to relieve symptoms.\n \nThe administration of promethazine HCl in 25 mg doses will control minor transfusion reactions of an allergic nature.\n\n## Motion Sickness\n\nThe average adult dose is 25 mg taken twice daily. The initial dose should be taken one-half to one hour before anticipated travel and \nbe repeated 8 to 12 hours later, if necessary. On succeeding days of travel, it is recommended that 25 mg be taken on arising and again \nbefore the evening meal. For children, 12.5 to 25 mg, twice daily, may be administered.\n\n## Nausea and Vomiting\n\nAntiemetics should not be used in vomiting of unknown etiology in children and adolescents (**seeWARNINGS-Use in Pediatric \nPatients).**\n\nThe average effective dose of Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution for the active therapy of nausea and vomiting in children or \nadults is 25 mg. When oral medication cannot be tolerated, the dose should be given parenterally (cf. Promethazine Hydrochloride \nInjection) or by rectal suppository. 12.5 to 25 mg doses may be repeated, as necessary, at 4 to 6 hour intervals.\n\nFor nausea and vomiting in children, the usual dose is 0.5 mg per pound of body weight, and the dose should be adjusted to the age \nand weight of the patient and the severity of the condition being treated.\n\n---\n\n**This label may not be the latest approved by FDA.**  \n**For current labeling information, please visit https://www.fda.gov/drugsatfda**\n\nFor prophylaxis of nausea and vomiting, as during surgery and the postoperative period, the average dose is 25 mg repeated at 4 to 6 \nhour intervals, as necessary.\n\n## Sedation\n\nThis product relieves apprehension and induces a quiet sleep from which the patient can be easily aroused. Administration of 12.5 to \n25 mg Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution by the oral route at bedtime will provide sedation in children. Adults usually require 25 \nto 50 mg for nighttime, presurgical, or obstetrical sedation.\n\n## Pre- and Postoperative Use\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution in 12.5 to 25 mg doses for children and 50 mg doses for adults the night before surgery relieves\n \napprehension and produces a quiet sleep.\n\nFor preoperative medication children require doses of 0.5 mg per pound of body weight in combination with an appropriately reduced\n \ndose of narcotic or barbiturate and the appropriate dose of an atropine-like drug.\n\nUsual adult dosage is 50 mg Promethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution with an appropriately reduced dose of narcotic or barbiturate and\n \nthe required amount of a belladonna alkaloid.\n\nPostoperative sedation and adjunctive use with analgesics may be obtained by the administration of 12.5 to 25 mg in children and 25\n \nto 50 mg doses in adults.\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution is contraindicated for children under 2 years of age.\n\n## HOW SUPPLIED\n\nPromethazine HCl Plain Oral Solution is a clear, green solution supplied as follows:\n\nNDC 42769-7481-4 – bottle of 4 fl. oz. (118 mL)\n\nNDC 42769-7481-6 – bottle of 16 fl. oz. (473 mL)\n\n**Keep bottles tightly closed.**\n\n**Store at 20º to 25ºC (68º to 77ºF) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature.]**\n\n**Protect from light.**\n\n**Dispense in tight, light-resistant container (USP/NF) with a child-resistant closure.**\n\n## BayPharma\n\nManufactured for\n\nBayPharmaTM, Inc.\n\nBaltimore, MD 21244\n\n501-74816-0\n\nRev 05/08', 'pages': None, 'truncated': False, 'extraction': 'firecrawl-public-document-markdown', 'request_id': 'd22b3b24-7f45-4ada-8b91-b34e16369254', 'source_url': 'https://downloads.regulations.gov/FDA-2026-P-12277-0005/content.pdf', 'observed_at': '2026-10-12T09:21:34.737177+00:00', 'content_hash': '5471b241264da11a9da88d775720c6ea47be678c50849ebd981de9a41dc0e50b'}, 'title': 'pdf'}]}

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          Supporting & Related Material Federal · FDA

          Reference 169

          Source ID: FDA-2026-P-11952-0175 · Posted: 2026-10-09

          Source document type: Supporting & Related Material

          Read docket FDA-2026-P-11952 and supporting material ↗

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              OPEN

              # FDA’s 2025 removal of black box warnings on menopausal hormone therapy

              FNU Zeeshan, MD<sup>a,</sup>*, Ali Saqlain, MD<sup>b</sup>

              *Dear Editor,*

              A black box warning is the United States Food and Drug
              Administration’s (FDA) most stringent safety alert, displayed
              prominently in bold text within a black-bordered box on drug
              packaging to highlight serious or life-threatening risks, often
              restricting use. On 10 November 2025, the FDA announced
              the initiation of the removal of these warnings from all meno
              pausal hormone therapy (MHT) products, including systemic
              and low-dose vaginal preparations, citing outdated interpreta
              tions of early Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) findings that
              overstated risks in older women <sup>[1]</sup>. Imposed in 2003 following
              early termination of the WHI combined therapy arm, the warn
              ings cautioned against risks of cardiovascular disease, stroke,
              breast cancer, and probable dementia in postmenopausal
              women aged 50–79 years using oral conjugated equine estrogens
              0.625 mg plus medroxyprogesterone acetate 2.5 mg daily, where
              overall health risks exceeded benefits over an average 5.2-year
              follow-up in healthy postmenopausal U.S. women<sup>[2]</sup>.

              Extended WHI follow-up and contemporary evidence now
              show that risks are markedly lower when MHT is initiated in
              women younger than 60 years or within 10 years of menopause.
              In this group, combined and estrogen-only MHT demonstrate
              no significant increase in coronary heart disease (HR 0.94,
              95% CI 0.78–1.14) or breast cancer (HR 0.79, 95% CI 0.65–
              0.97 for estrogen-only), with significant reductions in all-cause
              mortality and osteoporotic fractures<sup>[3]</sup>. Low-dose vaginal
              estrogen, widely used for genitourinary syndrome of meno
              pause, has negligible systemic absorption and no increased
              risk of endometrial or breast cancer (Cochrane meta-analysis
              of 30 RCTs)<sup>[4]</sup>. The North American Menopause Society 2022
              position statement and recent international guidelines endorse
              MHT as first-line therapy for bothersome vasomotor symp
              toms and prevention of osteoporosis in appropriately selected
              women<sup>[5]</sup>.

              In South Asia, where early menopause and osteoporosis are
              prevalent, fear of MHT induced by outdated warnings has left
              millions of symptomatic women untreated. The FDA’s evidencebased decision should encourage regional societies to update
              guidelines and reassure clinicians and patients that appropriately
              timed, individualized MHT is safe and effective. In Pakistan,
              practical and feasible steps include convening the Society of
              Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Pakistan (SOGP) and health
              authorities to form an expert panel for reviewing WHI reanaly
              sis global guidelines; advocating to the Drug Regulatory
              Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) for updated product labeling
              aligned with current evidence, including removal of overly
              restrictive warnings; integrating menopause management train
              ing into continuing medical education (CME) programs for
              gynecologists and primary care physicians; launching targeted
              public awareness campaigns through electronic and print media,
              community health workers (e.g., Lady Health Workers), and
              outpatient clinics to educate women on symptoms, benefits of
              timely MHT, and shared decision-making; and encouraging
              affordable access by promoting generic MHT formulations
              and including essential MHT options in public sector procure
              ment. These straightforward, low-cost actions can effectively
              bridge evidence-practice gaps and improve women’s health out
              comes in resource-constrained settings. This letter to editor is in
              compliance with the TITAN guideline<sup>[6]</sup>.

              ## Ethical approval

              This paper did not involve patients; therefore, no ethical
              approval was required for this LTE

              ## Consent

              <sup>a</sup>Departement of Medicine, Adam University School of Medicine, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
              and <sup>b</sup>Departement of Medicine, Asian Medical Institute, Kant, Kyrgyzstan

              This study did not involve human participants, identifiable data,
              or images requiring informed consent.

              ## Sources of funding

              *Sponsorships or competing interests that may be relevant to content are disclosed
              at the end of this article.*

              None.

              **Corresponding author. Address: Departement of Medicine, Adam University*
              *School of Medicine, Bishkek 720074, Kyrgyzstan. Tel.: +(0312) 53-05-30.*
              *E-mail: [email protected] (F. Zeeshan).*

              ## Author contributions

              Zeeshan: Conceptualization, Project Administration, Supervision,
              Writing – Original Draft, Writing – Review and Editing. A.S.:
              Writing – Original Draft.

              *Copyright © 2026 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. This is an
              open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons*
              *Attribution-Non Commercial License 4.0 (CCBY-NC), where it is permissible to
              download, share, remix, transform, and buildup the work provided it is properly
              cited. The work cannot be used commercially without permission from the journal.*
              *Annals of Medicine & Surgery (2026) 88:2222–2223*

              ## Conflicts of interest disclosure

              *Received 23 December 2025; Accepted 29 December 2025*
              *Published online 27 January 2026
              http://dx.doi.org/10.1097/MS9.0000000000004749*

              None.

              ---

              ## Research registration unique identification number (UIN)

              This is new and not registered anywhere.

              ## Provenance and peer review

              This article was not commissioned and underwent external peer
              review.

              ## Data availability statement

              No data were generated for this manuscript.

              ## JAMA 2013;310:1353–68. Assistance with study

              ## Assistance with study

              None.

              ## Presentation

              ## Declaration of AI Content

              None.

              This article was not created by AI tools.

              ## References

              [1] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA requests labeling changes
              related to safety information to clarify benefit/risk considerations for
              menopausal hormone therapies. 10 Nov 2025. https://www.fda.gov/
              drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-requests-labeling-changesrelated-safety-information-clarify-benefitrisk-considerations

              [2] Group for the women’s health initiative investigators W. Writing Group
              for the Women’s Health Initiative Investigators. Risks and benefits of
              estrogen plus progestin in healthy postmenopausal women: principal
              results from the women’s health initiative randomized controlled trial.
              JAMA 2002;288:321–33.

              [3] Manson JE, Chlebowski RT, Stefanick ML, *et al.* Menopausal hormone
              therapy and health outcomes during the intervention and extended
              poststopping phases of the women’s health initiative randomized trials.
              JAMA 2013;310:1353–68.

              [4] Lethaby A, Ayeleke RO, Roberts H. Local estrogen for vaginal atrophy
              in postmenopausal women. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2016;2016:
              CD001500.

              [5] Faubion SS, Crandall CJ, Davis L, *et al.* The 2022 hormone therapy
              position statement of the North American Menopause Society.
              Menopause 2022;29:767–94.

              [6] Science P, London UK, Agha R, Mathew G, Rashid R, *et al.*
              Transparency In the reporting of artificial INtelligence – the TITAN
              guideline. PJS 2025;10:1–3.

            Observed changes

            Oct. 13, 2026, 1:30 a.m.: attachments changed since Oct. 12, 2026, 9:21 a.m..

            {'attachments': [{'url': 'https://downloads.regulations.gov/FDA-2026-P-11952-0175/content.pdf', 'title': 'pdf'}]}
            {'attachments': [{'url': 'https://downloads.regulations.gov/FDA-2026-P-11952-0175/content.pdf', 'body': {'text': 'OPEN\n\n# FDA’s 2025 removal of black box warnings on menopausal hormone therapy\n\nFNU Zeeshan, MD<sup>a,</sup>*, Ali Saqlain, MD<sup>b</sup>\n\n*Dear Editor,*\n\nA black box warning is the United States Food and Drug \nAdministration’s (FDA) most stringent safety alert, displayed \nprominently in bold text within a black-bordered box on drug \npackaging to highlight serious or life-threatening risks, often \nrestricting use. On 10 November 2025, the FDA announced \nthe initiation of the removal of these warnings from all meno\npausal hormone therapy (MHT) products, including systemic \nand low-dose vaginal preparations, citing outdated interpreta\ntions of early Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) findings that \noverstated risks in older women <sup>[1]</sup>. Imposed in 2003 following \nearly termination of the WHI combined therapy arm, the warn\nings cautioned against risks of cardiovascular disease, stroke, \nbreast cancer, and probable dementia in postmenopausal \nwomen aged 50–79 years using oral conjugated equine estrogens \n0.625 mg plus medroxyprogesterone acetate 2.5 mg daily, where \noverall health risks exceeded benefits over an average 5.2-year \nfollow-up in healthy postmenopausal U.S. women<sup>[2]</sup>.\n\nExtended WHI follow-up and contemporary evidence now \nshow that risks are markedly lower when MHT is initiated in \nwomen younger than 60 years or within 10 years of menopause. \nIn this group, combined and estrogen-only MHT demonstrate \nno significant increase in coronary heart disease (HR 0.94, \n95% CI 0.78–1.14) or breast cancer (HR 0.79, 95% CI 0.65– \n0.97 for estrogen-only), with significant reductions in all-cause \nmortality and osteoporotic fractures<sup>[3]</sup>. Low-dose vaginal \nestrogen, widely used for genitourinary syndrome of meno\npause, has negligible systemic absorption and no increased \nrisk of endometrial or breast cancer (Cochrane meta-analysis \nof 30 RCTs)<sup>[4]</sup>. The North American Menopause Society 2022 \nposition statement and recent international guidelines endorse \nMHT as first-line therapy for bothersome vasomotor symp\ntoms and prevention of osteoporosis in appropriately selected \nwomen<sup>[5]</sup>.\n\nIn South Asia, where early menopause and osteoporosis are \nprevalent, fear of MHT induced by outdated warnings has left \nmillions of symptomatic women untreated. The FDA’s evidencebased decision should encourage regional societies to update \nguidelines and reassure clinicians and patients that appropriately \ntimed, individualized MHT is safe and effective. In Pakistan, \npractical and feasible steps include convening the Society of \nObstetricians and Gynecologists of Pakistan (SOGP) and health \nauthorities to form an expert panel for reviewing WHI reanaly\nsis global guidelines; advocating to the Drug Regulatory \nAuthority of Pakistan (DRAP) for updated product labeling \naligned with current evidence, including removal of overly \nrestrictive warnings; integrating menopause management train\ning into continuing medical education (CME) programs for \ngynecologists and primary care physicians; launching targeted \npublic awareness campaigns through electronic and print media, \ncommunity health workers (e.g., Lady Health Workers), and \noutpatient clinics to educate women on symptoms, benefits of \ntimely MHT, and shared decision-making; and encouraging \naffordable access by promoting generic MHT formulations \nand including essential MHT options in public sector procure\nment. These straightforward, low-cost actions can effectively \nbridge evidence-practice gaps and improve women’s health out\ncomes in resource-constrained settings. This letter to editor is in \ncompliance with the TITAN guideline<sup>[6]</sup>.\n\n## Ethical approval\n\nThis paper did not involve patients; therefore, no ethical \napproval was required for this LTE\n\n## Consent\n\n<sup>a</sup>Departement of Medicine, Adam University School of Medicine, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan \nand <sup>b</sup>Departement of Medicine, Asian Medical Institute, Kant, Kyrgyzstan\n\nThis study did not involve human participants, identifiable data, \nor images requiring informed consent.\n\n## Sources of funding\n\n*Sponsorships or competing interests that may be relevant to content are disclosed \nat the end of this article.*\n\nNone.\n\n**Corresponding author. Address: Departement of Medicine, Adam University* \n*School of Medicine, Bishkek 720074, Kyrgyzstan. Tel.: +(0312) 53-05-30.* \n*E-mail: [email protected] (F. Zeeshan).*\n\n## Author contributions\n\nZeeshan: Conceptualization, Project Administration, Supervision, \nWriting – Original Draft, Writing – Review and Editing. A.S.: \nWriting – Original Draft.\n\n*Copyright © 2026 The Author(s). Published by Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc. This is an \nopen access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons* \n*Attribution-Non Commercial License 4.0 (CCBY-NC), where it is permissible to \ndownload, share, remix, transform, and buildup the work provided it is properly \ncited. The work cannot be used commercially without permission from the journal.*\n*Annals of Medicine & Surgery (2026) 88:2222–2223*\n\n## Conflicts of interest disclosure\n\n*Received 23 December 2025; Accepted 29 December 2025*\n*Published online 27 January 2026\nhttp://dx.doi.org/10.1097/MS9.0000000000004749*\n\nNone.\n\n---\n\n## Research registration unique identification number (UIN)\n\nThis is new and not registered anywhere.\n\n## Provenance and peer review\n\nThis article was not commissioned and underwent external peer \nreview.\n\n## Data availability statement\n\nNo data were generated for this manuscript.\n\n## JAMA 2013;310:1353–68. Assistance with study\n\n## Assistance with study\n\nNone.\n\n## Presentation\n\n## Declaration of AI Content\n\nNone.\n\nThis article was not created by AI tools.\n\n## References\n\n[1] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FDA requests labeling changes \nrelated to safety information to clarify benefit/risk considerations for \nmenopausal hormone therapies. 10 Nov 2025. https://www.fda.gov/ \ndrugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-requests-labeling-changesrelated-safety-information-clarify-benefitrisk-considerations\n\n[2] Group for the women’s health initiative investigators W. Writing Group \nfor the Women’s Health Initiative Investigators. Risks and benefits of \nestrogen plus progestin in healthy postmenopausal women: principal \nresults from the women’s health initiative randomized controlled trial. \nJAMA 2002;288:321–33.\n\n[3] Manson JE, Chlebowski RT, Stefanick ML, *et al.* Menopausal hormone \ntherapy and health outcomes during the intervention and extended \npoststopping phases of the women’s health initiative randomized trials. \nJAMA 2013;310:1353–68.\n\n[4] Lethaby A, Ayeleke RO, Roberts H. Local estrogen for vaginal atrophy \nin postmenopausal women. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2016;2016: \nCD001500.\n\n[5] Faubion SS, Crandall CJ, Davis L, *et al.* The 2022 hormone therapy \nposition statement of the North American Menopause Society. \nMenopause 2022;29:767–94.\n\n[6] Science P, London UK, Agha R, Mathew G, Rashid R, *et al.* \nTransparency In the reporting of artificial INtelligence – the TITAN \nguideline. PJS 2025;10:1–3.', 'pages': None, 'truncated': False, 'extraction': 'firecrawl-public-document-markdown', 'request_id': 'af0b7b43-2908-40a6-acd7-9cce9d8092ad', 'source_url': 'https://downloads.regulations.gov/FDA-2026-P-11952-0175/content.pdf', 'observed_at': '2026-10-13T01:29:17.865452+00:00', 'content_hash': '10870faf46e459029475e8af4cdadbecd04eab9ecbbb40e7637654026c3c33a3'}, 'title': 'pdf', 'check_failed': False}]}

            Collection history starts with our observations; it is not complete legislative amendment history.

            Source selection: artificial intelligence. Observed 2026-10-13T01:29:06.434968+00:00.

            Read original source ↗

            Supporting & Related Material Federal · FDA

            Reference 130

            Source ID: FDA-2026-P-11952-0136 · Posted: 2026-10-09

            Source document type: Supporting & Related Material

            Read docket FDA-2026-P-11952 and supporting material ↗

            Source details and legislative history

            Detail checked 2026-10-13T01:29:06.434968+00:00.

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                Collected source text excerpt

                Observed 2026-10-13T01:29:23.868626+00:00.

                Clinical Insights

                # Bedside contrast-enhanced ultrasound: Clinical applications for internal medicine

                ## Andrea Boccatonda <sup>*</sup>[Image: X5], Carla Serra

                Andrea Boccatonda * , Carla Serra

                *Diagnostic and Therapeutic Interventional Ultrasound Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Policlinico Sant'Orsola-Malpighi, via Massarenti n 9,*
                *40138 Bologna, Italy*

                #### ARTICLE INFO

                *Keywords:*
                CEUS
                Ultrasound
                Internal medicine
                Abdomen
                Kidney

                #### ABSTRACT

                Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is widely used in Internal Medicine for rapid bedside assessment, but con
                ventional modalities such as B-mode and Doppler provide limited information on tissue microvascular perfusion.
                Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) can address this limitation by enabling real-time visualization of paren
                chymal and vascular microcirculation through intravenous administration of microbubble contrast agents. The
                present work will summarize the technical principles, clinical applications, and practical considerations of
                bedside CEUS in common Internal Medicine scenarios. When performed using contrast-specific imaging, CEUS
                can be safely administered at the bedside, including patients with renal dysfunction or hemodynamic instability.
                In selected clinical settings, CEUS may complement conventional POCUS by refining diagnostic interpretation,
                such as identifying pancreatic necrosis, characterizing abscesses and complicated cholecystitis, differentiating
                infarction from infection in solid organs, and assessing vascular abnormalities including thrombi or endoleaks. In
                postoperative or traumatic contexts, CEUS may assist in distinguishing hematomas from abscesses and in
                detecting active bleeding, supporting timely referral for interventional management. In chronic liver disease,
                CEUS can help differentiate bland from malignant portal vein thrombosis, with relevant implications for clinical
                decision-making.

                Despite these potential advantages, bedside CEUS should not be considered a routine extension of standard
                POCUS. Its application is limited by operator dependency, acoustic window constraints, and heterogeneous levels
                of supporting evidence across indications. When applied to focused clinical questions by appropriately trained
                clinicians and integrated within established diagnostic pathways, CEUS represents a valuable adjunct to bedside
                ultrasound. Further prospective studies are needed to better define its role in Internal Medicine practice.

                ### 1. Introduction

                Ultrasound changed bedside medicine by allowing physicians to
                integrate imaging directly into clinical reasoning [1,2]. Its rapidity,
                portability, and repeatability have made it an essential extension of the
                physical examination in Internal Medicine [1]. Yet conventional ultra
                sound, limited to B-mode and color-Doppler modalities, is intrinsically
                constrained when clinicians face questions that require assessment of
                microvascular perfusion rather than macroscopic structure [3,4].
                Whether the aim is to differentiate viable from necrotic tissue, active
                inflammation from quiescent fibrosis, or benign thrombus from malig
                nant infiltration, traditional ultrasound may leave important ambigu
                ities unresolved [5]. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) bridges this
                diagnostic gap by providing real-time visualization of tissue

                microcirculation through the injection of intravascular microbubbles
                [6].

                #### 1.1. How to do CEUS

                From a technical perspective, CEUS requires ultrasound systems
                equipped with contrast-specific software and the use of secondgeneration ultrasound contrast agents composed of gas-filled micro
                bubbles, administered intravenously. According to EFSUMB recom
                mendations [6], a bolus of contrast agent is injected through a
                peripheral venous access, preferably an antecubital vein, followed
                immediately by a saline flush. Image acquisition is performed in real
                time using a low mechanical index, allowing continuous visualization of
                enhancement without microbubble destruction. For most organs with a

                * Corresponding author: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Interventional Ultrasound Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy.
                *E-mail address:* [email protected] (A. Boccatonda).

                https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejim.2026.106851

                Received 22 November 2025; Received in revised form 11 March 2026; Accepted 17 March 2026

                Available online 24 March 2026

                0953-6205/© 2026 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of European Federation of Internal Medicine. This is an open access article under the CC BY
                license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).

                ---

                single arterial blood supply (with the exception of the liver and lungs),
                CEUS enhancement can be broadly divided into two main phases. The
                arterial phase typically begins approximately 10–20 s after contrast in
                jection and extends to about 35–40 s, during which progressive paren
                chymal enhancement is observed. This is followed by a venous phase,
                starting roughly 30–45 s after injection, characterized by a plateau of
                enhancement and a gradual washout. Compared with conventional
                B-mode and Doppler ultrasound, CEUS is more time-consuming and
                strongly operator-dependent, requiring specific training and experience
                in both acquisition and dynamic perfusion pattern interpretation. For
                these reasons, bedside CEUS should be performed only when a focused
                clinical question is present and cannot be adequately addressed by
                standard ultrasound techniques alone. Unlike iodinated or
                gadolinium-based contrast agents, ultrasound microbubbles are
                non-nephrotoxic, free of ionizing radiation, and suitable even in he
                modynamically unstable patients. Recent clinical experience has
                demonstrated the feasibility of performing CEUS directly at the bedside,
                in both emergency and inpatient settings, with minimal procedural
                complexity and excellent safety [7]. As evidence accumulates, it is
                becoming increasingly clear that CEUS does not replace bedside

                ultrasound but rather enriches it, adding a perfusion dimension that can
                notably refine diagnostic accuracy and accelerate clinical
                decision-making [8]. The following clinical scenarios are presented to
                illustrate potential areas of applicability of bedside CEUS; however, the
                level of evidence and diagnostic reliability vary considerably among
                conditions, and its use should be interpreted in light of these limitations
                (Table 1).

                #### 1.2. Acute abdominal pain

                CEUS can be useful in patients with epigastric pain and suspected
                acute pancreatitis [9]. While early transabdominal ultrasound is essen
                tial for detecting gallstones or biliary sludge, it cannot identify areas of
                necrosis, nor does computed tomography offer a reliable assessment
                within the first 48 h. CEUS, by delineating non-enhancing parenchymal
                areas, may provide dynamic evaluation of pancreatic viability [9]. Such
                information may guide triage, escalation of care, and timely referral for
                advanced imaging or biopsy.

                In the right upper quadrant, CEUS may clarify the severity of acute
                cholecystitis by evaluating gallbladder wall perfusion, distinguishing

                #### Table 1

                Bedside contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) applications in Internal Medicine.

                The table summarizes the main clinical settings in which bedside CEUS may be applied, outlining the relevant clinical question, the limitations of conventional ul
                trasound or point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), the incremental diagnostic value provided by CEUS, and the current role based on the level of available evidence.
                Applications are categorized as routine, adjunctive, or investigational, highlighting the heterogeneous strength of evidence supporting bedside CEUS use across
                different clinical scenarios. Abbreviations: CEUS, contrast-enhanced ultrasound; POCUS, point-of-care ultrasound; US, ultrasound; CT, computed tomography; AKI,
                acute kidney injury; IBD, inflammatory bowel disease; EVAR, endovascular aortic repai…

              Observed changes

              Oct. 13, 2026, 1:30 a.m.: attachments changed since Oct. 12, 2026, 9:21 a.m..

              {'attachments': [{'url': 'https://downloads.regulations.gov/FDA-2026-P-11952-0136/content.pdf', 'title': 'pdf'}]}
              {'attachments': [{'url': 'https://downloads.regulations.gov/FDA-2026-P-11952-0136/content.pdf', 'body': {'text': "Clinical Insights\n\n# Bedside contrast-enhanced ultrasound: Clinical applications for internal medicine\n\n## Andrea Boccatonda <sup>*</sup>[Image: X5], Carla Serra\n\nAndrea Boccatonda * , Carla Serra\n\n*Diagnostic and Therapeutic Interventional Ultrasound Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Policlinico Sant'Orsola-Malpighi, via Massarenti n 9,* \n*40138 Bologna, Italy*\n\n#### ARTICLE INFO\n\n*Keywords:*\nCEUS\nUltrasound\nInternal medicine\nAbdomen\nKidney\n\n#### ABSTRACT\n\nPoint-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is widely used in Internal Medicine for rapid bedside assessment, but con\nventional modalities such as B-mode and Doppler provide limited information on tissue microvascular perfusion. \nContrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) can address this limitation by enabling real-time visualization of paren\nchymal and vascular microcirculation through intravenous administration of microbubble contrast agents. The \npresent work will summarize the technical principles, clinical applications, and practical considerations of \nbedside CEUS in common Internal Medicine scenarios. When performed using contrast-specific imaging, CEUS \ncan be safely administered at the bedside, including patients with renal dysfunction or hemodynamic instability. \nIn selected clinical settings, CEUS may complement conventional POCUS by refining diagnostic interpretation, \nsuch as identifying pancreatic necrosis, characterizing abscesses and complicated cholecystitis, differentiating \ninfarction from infection in solid organs, and assessing vascular abnormalities including thrombi or endoleaks. In \npostoperative or traumatic contexts, CEUS may assist in distinguishing hematomas from abscesses and in \ndetecting active bleeding, supporting timely referral for interventional management. In chronic liver disease, \nCEUS can help differentiate bland from malignant portal vein thrombosis, with relevant implications for clinical \ndecision-making.\n\nDespite these potential advantages, bedside CEUS should not be considered a routine extension of standard \nPOCUS. Its application is limited by operator dependency, acoustic window constraints, and heterogeneous levels \nof supporting evidence across indications. When applied to focused clinical questions by appropriately trained \nclinicians and integrated within established diagnostic pathways, CEUS represents a valuable adjunct to bedside \nultrasound. Further prospective studies are needed to better define its role in Internal Medicine practice.\n\n### 1. Introduction\n\nUltrasound changed bedside medicine by allowing physicians to \nintegrate imaging directly into clinical reasoning [1,2]. Its rapidity, \nportability, and repeatability have made it an essential extension of the \nphysical examination in Internal Medicine [1]. Yet conventional ultra\nsound, limited to B-mode and color-Doppler modalities, is intrinsically \nconstrained when clinicians face questions that require assessment of \nmicrovascular perfusion rather than macroscopic structure [3,4]. \nWhether the aim is to differentiate viable from necrotic tissue, active \ninflammation from quiescent fibrosis, or benign thrombus from malig\nnant infiltration, traditional ultrasound may leave important ambigu\nities unresolved [5]. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) bridges this \ndiagnostic gap by providing real-time visualization of tissue\n\nmicrocirculation through the injection of intravascular microbubbles \n[6].\n\n#### 1.1. How to do CEUS\n\nFrom a technical perspective, CEUS requires ultrasound systems \nequipped with contrast-specific software and the use of secondgeneration ultrasound contrast agents composed of gas-filled micro\nbubbles, administered intravenously. According to EFSUMB recom\nmendations [6], a bolus of contrast agent is injected through a \nperipheral venous access, preferably an antecubital vein, followed \nimmediately by a saline flush. Image acquisition is performed in real \ntime using a low mechanical index, allowing continuous visualization of \nenhancement without microbubble destruction. For most organs with a\n\n* Corresponding author: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Interventional Ultrasound Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy.\n*E-mail address:* [email protected] (A. Boccatonda).\n\nhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejim.2026.106851\n\nReceived 22 November 2025; Received in revised form 11 March 2026; Accepted 17 March 2026\n\nAvailable online 24 March 2026\n\n0953-6205/© 2026 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of European Federation of Internal Medicine. This is an open access article under the CC BY\nlicense (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).\n\n---\n\nsingle arterial blood supply (with the exception of the liver and lungs), \nCEUS enhancement can be broadly divided into two main phases. The \narterial phase typically begins approximately 10–20 s after contrast in\njection and extends to about 35–40 s, during which progressive paren\nchymal enhancement is observed. This is followed by a venous phase, \nstarting roughly 30–45 s after injection, characterized by a plateau of \nenhancement and a gradual washout. Compared with conventional \nB-mode and Doppler ultrasound, CEUS is more time-consuming and \nstrongly operator-dependent, requiring specific training and experience \nin both acquisition and dynamic perfusion pattern interpretation. For \nthese reasons, bedside CEUS should be performed only when a focused \nclinical question is present and cannot be adequately addressed by \nstandard ultrasound techniques alone. Unlike iodinated or \ngadolinium-based contrast agents, ultrasound microbubbles are \nnon-nephrotoxic, free of ionizing radiation, and suitable even in he\nmodynamically unstable patients. Recent clinical experience has \ndemonstrated the feasibility of performing CEUS directly at the bedside, \nin both emergency and inpatient settings, with minimal procedural \ncomplexity and excellent safety [7]. As evidence accumulates, it is \nbecoming increasingly clear that CEUS does not replace bedside\n\nultrasound but rather enriches it, adding a perfusion dimension that can \nnotably refine diagnostic accuracy and accelerate clinical \ndecision-making [8]. The following clinical scenarios are presented to \nillustrate potential areas of applicability of bedside CEUS; however, the \nlevel of evidence and diagnostic reliability vary considerably among \nconditions, and its use should be interpreted in light of these limitations \n(Table 1).\n\n#### 1.2. Acute abdominal pain\n\nCEUS can be useful in patients with epigastric pain and suspected \nacute pancreatitis [9]. While early transabdominal ultrasound is essen\ntial for detecting gallstones or biliary sludge, it cannot identify areas of \nnecrosis, nor does computed tomography offer a reliable assessment \nwithin the first 48 h. CEUS, by delineating non-enhancing parenchymal \nareas, may provide dynamic evaluation of pancreatic viability [9]. Such \ninformation may guide triage, escalation of care, and timely referral for \nadvanced imaging or biopsy.\n\nIn the right upper quadrant, CEUS may clarify the severity of acute \ncholecystitis by evaluating gallbladder wall perfusion, distinguishing\n\n#### Table 1\n\nBedside contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) applications in Internal Medicine.\n\nThe table summarizes the main clinical settings in which bedside CEUS may be applied, outlining the relevant clinical question, the limitations of conventional ul\ntrasound or point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS), the incremental diagnostic value provided by CEUS, and the current role based on the level of available evidence. \nApplications are categorized as routine, adjunctive, or investigational, highlighting the heterogeneous strength of evidence supporting bedside CEUS use across \ndifferent clinical scenarios. Abbreviations: CEUS, contrast-enhanced ultrasound; POCUS, point-of-care ultrasound; US, ultrasound; CT, computed tomography; AKI, \nacute kidney injury; IBD, inflammatory bowel disease; EVAR, endovascular aortic repair; VExUS, venous excess ultrasound score; GB, gallbladder; AI, artificial \nintelligence.\n\n| Clinical setting | Clinical question | LimitationS of conventional ultrasound / POCUS | Incremental value of bedside CEUS | Level of evidence / current role |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| Acute abdominal pain – Pancreatitis | Is pancreatic parenchyma viable? | B-mode US cannot detect necrosis; CT unreliable in first 48 h | Identification of non-enhancing necrotic areas; dynamic assessment of pancreatic viability | Moderate evidence; adjunct |\n| Acute cholecystitis | Is inflammation complicated (gangrenous/perforated)? | Wall thickening is nonspecific | Assessment of gallbladder wall perfusion to identify severe forms | Moderate evidence; adjunct |\n| Hepatic abscess | Is a lesion drainable? | Heterogeneous collections may be indeterminate | Identification of avascular cavity with enhancing rim; guidance for drainage | Good evidence; adjunct/routine |\n| Renal infection vs infarction | Infection or ischemia? | Similar B-mode appearance | Patchy hypoperfusion (infection) vs wedge-shaped avascular defects (infarction) | Moderate evidence; adjunct |\n| Splenic lesions | Abscess or infarction? | Hypoechoic lesions may overlap | Triangular non-enhancing infarcts vs avascular cavity with enhancing rim (abscess) | Moderate evidence; adjunct |\n| Inflammatory bowel disease | Active inflammation or fibrosis? | Wall thickness not specific | Perfusion as marker of inflammatory activity; phlegmon vs abscess | Moderate evidence; adjunct |\n| Suspected ischemic colitis | Inflammation vs ischemia/necrosis | Nonspecific mural thickening | Preserved/enhanced perfusion vs absent enhancement | Limited–moderate evidence; adjunct |\n| Fever / sepsis of unknown origin | Is there an occult abscess? | Collections may be indeterminate | Differentiation of solid perfused tissue vs avascular purulent core | Good evidence; adjunct |\n| Renal &amp; cardiorenal syndromes | Parenchymal hypoperfusion? | Doppler assesses venous flow only | Complementary assessment of renal microvascular perfusion (does not replace VExUS) | Limited–moderate evidence; adjunct |\n| Ascites with peritoneal abnormalities | Benign vs malignant involvement? | Limited tissue characterization | Detection of enhancing septa/nodules suggestive of malignant peritoneal disease | Moderate evidence; adjunct |\n| Acute kidney injury | Is injury ischemic, inflammatory, or infarctive? | Structural changes may be subtle | Functional perfusion assessment complementing B-mode | Moderate evidence; adjunct |\n| Anemia / trauma / bleeding | Is there active hemorrhage? | Cannot confirm extravasation | Real-time detection of contrast extravasation; triage | Moderate evidence; adjunct (not a replacement for angiography) |\n| Pulmonary consolidations | Infarction vs pneumonia/atelectasis? | Similar grayscale patterns | Lack of enhancement (infarction) vs preserved perfusion | Emerging evidence; adjunct |\n| Endovascular aortic repair follow-up | Is an endoleak present? | Low-flow leaks may be missed | High sensitivity for low-flow (type II) endoleaks | Good evidence; adjunct/routine |\n| Peripheral limb ischemia | Is microvascular perfusion impaired? | Doppler assesses macrocirculation | Mapping of muscle microvascular perfusion; complementary information | Limited evidence; emerging/exploratory |\n| Portal vein thrombosis | Bland vs malignant thrombus? | Echogenic thrombus may be indeterminate | Absence vs arterial enhancement with washout | Good evidence; adjunct |\n| Incidental focal lesions (GB, bladder) | Benign material vs neoplasm? | Intraluminal echoes may overlap | Vascularity assessment; rapid characterization | Good evidence; adjunct/routine |\n| Quantitative CEUS | Can perfusion be objectively quantified? | Qualitative interpretation only | Time-intensity curves, perfusion indices, AI tools | Emerging evidence; investigational |\n\n---\n\nuncomplicated inflammation from gangrenous or impending perforated \nforms—conditions that are frequently ambiguous on grayscale imaging. \nIn hepatic infections, CEUS can reliably confirm abscesses by demon\nstrating a centrally avascular cavity with a thin enhancing rim, thus \nfacilitating targeted (ultrasound-guided) drainage. Likewise, in sus\npected pyelonephritis or renal abscess, CEUS distinguishes patchy \nhypoperfusion typical of infection from the sharply demarcated, wedgeshaped avascular defects characteristic of renal infarction [10]. Such \ndistinctions directly influence the choice between antibiotics, drainage, \nand vascular evaluation.\n\nLeft upper quadrant pain is another area in which CEUS offers clear \nadvantages. Splenic infarction and splenic abscess can appear similarly \nhypoechoic on B-mode ultrasound, particularly in patients with endo\ncarditis, hematologic disease, or systemic infection. On CEUS, the \nabsence of enhancement in a well-defined, triangular region strongly \nfavors the diagnosis of infarction, whereas a non-enhancing cavity sur\nrounded by a vascularized rim supports the diagnosis of abscess [11] \n(Fig. 1). These perfusion patterns both refine diagnosis and dictate \nmanagement—anticoagulation in the former, antimicrobial therapy and \npotential drainage in the latter.\n\nIn inflammatory bowel disease, mural thickness alone cannot \ndistinguish inflammatory from fibrotic strictures; perfusion enhance\nment on CEUS, however, can provide a marker of disease activity [12]. \nCEUS may also help physicians to distinguish phlegmon, characterized \nby robust internal vascularity, from abscesses, which demonstrate \navascular cores [12]. In cases of suspected ischemic colitis, preserved or \nincreased mural perfusion points toward an inflammatory etiology, \nwhereas absent enhancement is strongly indicative of ischemia or ne\ncrosis. While CT angiography remains the gold standard for acute \nmesenteric ischemia, CEUS may offer a valuable adjunct in situations \nwhere iodinated contrast is contraindicated.\n\n#### 1.3. Infection and sepsis\n\nThe evaluation of fever or sepsis often hinges on identifying or \nexcluding occult abscesses. Although grayscale ultrasound can suggest a \ncollection, CEUS may provide relevant findings by revealing whether \nthe lesion contains a perfused solid component or an avascular purulent \ncore [13]. This distinction is critical before any drainage procedure and \nis particularly helpful in complex anatomic sites or postoperative beds \nwhere fluid collections often appear heterogeneous and difficult to \ninterpret without contrast.\n\nRS85\n\n0\n5\n\nRS85\n\n0\n5\n\nT1 00:00 00:19 T2 00:00/00:00\n\n**Fig. 1.** Splenic infarction. On CEUS (left), a sharply demarcated, wedge-shaped \narea of complete non-enhancement is visible, corresponding to an avascular \nparenchymal defect. The corresponding B-mode image (right) shows a subtly \nhypoechoic triangular lesion with poorly defined margins, which becomes \nclearly conspicuous on contrast due to lack of perfusion, consistent with acute \nsplenic ischemia/infarction.\n\n#### 1.4. Renal and cardiorenal syndromes\n\nPatients with generalized edema and systemic venous congestion \nrepresent a growing population within Internal Medicine, particularly in \nthe context of heart failure. While Doppler-based approaches assess \nvenous flow patterns, they do not provide direct information about \nparenchymal microcirculation. It should be emphasized that CEUS does \nnot replace Doppler-based tools for congestion assessment, such as the \nVExUS score, which primarily evaluate systemic and renal venous flow \npatterns. Rather, CEUS may provide complementary information on \nrenal parenchymal microvascular perfusion, potentially helping to \ndifferentiate ischemic hypoperfusion, inflammatory involvement, or \ninfarction in selected clinical scenarios [14]. In the presence of ascites, \nCEUS may help characterize associated peritoneal abnormalities by \ndifferentiating simple fluid collections from complex ascites containing \nenhancing septa or nodular peritoneal thickening, findings that are more \nsuggestive of malignant involvement rather than uncomplicated infec\ntion. When facing acute kidney injury, CEUS provides a functional \nassessment that complements structural evaluation [14]. Obstructive \ncauses remain identifiable by B-mode ultrasound, but differentiating \nischemic injury from infection or infarction often requires perfusion \nimaging [14]. CEUS allows clinicians to document global renal hypo\nperfusion, patchy areas of inflammation typical of pyelonephritis, or the \nsharply outlined avascular regions characteristic of infarction [14] \n(Fig. 2). Each of these patterns leads to a different diagnostic pathway \nand a distinct therapeutic approach.\n\n#### 1.5. Anemia, trauma and bleeding\n\nB-mode ultrasound identifies hematomas or free fluid but cannot \nconfirm the presence of active extravasation. CEUS, however, reveals \ncontrast pooling or swirling beyond vascular boundaries, thus indicating \nactive hemorrhage and prompting urgent angiographic or surgical \nconsultation [15,16] (Fig. 3). When no enhancement is observed within \na lesion, the finding supports the diagnosis of a stable or organizing \nhematoma and often avoids unnecessary radiation exposure from repeat \nCT scans. Nevertheless, angiographic imaging remains mandatory when \ntherapeutic intervention is required, and CEUS should be regarded as an \nadjunctive bedside tool for early characterization and triage rather than \na substitute for angiography, and it could be useful in the subsequent \nfollow-up.\n\n#### 1.6. Lung applications\n\nPulmonary applications are emerging, despite the traditional limi\ntations of ultrasound in the aerated lung. Subpleural consolidations,\n\nLOGIQ E9\n\nT1: 1:19\n\n**Fig. 2.** Renal infarction. On baseline B-mode ultrasound (left), a wedge-shaped, \nhypoechoic cortical area with reduced corticomedullary differentiation is seen. \nOn CEUS (right), the lesion appears as a non-enhancing cortical defect with \nabrupt interruption of the normal homogeneous cortical enhancement, consis\ntent with acute segmental renal ischemia/infarction.\n\n---\n\nDP 40 KPa\n\n00:33\n\n**Fig. 3.** Postoperative intra-abdominal collection with active bleeding on \ncontrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). The grayscale image (left) shows an \nanechoic-to-heterogeneous fluid collection adjacent to the surgical site. On \nCEUS (right), focal active contrast extravasation appears within the cavity, \nconfirming ongoing hemorrhage into the postoperative collection. These find\nings indicate a hemorrhagic postoperative collection rather than a simple \nseroma or abscess, prompting urgent interventional or surgical evaluation.\n\nhowever, are accessible to ultrasound, and CEUS has shown promise in \ndifferentiating pulmonary infarction from pneumonia or atelectasis \n[17]. These distinctions help clinicians decide when to prioritize anti\ncoagulation, antibiotic therapy, or respiratory management, particularly \nwhen CT angiography is delayed or contraindicated.\n\n#### 1.7. Vascular diseases\n\nIn patients with a pulsatile abdominal mass or those previously \ntreated with endovascular aortic repair, CEUS is extremely sensitive to \nlow-flow endoleaks, especially type II leaks [18]. Real-time visualization \nof perfusion allows clinicians to identify subtle retrograde filling from \nlumbar or mesenteric arteries, guiding vascular referral and reducing \nthe need for repeated contrast-enhanced CT scans. CEUS can also depict \nperfused components within a retroperitoneal hematoma, which may \notherwise be misinterpreted. The assessment of limb ischemia benefits \nfrom the ability of CEUS to map microvascular perfusion within muscle, \noffering information that correlates with tissue viability and comple\nments Doppler waveforms [19]. However, evidence supporting the \nbedside use of CEUS in this setting is heterogeneous and should be \nconsidered as emerging and exploratory applications.\n\nMoreover, CEUS can differentiate bland portal vein thrombosis from \nmalignant infiltration in complex hepatic conditions, particularly acuteon-chronic liver failure or cirrhosis. A benign thrombus shows no \nenhancement throughout the arterial and venous phases, whereas a \ntumor thrombus demonstrates arterial enhancement followed by \nwashout, mirroring hepatocellular carcinoma. This distinction has \nrelevant implications, thus guiding clinicians either toward anti\ncoagulation or toward oncologic management.\n\n#### 1.8. Incidental focal lesions\n\nIncidentally discovered focal lesions represent another domain \nwhere CEUS provides rapid and decisive characterization. Avascular \nintraluminal material within the gallbladder or urinary bladder is \nreadily distinguished from vascularized polyps or neoplasms [20,21] \n(Fig. 4). In many instances, CEUS obviates the need for further \ncross-sectional imaging, streamlining care and reducing clinical uncer\ntainty [6,8,20].\n\n#### 1.9. Quantitative CEUS and tissue perfusion\n\nThe integration of quantitative perfusion analysis and emerging \nartificial intelligence tools promises to further refine CEUS interpreta\ntion [22]. Time–intensity curves, perfusion indices, and automated\n\n7Hz RS M3 C 0:16 M3\nTessuto\n82%\nC 55\nGen\nMI0.03\nContrasto\n56%\nC 50\nGen\nMI0.06\n18cm bpm\n\n**Fig. 4.** Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) of the urinary bladder showing a \nvascularized intraluminal mass. B-mode image (right) demonstrates a solid \nlesion projecting into the bladder lumen. On CEUS (left), the lesion exhibits \nmarked and homogeneous contrast enhancement, consistent with a vascular\nized neoplastic lesion, suggestive of bladder carcinoma.\n\npattern recognition may bring new levels of reproducibility and objec\ntivity, enhancing the role of CEUS in monitoring congestion, mapping \nmuscle ischemia, and evaluating pulmonary perfusion. Larger prospec\ntive studies will be essential to validate these quantitative approaches, \nbut the trajectory is unmistakably toward wider adoption.\n\n#### 1.10. CEUS limitations\n\nDespite its growing importance, CEUS has relevant limitations \n(Table 2). It is operator-dependent, requires specific expertise in image \nacquisition and interpretation, and may be limited by poor acoustic \nwindows or deep lesions obscured by bowel gas. Compared with con\nventional ultrasound, CEUS is more time-consuming and associated with \na non-negligible learning curve, and universally accepted quantitative \ncutoffs for perfusion assessment are still lacking. Moreover, the strength \nof evidence supporting bedside CEUS varies considerably across clinical \napplications, and several indications remain off-label in different regu\nlatory contexts despite guideline endorsement. Nowadays, most\n\n**Table 2** \nAdvantages and limitations of bedside contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). \nThe table highlights the main strengths and constraints of bedside CEUS in In\nternal Medicine, emphasizing the need for appropriate training, patient selec\ntion, and integration with established diagnostic pathways.\n\n| Advantages | Limitations |\n| --- | --- |\n| Real-time visualization of tissue microvascular perfusion | Operator-dependent |\n| Bedside applicability without patient transport | Requires specific training and experience |\n| Absence of ionizing radiation | More time-consuming than conventional B-mode and Doppler ultrasound |\n| Use of non-nephrotoxic contrast agents | Requires intravenous contrast administration |\n| Functional assessment beyond structural imaging | Limited penetration when poor acoustic windows |\n| Rapid integration with clinical reasoning and POCUS findings | Lack of universally accepted quantitative perfusion cutoffs |\n| May reduce the need for contrast-enhanced CT or MRI in selected scenarios | Does not replace CT angiography or MRI when comprehensive anatomical evaluation is required |\n| Repeatable examination for follow-up | Limited availability of contrast agents and dedicated software in some centers |\n| Supported by international guidelines for selected indications | Several bedside applications remain off-label depending on regulatory context |\n| Favorable safety profile in critically ill patients | Heterogeneous level of evidence across clinical applications |\n\n---\n\nevidence supporting bedside CEUS derives from heterogeneous studies \nand expert experience, with relatively few prospective investigations \nconducted specifically in Internal Medicine settings. For these reasons, \nCEUS should not be considered a universal extension of conventional \nultrasound, but rather a selective, question-driven adjunct that, when \nintegrated with POCUS findings and applied to appropriately selected \npatients, can provide valuable functional and microvascular information \nrelevant to Internal Medicine practice.\n\nFrom an implementation perspective, the broader adoption of \nbedside CEUS also involves organizational, economic, and training \nconsiderations. The technique requires ultrasound systems equipped \nwith contrast-specific software, the availability of ultrasound contrast \nagents, and operators trained in both acquisition and interpretation of \ndynamic perfusion patterns. In most European healthcare systems, the \ncost of a CEUS examination is largely related to the contrast agent itself, \ntypically ranging between approximately €60 and €120 per vial, which \nis generally lower than the overall cost of contrast-enhanced CT or MRI \nexaminations. In selected clinical scenarios, CEUS may therefore \nrepresent a cost-effective diagnostic alternative, particularly for lesion \ncharacterization and follow-up imaging, potentially reducing the need \nfor cross-sectional imaging and associated radiation exposure [8,15].\n\nThe implementation of CEUS also requires structured training \npathways and adequate operator expertise. International recommenda\ntions from the European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in \nMedicine and Biology (EFSUMB) describe three levels of competence in \nmedical ultrasound practice, with CEUS generally recommended to be \nperformed by operators with at least level-2 expertise, reflecting the \nneed for advanced skills in contrast administration and dynamic perfu\nsion pattern interpretation [6,8]. Training programs typically include \nformal theoretical education, hands-on courses, and supervised clinical \nexaminations. In practical terms, initial competency is usually achieved \nafter a supervised learning phase including approximately 30–50 CEUS \nexaminations, followed by competency assessment and continued clin\nical practice [6]. Despite the availability of international guidelines, \nstandardized protocols and quantitative perfusion thresholds remain \nincompletely defined across several clinical applications, particularly in \nbedside and Internal Medicine settings. For this reason, well-designed \nprospective studies and multicenter clinical research are needed to \nimprove methodological standardization, clarify training requirements, \nand better establish the role of bedside CEUS in routine clinical path\nways [6,15].\n\n### 2. Conclusions\n\nSo, is it time for bedside CEUS in Internal Medicine? Rather than a \nquestion of universal adoption, the available evidence suggests that \nCEUS represents an increasingly relevant adjunct for selected clinical \nscenarios. Bedside CEUS will require specific training, awareness of its \nlearning curve, and institutional governance to ensure appropriate use \nand interpretation. CEUS may refine diagnostic reasoning in situations \nwhere conventional ultrasound remains inconclusive [6]. Its favorable \nsafety profile and ability to assess microvascular perfusion make CEUS \nparticularly suited to complex Internal Medicine patients, in whom \ndiagnostic uncertainty is common and clinical decisions often need to be \nmade rapidly. Nevertheless, bedside CEUS should not be viewed as a \nreplacement for established imaging pathways, but as a selective, \nquestion-driven tool that can complement point-of-care ultrasound and \nother diagnostic modalities.\n\n### Declaration of competing interest\n\nAndrea Boccatonda declares no conflicts of interest. Carla Serra has \nreceived honoraria for invited lectures at scientific meetings sponsored \nby Bracco, ESAOTE, GE, Samsung, and Philips.\n\nWithin this framework, bedside CEUS has the potential to enhance \ndiagnostic precision and support clinical decision-making in carefully \nchosen patients, provided that its use is guided by expertise, appropriate \ntraining, and realistic expectations.\n\n### References\n\n[1] Torres-Macho J, Aro T, Bruckner I, et al. Point-of-care ultrasound in internal \nmedicine: a position paper by the ultrasound working group of the European \nfederation of internal medicine. Eur J Intern Med 2020;73:67–71. https://doi.org/ \n10.1016/j.ejim.2019.11.016.\n\n[2] Blans MJ, Bosch FH. Ultrasound in acute internal medicine; time to set a European \nstandard. Eur J Intern Med 2017;45:51–3. https://doi.org/10.1016/j. \nejim.2017.09.040.\n\n[3] Boccatonda A, Brighenti A, Tiraferri V, et al. 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Ultrasound, contrast-enhanced ultrasound and \npyelonephritis: a narrative review. World J Nephrol 2024;13:98300. https://doi. \norg/10.5527/wjn.v13.i3.98300.\n\n[11] Menozzi G, Maccabruni V, Gabbi E, et al. Evaluation with contrast ultrasound of \nthe prevalence of splenic infarction in left-sided infective endocarditis. \nJ Ultrasound 2015;18:223–7. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40477-014-0131-4.\n\n[12] Paratore M, Garcovich M, Ainora ME, et al. Dynamic contrast enhanced ultrasound \nin gastrointestinal diseases: a current trend or an indispensable tool? World J. \nGastroenterol. 2023;29:4021–35. https://doi.org/10.3748/wjg.v29.i25.4021.\n\n[13] Pan S, Han Y, Wu W, et al. An early risk assessment model for sepsis-associated \nacute kidney injury based on CEUS and biomarkers. BMC Nephrol 2026. https:// \ndoi.org/10.1186/s12882-026-04827-y.\n\n[14] Aggarwal A, Goswami S, Das CJ. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound of the kidneys: \nprinciples and potential applications. Abdom Radiol (NY) 2022;47:1369–84. \nhttps://doi.org/10.1007/s00261-022-03438-z.\n\n[15] Sidhu PS, Clevert DA, Deganello A, et al. Controversies in contrast-enhanced \nultrasound (CEUS): pregnancy, paediatric, abdominal trauma, complex renal cysts, \nand endovascular aortic repair follow-up. Insights Imaging 2025;16:179. https:// \ndoi.org/10.1186/s13244-025-02055-w.\n\n[16] Abushamat F, Dietrich CF, Clevert DA, in et patients al. Contrast-enhanced (CEUS) \nin the evaluation of hemoperitoneum with cirrhosis. ultrasound J Ultrasound Med \n2023;42:247–53. https://doi.org/10.1002/jum.16002.\n\n[17] Boccatonda A, Andreetto L, Vicari S, et al. The diagnostic role of lung ultrasound \nand contrast-enhanced ultrasound in pulmonary embolism. Semin Thromb Hemost \n2024;50:842–50. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0043-1776006.\n\n[18] Harky A, Zywicka E, Santoro G, et al. Is contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) \nsuperior to computed tomography angiography (CTA) in detection of endoleaks in \npost-EVAR patients? a systematic review and meta-analysis. J Ultrasound 2019;22: \n65–75. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40477-019-00364-7.\n\n[19] Nguyen T, Davidson BP. Contrast enhanced ultrasound perfusion imaging in \nskeletal muscle. J Cardiovasc Imaging 2019;27:163–77. https://doi.org/10.4250/ \njcvi.2019.27.e31.\n\n[20] de Sio I, D'Onofrio M, Mirk P, et al. SIUMB recommendations on the use of \nultrasound in neoplastic lesions of the gallbladder and extrahepatic biliary tract. \nJ Ultrasound 2023;26:725–31. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40477-023-00788-2.\n\n[21] Boccatonda A, Schiavone C, Serra C, et al. Gallbladder polyps: ultrasound \ndiagnosis, updated guidelines, and clinical management. Ultraschall Med 2025. \nhttps://doi.org/10.1055/a-2655-8601.\n\n[22] Berzigotti A, Nicolau C, Bellot P, et al. Evaluation of regional hepatic perfusion \n(RHP) by contrast-enhanced ultrasound in patients with cirrhosis. J Hepatol 2011; \n55:307–14. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhep.2010.10.038.", 'pages': None, 'truncated': False, 'extraction': 'firecrawl-public-document-markdown', 'request_id': '614c0cfd-bc5d-42bb-91aa-65bca3f5de06', 'source_url': 'https://downloads.regulations.gov/FDA-2026-P-11952-0136/content.pdf', 'observed_at': '2026-10-13T01:29:23.868626+00:00', 'content_hash': '6012d35395e71da30f17648729bd25a3720947884d6c3c972759f2adb5c4d3b9'}, 'title': 'pdf', 'check_failed': False}]}

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                  R E S E A R C H

                  Open Access

                  # Improved efficiency and diagnostic utility of inpatient transthoracic echocardiography following implementation of a sonographer-initiated perflutren-based contrast administration protocol

                  Ryan Prentice, Homayoun Ahmadian, Dustin Thomas, Jeremy Berger and Rosco Gore<sup>*</sup>

                  ## Abstract

                  Background: Up to 20% of resting echocardiograms obtained are suboptimal leading to further downstream
                  testing and delays in diagnosis. Contrast enhanced echocardiography is well established and endorsed for use by
                  the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) in clinical scenarios when 2 or more adjacent wall segments are
                  not well visualized; however, varied institutional protocols and practices in place limit such use due to increased
                  time and personnel needed to obtain such imaging.

                  Methods: The purpose of this study was to determineif sonographer administered echo contrast led to decreased
                  time to complete inpatient echocardiography exams when compared to the current institutional policy of having a
                  registered nurse perform administration of contrast via a case-control approach. Sonographers received a one-day
                  training course on the techniques for contrast administration. Baseline completion times (time from 1st image to
                  last image) were reviewed in studies from March 2015 to May 2015. Sonographers who received training began
                  self-administration of contrast the first week of June 2015. After a familiarization period, study completion times
                  were recorded from September 2015 to December 2015 and compared to those during the baseline phase.
                  Sonographers were not informed that they were being monitored. Patients and the public were not involved in the
                  design or conduct of our study.

                  Results: A total of 320 patients were included for analysis. Time spent obtaining contrast enhanced imaging was
                  not significant between the two groups (p = 0.67). Time spent to complete each echocardiogram (time from first
                  echocardiogram image to the last contrast enhanced echocardiogram image) was significant between the two
                  groups (37.5 ± 10.9 min sonographer administered v 49.6 ± 12.5 min in nurse administered group, p < 0.001).

                  $$
                  (37.5\pm10.9
                  $$

                  $$
                  v49.6\pm12.5min
                  $$

                  (Continued on next page)

                  * Correspondence: [email protected]
                  The view(s) expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not reflect
                  the official policy or position of Brooke Army Medical Center, the U.S. Army
                  Medical Department, the U.S. Army Office of the Surgeon General, the
                  Department of the Army, the Department of the Air Force and Department
                  of Defense or the U.S. Government.
                  Cardiology Division, Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, TX, USA

                  ---

                  (Continued from previous page)

                  Conclusion: Utilizing a sonographer administered echo enhancement protocol results in reduced over 12 min of
                  time saved per study.

                  ## Keywords: Contrast, Contrast Echo, Sonographer, Echocardiogram, Ultrasound enhancing agent

                  ## Introduction

                  From 2001 to 2011 the number of echocardiographic examinations in the United States increased 3.4% each year
                  [1]. This number is anticipated to increase over the coming years as more individuals require medical care [2].
                  Echocardiography remains a versatile and valuable imaging modality in the care of cardiovascular patients;
                  however, 10–20% of resting and 33% of stress echocardiographic examinations are determined to be suboptimal studies [3–5]. These suboptimal studies oftentimes
                  lead to additional testing or changes in clinical management [5]. The American Society of Echocardiography
                  (ASE) reports that about 75–90% of suboptimal echocardiographic examinations become interpretable with the
                  use of an ultrasound enhancing agent (UEA) [6].

                  The ASE recommends the use of an UEA when two or
                  more contiguous wall segments are not well visualized on
                  non-contrast enhanced imaging [6–10]. Despite these recommendations, UEAs remain underutilized. In 2008, only
                  0.4% of all echocardiographic examinations performed in
                  the United States utilized an UEAfor left ventricularopacification, far below the rate of technically difficult studies
                  [11]. This is despite the fact that the majority nondiagnostic echocardiograms can be made diagnostic with
                  the use of UEA [12, 13]. A barrier to the use of an UEA is
                  a perceived increase of resource utilization and cost related to the administration of contrast [14].

                  In 2013, Tang et al. published a study evaluating the
                  feasibility of a sonographer administered UEA protocol in
                  a large tertiary care facility [15]. Their results demonstrated an improvement in echo lab efficiency as well as
                  an increase in productivity without any adverse effects.
                  While the results of this study are noteworthy, only one
                  sonographer was trained and not blinded to the study
                  protocol. In June of 2015, a sonographer administered
                  UEA protocol was initiated at our facility (level I trauma,
                  tertiary referral center). Following a familiarization period,
                  we sought to determine if institution of such a protocol
                  achieved similar results when implemented on a larger
                  scale with sonographers blinded to time tracking.

                  ## Methods

                  One year prior to the study period, all sonographers
                  employed at our facility were advised to maximize UEA
                  use efficiency by carrying pre-activating perflutren lipid
                  microsphere or perflutren protein-type A microspheres
                  injectable suspension with them while performing

                  portable echocardiographic examinations in the hospital’s wards and units. Sonographers were instructed to
                  identify patients needing UEA early by either reviewing
                  previous studies or assessing the need at the beginning
                  of the study and informing the nurse in advance if an
                  UEA was going to be needed. The decision to use an
                  ultrasound contrast agent was made by the sonographer
                  in real-time with a standing order to use contrast if two
                  adjacent segments were not well visualized on apical images, the indication was for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or ventricular thrombus in accordance with
                  established ASE guidance; no physician input was necessary [6–9]. Sonographers would communicated directly
                  with the patient’s nurse to have the nurse administer the
                  UEA. Contrast was administered by the bolus method at
                  the direction of the sonographer.

                  In June of 2015, four sonographers were selected to
                  undergo specialized training in the indications, contraindications, preparation, administration, and monitoring of
                  perflutren-based echo contrast agents. Training was
                  completed in one day consisting of live didactics with
                  hands on demonstration of the proper care and use of
                  peripheral intravenous lines Sonographers administered
                  contrast agent by bolus and would stop imaging to rebolus contrast as needed. The average years of experience
                  between the four sonographers was fifteen with no sonographer having less than ten years of experience.

                  Following training, a sonographer administertion
                  protocol was developed and approved by the hospital administration. The protocol covered only inpatient examinations obtained on weekdays (Monday through Friday)
                  during standard business hours (0700–1700), thus all patient had intravenous access. The protocol implemented
                  standing physician orders/authorization for patient selection and administration of perflutren-based echo contrast agents. Sonographers did not need to obtain
                  permission to administer UEA. A physician with appropriate knowledge and experience of perflutren-based
                  echo contrast agents was immediately available if a sonographer requested assistance. Inclusion criteria was
                  the use of UEA during an echocardiogram performed on
                  an inpatient, general wards and intensive care unit. Hospital policy is that all inpatients maintain intravenous access so the time needed to obtain intravenous access
                  was removed as a confounder. Exclusion criteria were
                  severe valvular heart disease requiring additional images
                  as well, the use of strain or three dimensional imagining as it was felt this would contribute to total imaging time
                  thus making the study appea…

                Observed changes

                Oct. 13, 2026, 1:30 a.m.: attachments changed since Oct. 12, 2026, 9:21 a.m..

                {'attachments': [{'url': 'https://downloads.regulations.gov/FDA-2026-P-11952-0109/content.pdf', 'title': 'pdf'}]}
                {'attachments': [{'url': 'https://downloads.regulations.gov/FDA-2026-P-11952-0109/content.pdf', 'body': {'text': 'R E S E A R C H\n\nOpen Access\n\n# Improved efficiency and diagnostic utility of inpatient transthoracic echocardiography following implementation of a sonographer-initiated perflutren-based contrast administration protocol\n\nRyan Prentice, Homayoun Ahmadian, Dustin Thomas, Jeremy Berger and Rosco Gore<sup>*</sup>\n\n## Abstract\n\nBackground: Up to 20% of resting echocardiograms obtained are suboptimal leading to further downstream\ntesting and delays in diagnosis. Contrast enhanced echocardiography is well established and endorsed for use by\nthe American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) in clinical scenarios when 2 or more adjacent wall segments are\nnot well visualized; however, varied institutional protocols and practices in place limit such use due to increased\ntime and personnel needed to obtain such imaging.\n\nMethods: The purpose of this study was to determineif sonographer administered echo contrast led to decreased\ntime to complete inpatient echocardiography exams when compared to the current institutional policy of having a\nregistered nurse perform administration of contrast via a case-control approach. Sonographers received a one-day\ntraining course on the techniques for contrast administration. Baseline completion times (time from 1st image to\nlast image) were reviewed in studies from March 2015 to May 2015. Sonographers who received training began\nself-administration of contrast the first week of June 2015. After a familiarization period, study completion times\nwere recorded from September 2015 to December 2015 and compared to those during the baseline phase.\nSonographers were not informed that they were being monitored. Patients and the public were not involved in the\ndesign or conduct of our study.\n\nResults: A total of 320 patients were included for analysis. Time spent obtaining contrast enhanced imaging was\nnot significant between the two groups (p = 0.67). Time spent to complete each echocardiogram (time from first\nechocardiogram image to the last contrast enhanced echocardiogram image) was significant between the two\ngroups (37.5 ± 10.9 min sonographer administered v 49.6 ± 12.5 min in nurse administered group, p < 0.001).\n\n$$\n(37.5\\pm10.9\n$$\n\n$$\nv49.6\\pm12.5min\n$$\n\n(Continued on next page)\n\n* Correspondence: [email protected]\nThe view(s) expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not reflect\nthe official policy or position of Brooke Army Medical Center, the U.S. Army\nMedical Department, the U.S. Army Office of the Surgeon General, the\nDepartment of the Army, the Department of the Air Force and Department\nof Defense or the U.S. Government.\nCardiology Division, Brooke Army Medical Center, San Antonio, TX, USA\n\n---\n\n(Continued from previous page)\n\nConclusion: Utilizing a sonographer administered echo enhancement protocol results in reduced over 12 min of\ntime saved per study.\n\n## Keywords: Contrast, Contrast Echo, Sonographer, Echocardiogram, Ultrasound enhancing agent\n\n## Introduction\n\nFrom 2001 to 2011 the number of echocardiographic examinations in the United States increased 3.4% each year\n[1]. This number is anticipated to increase over the coming years as more individuals require medical care [2].\nEchocardiography remains a versatile and valuable imaging modality in the care of cardiovascular patients;\nhowever, 10–20% of resting and 33% of stress echocardiographic examinations are determined to be suboptimal studies [3–5]. These suboptimal studies oftentimes\nlead to additional testing or changes in clinical management [5]. The American Society of Echocardiography\n(ASE) reports that about 75–90% of suboptimal echocardiographic examinations become interpretable with the\nuse of an ultrasound enhancing agent (UEA) [6].\n\nThe ASE recommends the use of an UEA when two or\nmore contiguous wall segments are not well visualized on\nnon-contrast enhanced imaging [6–10]. Despite these recommendations, UEAs remain underutilized. In 2008, only\n0.4% of all echocardiographic examinations performed in\nthe United States utilized an UEAfor left ventricularopacification, far below the rate of technically difficult studies\n[11]. This is despite the fact that the majority nondiagnostic echocardiograms can be made diagnostic with\nthe use of UEA [12, 13]. A barrier to the use of an UEA is\na perceived increase of resource utilization and cost related to the administration of contrast [14].\n\nIn 2013, Tang et al. published a study evaluating the\nfeasibility of a sonographer administered UEA protocol in\na large tertiary care facility [15]. Their results demonstrated an improvement in echo lab efficiency as well as\nan increase in productivity without any adverse effects.\nWhile the results of this study are noteworthy, only one\nsonographer was trained and not blinded to the study\nprotocol. In June of 2015, a sonographer administered\nUEA protocol was initiated at our facility (level I trauma,\ntertiary referral center). Following a familiarization period,\nwe sought to determine if institution of such a protocol\nachieved similar results when implemented on a larger\nscale with sonographers blinded to time tracking.\n\n## Methods\n\nOne year prior to the study period, all sonographers\nemployed at our facility were advised to maximize UEA\nuse efficiency by carrying pre-activating perflutren lipid\nmicrosphere or perflutren protein-type A microspheres\ninjectable suspension with them while performing\n\nportable echocardiographic examinations in the hospital’s wards and units. Sonographers were instructed to\nidentify patients needing UEA early by either reviewing\nprevious studies or assessing the need at the beginning\nof the study and informing the nurse in advance if an\nUEA was going to be needed. The decision to use an\nultrasound contrast agent was made by the sonographer\nin real-time with a standing order to use contrast if two\nadjacent segments were not well visualized on apical images, the indication was for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or ventricular thrombus in accordance with\nestablished ASE guidance; no physician input was necessary [6–9]. Sonographers would communicated directly\nwith the patient’s nurse to have the nurse administer the\nUEA. Contrast was administered by the bolus method at\nthe direction of the sonographer.\n\nIn June of 2015, four sonographers were selected to\nundergo specialized training in the indications, contraindications, preparation, administration, and monitoring of\nperflutren-based echo contrast agents. Training was\ncompleted in one day consisting of live didactics with\nhands on demonstration of the proper care and use of\nperipheral intravenous lines Sonographers administered\ncontrast agent by bolus and would stop imaging to rebolus contrast as needed. The average years of experience\nbetween the four sonographers was fifteen with no sonographer having less than ten years of experience.\n\nFollowing training, a sonographer administertion\nprotocol was developed and approved by the hospital administration. The protocol covered only inpatient examinations obtained on weekdays (Monday through Friday)\nduring standard business hours (0700–1700), thus all patient had intravenous access. The protocol implemented\nstanding physician orders/authorization for patient selection and administration of perflutren-based echo contrast agents. Sonographers did not need to obtain\npermission to administer UEA. A physician with appropriate knowledge and experience of perflutren-based\necho contrast agents was immediately available if a sonographer requested assistance. Inclusion criteria was\nthe use of UEA during an echocardiogram performed on\nan inpatient, general wards and intensive care unit. Hospital policy is that all inpatients maintain intravenous access so the time needed to obtain intravenous access\nwas removed as a confounder. Exclusion criteria were\nsevere valvular heart disease requiring additional images\nas well, the use of strain or three dimensional imagining as it was felt this would contribute to total imaging time\nthus making the study appear to take longer.\n\nFollowing a three month familiarization period in which\nsonographer administered contrast under the sonographer\ncontrast administration protocol, a blinded three month\nobservation period was started. This observation period of\ndata was collected and compared to data obtained from the\nthree months immediately prior to the training and implementation of the protocol. Sonographers were not made\naware that imaging times were being recorded. During\nthese observation periods all contrast enhanced studies performed by the study sonographer were identified and\nscreened for exclusion criteria. All Echocardiograms included in the study were later independently reviewed by a\nlevel II or III echocardiographers who were blinded to the\ncontrast protocol. The echocardiographer determined the\nappropriateness of contrast administration as well as the\npresence or absence of wall motion abnormalities on both\nthe enhanced and non-enhanced images. The time to\ncomplete each portion of the study was determined by\nreviewing digital timestamps in the DICOM headers of\neach image. The total time to complete the study was determined by subtracting the time of first image stored from\nthe time of thelastimagestored.The time to complete the\npre-contrast images was the time of the last non-contrast\nimage minus the time of the first non-contrast image. The\ntransition time was the time of the first contrast image\nminus the time of the last non-contrast image. The time required to acquire the contrast images was the time from\nthe first to the last contrast image.\n\nImaging was obtained using a Phillips® iE33 xMATRIX\nultrasound system (Philips Healthcare, Bothell, WA)\nwith a S5–1 phase array transducer (1.0–5.0 mHz).\nSonographers used either perflutren lipid microsphere\n(Definitiy® Lantheus Medical Imaging Inc., Billerica, MA)\nor perflutren protein-type A microspheres injectable suspension (Optison™ GE Healthcare, Chicago, IL) when\nuse of an UEA was clinically indicated. The decision to\nuse either of the two perflutren-based contrast agents\nwas made on product availability and administered according to manufacturer recommendations. Specifically\nperlutren protein-type A was via administration of 1 ml\nnon diluted solution over 10 s, additional 1 ml re-boluses\nwere administered as needed. Perflutren lipid microspheres were pre-activated at the beginning of the work\nday and diluted in 8.5 ml of saline, this was also administered as a 1 ml slow push with additional re-boluses as\nneeded. Administration of both agents was followed by a\nsaline flush. Imaging was interpreted by a level II or level\nIII echocardiographer using a Merge Cardio™ (IBM Watson Health, Chicago, IL) platform. Echocardiogram interpretations were completed within the same day.\nStatistical analysis was performed using SPSS 21 (IBM\nCorporation, Armonk, New York). Chi-square test was\n\nused to categorical data and t-test was used for continuous variables.\n\n## Results\n\nA total of 320 inpatients (n = 63 pre-protocol, n = 257\npost protocol) received a perflutren-based echo contrast\nagent during the study period. The median BMI of the\n2\npre and post protocol groups was 29.5 kg/m (range\n19.5–55.1) and 29.1 kg/m<sup>2</sup> (range 15.8–59.0) respectively\n(p = 0.09). The body surface area for the pre and post\n2\nprotocol groups was 2.1 m (range 1.5–2.8) and 2.0\n(range 1.4–2.8) respectively (p = .14) (Table 1). The\nnurse administered protocol used more perflutren\nprotein-type A microspheres (2.8 ml vs 2.4 ml, p = 0.03)\nthan was used in the sonographer administration protocol. While the amount use of perflutren lipid microsphere was the same in both protocols (2.7 ml vs 3.1 ml,\np = 0.22). The indication for echocardiographic examinations are presented in Table 2 and were not statistically\nsignificantly different (p = 0.375).\n\n$$\n29.5\\ kg/m^{2}\n$$\n\n$$\n29.1\\ kg/m^{2}\n$$\n\n$$\n2.1\\ m^{2}\n$$\n\n$$\np=0.03\n$$\n\nThe median time to complete an echocardiographic\nexamination (Fig. 1) to include time spent on contrast\nenhanced imaging was 49.6 ± 12.5 min in the preprotocol group and 37.5 ± 10.9 min in the post protocol\ngroup (p < 0.0001). The post-protocol group acquired\npre-contrast images in 27.7 ± 9.6 min versus 34.9 ± 12.4\nmin in the pre-protocol group. The mean time to transition from non-contrast to contrast images was 4:30 min\nfaster in the post-protocol group (6.2 ± 3.8 min vs 10.8 ±\n7.1minuted) compared to the pre-protocol echos. The\ntime spent acquiring contrast enhanced imaging between the pre and post protocol groups were 4.0 ± 2.3\nmin v 3.8 ± 3.3 min (p = 0.68) respectively.\n\n$$\n49.6\\pm12.5\n$$\n\n$$\n37.5\\pm10.9\n$$\n\n$$\n(p<0.0001)\n$$\n\n$$\n34.9\\pm12.4\n$$\n\n$$\n27.7\\pm9.6\n$$\n\n$$\n(6.2\\pm3.8\n$$\n\n$$\nv3.8\\pm3.3\n$$\n\n$$\n4.0\\pm2.3\n$$\n\nIndependent review of contrast enhanced examinations in the post protocol group were independently\nreviewed by a level II or level III echocardiographer. Of\nthe 257 echocardiographic examinations performed following implementation of the protocol, 92% (n = 236) of\nexaminations were determined to have utilized echo\ncontrast in accordance with ASE guidelines (Fig. 2). The\n\nTable 1 Patient Characteristics and Contrast used. There was no\ndifference in the body mass index, body surface area or amount\nof Definity used between the sonographer driven protocol (Pre)\nand following the protocol to allow sonographer administration\nof echocardiography image enhancer (Post). However, there\nwas less Optison used in sonographer administration protocol,\n<u>p = 0.03</u>\n\n|  | Pre | Post | p value |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| Body Mass Index (kg/m2) | 29.5 | 29.1 | 0.09 |\n| Body Surface Area (m2) | 2.1 | 2.0 | 0.14 |\n| Definity used (ml) | 2.7 | 3.1 | 0.22 |\n| Optison used (ml) | 2.8 | 2.4 | 0.03 |\n\n---\n\nTable 2 Echocardiogram Indications, breakdown of indications\nfor echocardiograms prior to the sonographer driven protocol\n(Pre) and following the protocol to allow sonographer\nadministration of echocardiography image enhancer (Post). No\nsignificant differences were noted, p = 0.375 by Chi-Squared\n\n|  | Pre | Post |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| Arrhythmia/Abnormal ECG | 8 | 16 |\n| Bacteremia/Endocarditis | 4 | 5 |\n| Chest Pain/Dyspnea on Exertion | 5 | 11 |\n| Edema | 0 | 2 |\n| Abnormal Cardiovascular Exam finding | 17 | 32 |\n| Heart Failure/Cardiomyopathy | 6 | 10 |\n| Other | 7 | 18 |\n| Pericardial disease | 2 | 4 |\n| Stable Coronary Artery Disease | 1 | 6 |\n| Syncope | 3 | 0 |\n| TIA/CVA | 4 | 3 |\n| Acute Coronary Syndrome | 4 | 7 |\n| Valvular heart disease | 0 | 1 |\n\nuse of echo contrast resulted in a change in the wall motion assessment in 11% (n = 28) of patients with 10%\n(n = 26) of patients being identified as having a new wall\nmotion abnormality after contrast enhancement. (Fig. 3).\nThere were no adverse events from ultrasound enhancing agent in either of the administration protocols. No\nleft ventricular thrombus or morphologic changes consistent with apical variant hypertrophic where found in\nthe study echocardiograms.\n\n## Discussion\n\ndeveloped to better enable the sonographer in creating a\nproactive environment as it pertains to the use of echo\ncontrast [6, 9, 14].\n\nGiven the well-established benefits of contrast enhanced\nechocardiography, the American Society of Echocardiography (ASE) has called for programs and initiatives to be\n\nWe demonstrated that initiation of a sonographer initiated, sonographer administered echo contrast protocol\nresulted in decreased time to complete each echocardiographic study by 12 min, 49.6 min to 37.5 min. A 7.2 min\ntime savings was seen while non-enhanced images were\nbeing acquired, likely due to the lack of need for sonographer to stop acquiring non-enhanced images and notify a nurse that contrast will be needed. An additional\n4.5 min of time savings was seen between the last nonenhanced image to first enhanced images. Time saving\nhere could be from lack of need for sonographers to educated unfamiliar nursing staff to the use of UEAs and\nlack of need to wait for time pressed nurses to arrive to\nrender assistance. Overall, there was a 12 min time savings from a sonographer driven protocol. This additional\n12 min per study could result in enough time savings\nthat one additional study could be performed over the\ncourse of a work shift. This 12 min time savings on the\npart of the sonographers does not take into account savings of nurse’s time. On a busy inpatient ward nurses’\ntime is at a premium. While similar results of improved\nefficiency have been reported in the literature [15], we\nare the first to report to our knowledge this improved\nefficiency in which the sonographers were blinded to\nmonitoring intent. Moreover, our protocol did not require the presence nor the active approval of a physician\nto allow for contrast administration.\n\nThe use of echo contrast in the United States remains\nunderutilized with a reported use in only 0.4% of all\nechocardiographic examinations in 2008 [13]. Suspected\nbarriers limiting the utilization of echo contrast often relate to reimbursement, the Food and Drug Administration labeling, and the perceived decrement in workload\n\n**Total Time To Complete Study**\n\n| Category | Pre (Minutes) | Post (Minutes) |\n| --- | --- | --- |\n| Total Time to Complete Study | 49.6 | 37.5 |\n\nFig. 1 Total Time to Complete Study. Contrast enhanced echocardiograms required 49.6 min using a nurse administered contrast protocol\ncompared to 37.5 min using a sonographer driven protocol, (P < 0.0001)\n\n---\n\n| Category | Share of studies (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Appropriate | 92 |\n| Not Appropriate | 8 |\n\nFig. 2 Appropriate Use of Contrast. Review of images by Cardiologist showed that 92% of studies receiving contrast in a sonographer driven\nprotocol were appropriate\n\nefficiency as it pertains to contrast administration. However, over the last several years many noteworthy\nchanges have been made.\n\nIn the United States, the use of echo contrast is reimbursed by Medicare as well as select private insurers for\nechocardiographic examinations obtained in the outpatient hospital or clinic setting [16]. However, inpatient\nechocardiography reimbursement remains based on\nDiagnostically Related Group (DRG) payment. While reimbursement may not be guaranteed, the downstream\nbenefit is largely unrecognized.\n\nIn 2009 Kurt et al. reported that the use of contrast\nenhancement for suboptimal or technically limited studies conferred a net financial benefit, decreased the need\nfor additional imaging, and improved the quality of care\n[7]. They report that the use of echo contrast resulted in\n\n55% of patients in the surgical ICU, 31% of patients in\nthe inpatient ward, and 33% of patients in the medical\nICU no longer required additional testing following the\nuse of echo contrast. The reason for additional testing\nrevolved around the need for better delineation of left\nventricular function and planned additional procedures\nincluded transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) or nuclear\nperfusion imaging. In their cohort, the cost savings for\nnot requiring additional procedures amounted to $122.0\nper patient.\n\nWe found that in 11% of patients in the post protocol\ngroup, there was a change in wall motion assessment\nfollowing the administration of echo contrast. Given the\nretrospective study design, we were not able to query\nproviders to determine if the use of contrast had an impact on downstream patient management, but at the\n\n| Category | Share (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| New Wall Motion Abnormality | 10 |\n| Normal Wall Motion | 1 |\n| No Change | 89 |\n\nFig. 3 Wall Motion Assessment Following Contrast Enhancement. 10% of studies found a new regional wall motion abnormality on contrast\nimages that was not seen on images without contrast. 1% found regional wall motion to be normal when unenhanced images suggested an\nabnormality. 89% had no change in the assessment of wall motion least, identifying new wall motion abnormalities gave the\nproviders additional information to aid in patient care.\n\n## Conclusions\n\nUtilizing a sonographer driven protocol for selection and\nadministration of perflutren-based echo contrast for inpatient TTE examinations resulted in reduced TTE\nstudy time by 12 min with an 11% improvement in wall\nmotional assessment at our institution. As sonographer\nadministered echo contrast protocols have shown to improve efficiency and increase productivity without compromising patient safety, more institutions should\nconsider such implementation.\n\n### Abbreviations\n\nASE: American Society of Echocardiography; UEA: Ultrasound enhancing\nagent; TTE: Transthoracic echocardiogram\n\n### Acknowledgements\n\nDr. James K Aden, PhD performed the statistical analysis, without his help\nthis would not have been possible.\n\n### Authors’ contributions\n\nRP created table, figures and wrote the first draft of the manuscript. HA, DT,\nJB and RG collected, collated and performed data analysis. All authors\nreviewed, edited and approved the manuscript.\n\n### Funding\n\nNot Applicable.\n\n### Availability of data and materials\n\nThe datasets during and/or analysed during the current study available from\nthe corresponding author on reasonable request.\n\n### Ethics approval and consent to participate\n\nThis is a retrospective evaluation of data done under a quality improvement\nprogram with the goal of improving the efficiency and thus the use of\nultrasound contrast.\n\n### Consent for publication Not Applicable.\n\n### Competing interests\n\nThe authors declare that they have no competing interests.\n\nReceived: 30 April 2020 Accepted: 4 August 2020\n\nPublished online: 17 August 2020\n\n### References\n\n1. Papolos A, Narula J, Bavishi C, Chaudhry F, Sengupta P. U.S. hospital use of\nechocardiography. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2016;67(5):502–11..\n\n2. Cms.gov. (2018). National Health Expenditure Projections 2016-2025. Centers\nfor Medicare and Medicaid Services [online] Available at: https://www.cms.\ngov/Research-Statistics-Data-and-Systems/Statistics-Trends-and-Reports/\nNationalHealthExpendData/Downloads/proj2016.pdf. [Accessed 8 Feb. 2018].\n\n3. Bhatia VK, Senior R. Contrast echocardiography: evidence for clinical use. J\nAm Soc Echocardiogr. 2008;21(5):409–16.\n\n4. Senior R, Becher H, Monaghan M, Agati L, Zamorano J, Vanoverschelde JL,\net al. Contrast echocardiography: evidence-based recommendations by\nEuropean Association of Echocardiography. Eur J Echocardiogr. 2009;10(2):\n194–21.\n\n5. Mulvagh SL, DeMaria AN, Feinstein SB, Burns PN, Kaul S, Miller JG, et al.\nContrast echocardiography: current and future applications. J Am Soc\nEchocardiogr. 2000;13:331–42.\n\n6. Porter TR, Mulvagh SL, Abdelmoneim SS, Becher H, Bierig M, et al. Clinical\napplications of ultrasonic enhancing agents in echocardiography: 2018\n\nAmerican Society of Echocardiography guidelines update. J Am Soc\nEchocardiogr. 2018;31(3):241–74.\n\n7. Kurt M, Shaikh KA, Peterson L, Kurrelmeyer KM, Shah G, Nagueh SF, et al.\nImpact of contrast echocardiography on evaluation of ventricular function\nand clinical management in a large prospective cohort. J Am Coll Cardiol.\n2009;53(9):802–10.\n\n8. Porter T, Abdelmoneim S, Belcik J, McCulloch M, Mulvagh S, Olson J, Porcelli\nC, Tsutsui J, Wei K. Guidelines for the cardiac sonographer in the\nperformance of contrast echocardiography: a focused update from the\nAmerican Society of Echocardiography. J Am Soc Echocardiogr. 2014;27(8):\n797–810.\n\n9. Mulvagh S, Rakowski H, Vannan M, Abdelmoneim S, Becher H, Bierig S,\nBurns P, Castello R, Coon P, Hagen M, Jollis J, Kimball T, Kitzman D, Kronzon\nI, Labovitz A, Lang R, Mathew J, Moir W, Nagueh S, Pearlman A, Perez J,\nPorter T, Rosenbloom J, Strachan G, Thanigaraj S, Wei K, Woo A, Yu E,\nZoghbi W. American Society of Echocardiography consensus statement on\nthe clinical applications of ultrasonic contrast agents in echocardiography. J\nAm Soc Echocardiogr. 2008;21(11):1179–201.\n\n10. Douglas P, Garcia M, Haines D, Lai W, Manning W, Patel A, Picard M, Polk D,\nRagosta M, Ward R, Weiner R. ACCF/ASE/AHA/ASNC/HFSA/HRS/SCAI/SCCM/\nSCCT/SCMR 2011 appropriate use criteria for echocardiography. J Am Coll\nCardiol. 2011;57(9):1126–66.\n\n11. Chahal N, Senior R. Clinical applications of left ventricular Opacification.\nJACC Cardiovasc Imaging. 2010;3(2):188–96.\n\n12. Yong YQ, Wu D, Fernandes V, Kopelen HA, Shimoni S, Nagueh SF, et al.\nDiagnostic accuracy and cost-effectiveness of contrast echocardiography on\nevaluation of cardiac function in technically very difficult patients in the\nintensive care unit. Am J Cardiol. 2002;89:711–8.\n\n13. Zhoa H, O’Quinn R, Ambrose M, Jagasia D, Ky B, et al. Contrast-enhanced\nechocardiography has the greatest impact in patients with reduced ejection\nfraction. J Am Soc Echocardiogr. 2018;31(1):286–96.\n\n14. Coon PD, Bednarz J, Pearlman AS. Implementing contrast echocardiography\nin the laboratory. Cardiol Clin. 2004;22:199–210.\n\n15. Tang A, Chiew S, Rashkovetsky R, Becher H, Choy J. Feasibility of\nsonographer-administered Echocontrast in a large-volume tertiary-care\nechocardiography laboratory. Can J Cardiol. 2013;29(3):391–5.\n\n16. Asecho.org. (2018). Coding for Contrast | American Society of\nEchocardiography. [online] Available at: http://asecho.org/contrast-zone/\ncoding-for-contrast/. [Accessed 1 Mar. 2018].\n\n## Publisher’s Note\n\nSpringer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in\npublished maps and institutional affiliations.\n\n## Ready to submit your research? Choose BMC and benefit from:\n\n- fast, convenient online submission\n- thorough peer review by experienced researchers in your field\n- rapid publication on acceptance\n- support for research data, including large and complex data types\n- gold Open Access which fosters wider collaboration and increased citations\n- maximum visibility for your research: over 100M website views per year\n\n## At BMC, research is always in progress.\n\nLearn more biomedcentral.com/submissions', 'pages': None, 'truncated': False, 'extraction': 'firecrawl-public-document-markdown', 'request_id': '9bd98ec7-1dbd-4fbf-bf57-728a3a161f27', 'source_url': 'https://downloads.regulations.gov/FDA-2026-P-11952-0109/content.pdf', 'observed_at': '2026-10-13T01:30:16.211003+00:00', 'content_hash': 'b5ff54d615de931999e87f797cd451b99605c7a8ec0ed5c52aa97cd651a7c903'}, 'title': 'pdf', 'check_failed': False}]}

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                Supporting & Related Material Federal · FDA

                Reference 88

                Source ID: FDA-2026-P-11952-0094 · Posted: 2026-10-09

                Source document type: Supporting & Related Material

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                    10/1/26, 7:05 PM FDA Drug Safety Podcast: FDA warns that gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) are retained in the body; requires new class warnings | FDA

                    # FDA Drug Safety Podcast: FDA warns that gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) are

                    # retained in the body; requires new class warnings

                    ([https://www.fda.gov/media/109512/download](https://www.fda.gov/media/109512/download))

                    Welcome to the FDA Drug Safety Podcast for health care professionals from the Division of Drug Information. This is Lesley Navin, Advanced Practice Nurse.

                    On December 19, 2017, FDA announced that it is requiring a new class warning and other safety measures for all gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) for magnetic resonance imaging (or MRI) concerning gadolinium remaining in patients’ bodies, including the brain, for months to years after receiving these drugs. Gadolinium retention has not been directly linked to adverse health effects in patients with normal kidney function, and we have concluded that the benefit of all approved GBCAs continues to outweigh any potential risks.

                    However, after review and consultation with the Medical Imaging Drugs Advisory Committee, we are requiring several actions to alert health care professionals and patients about gadolinium retention after an MRI using a GBCA. These include requiring a patient Medication Guide that every patient will be asked to read before receiving a GBCA. We are also requiring manufacturers of GBCAs to conduct human and animal studies to further assess the safety of these agents.

                    GBCAs are used with MRIs and contain gadolinium, a heavy metal. They are injected into a vein to improve visualization of internal organs, blood vessels, and tissues during an MRI. GBCAs are mostly eliminated from the body through the kidneys, however, trace amounts of gadolinium may stay in the body long-term. Health care professionals should consider the retention characteristics of each agent when choosing a GBCA for patients who may be at higher risk for gadolinium retention, including those requiring multiple lifetime doses, pregnant women, children, and patients with inflammatory conditions.

                    The only known adverse health effect related to gadolinium retention is a rare condition called nephrogenic systemic fibrosis that occurs in a small subgroup of patients with pre-existing kidney failure. We have received reports of adverse events involving multiple organ systems in patients with normal kidney function. A causal association between these adverse events and gadolinium retention could not be established.

                    We are continuing to assess the health effects of gadolinium retention in the body and will update the public when new information becomes available.

                    [https://web.archive.org/web/20191212203518/https://www.fda.gov/drugs/fda-drug-safety-podcasts/fda-drug-safety-podcast-fda-warns-gadolinium-based-contrast-agents-gbcas-are-retained-body-requires](https://web.archive.org/web/20191212203518/https://www.fda.gov/drugs/fda-drug-safety-podcasts/fda-drug-safety-podcast-fda-warns-gadolinium-based-contrast-agents-gbcas-are-retained-body-requires) 1/2

                    10/1/26, 7:05 PM FDA Drug Safety Podcast: FDA warns that gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) are retained in the body; requires new class warnings | FDA

                    Report side effects involving GBCAs to FDA’s MedWatch program at www.fda.gov/medwatch ([https://www.fda.gov/medwatch-fda-safety-information-and-adverse-event-reporting-program](https://www.fda.gov/medwatch-fda-safety-information-and-adverse-event-reporting-program)).

                    A link to the full communication detailing specific information for health care professionals and a list of FDA approved GBCAs can be found at www.fda.gov/DrugSafety ([https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drugsafety-and-availability/drug-safety-communications](https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drugsafety-and-availability/drug-safety-communications)). If you have drug questions, you can reach us at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) ([http://www.fda.gov/about-fda/websitepolicies/website-disclaimer](http://www.fda.gov/about-fda/websitepolicies/website-disclaimer)).

                    And follow us on Twitter @FDA_Drug_Info ([https://twitter.com/FDA_Drug_Info](https://twitter.com/FDA_Drug_Info)) ([http://www.fda.gov/about-fda/website-policies/website-disclaimer](http://www.fda.gov/about-fda/website-policies/website-disclaimer)) disclaimer icon ([http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/AboutThisWebsite/WebsitePolicies/Disclaimers/default.htm](http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/AboutThisWebsite/WebsitePolicies/Disclaimers/default.htm)) for up to the minute important drug information. Thank you for listening.

                    ## Related Information

                    FDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA warns that gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) are retained in the body; requires new class warnings ([https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-drug-safety-communication-fda-warns-gadolinium-based-contrast-agents-gbcas-are-retained-body](https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-drug-safety-communication-fda-warns-gadolinium-based-contrast-agents-gbcas-are-retained-body))

                    FDA Drug Safety Podcast: FDA warns that gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) are retained in the body; requires new class warnings ([https://www.fda.gov/media/109512/download](https://www.fda.gov/media/109512/download))

                    [https://web.archive.org/web/20191212203518/https://www.fda.gov/drugs/fda-drug-safety-podcasts/fda-drug-safety-podcast-fda-warns-gadolinium-based-contrast-agents-gbcas-are-retained-body-requires](https://web.archive.org/web/20191212203518/https://www.fda.gov/drugs/fda-drug-safety-podcasts/fda-drug-safety-podcast-fda-warns-gadolinium-based-contrast-agents-gbcas-are-retained-body-requires) 2/2

                  Observed changes

                  Oct. 13, 2026, 1:30 a.m.: attachments changed since Oct. 12, 2026, 9:21 a.m..

                  {'attachments': [{'url': 'https://downloads.regulations.gov/FDA-2026-P-11952-0094/content.pdf', 'title': 'pdf'}]}
                  {'attachments': [{'url': 'https://downloads.regulations.gov/FDA-2026-P-11952-0094/content.pdf', 'body': {'text': '10/1/26, 7:05 PM FDA Drug Safety Podcast: FDA warns that gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) are retained in the body; requires new class warnings | FDA\n\n# FDA Drug Safety Podcast: FDA warns that gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) are\n\n# retained in the body; requires new class warnings\n\n([https://www.fda.gov/media/109512/download](https://www.fda.gov/media/109512/download))\n\nWelcome to the FDA Drug Safety Podcast for health care professionals from the Division of Drug Information. This is Lesley Navin, Advanced Practice Nurse.\n\nOn December 19, 2017, FDA announced that it is requiring a new class warning and other safety measures for all gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) for magnetic resonance imaging (or MRI) concerning gadolinium remaining in patients’ bodies, including the brain, for months to years after receiving these drugs. Gadolinium retention has not been directly linked to adverse health effects in patients with normal kidney function, and we have concluded that the benefit of all approved GBCAs continues to outweigh any potential risks.\n\nHowever, after review and consultation with the Medical Imaging Drugs Advisory Committee, we are requiring several actions to alert health care professionals and patients about gadolinium retention after an MRI using a GBCA. These include requiring a patient Medication Guide that every patient will be asked to read before receiving a GBCA. We are also requiring manufacturers of GBCAs to conduct human and animal studies to further assess the safety of these agents.\n\nGBCAs are used with MRIs and contain gadolinium, a heavy metal. They are injected into a vein to improve visualization of internal organs, blood vessels, and tissues during an MRI. GBCAs are mostly eliminated from the body through the kidneys, however, trace amounts of gadolinium may stay in the body long-term. Health care professionals should consider the retention characteristics of each agent when choosing a GBCA for patients who may be at higher risk for gadolinium retention, including those requiring multiple lifetime doses, pregnant women, children, and patients with inflammatory conditions.\n\nThe only known adverse health effect related to gadolinium retention is a rare condition called nephrogenic systemic fibrosis that occurs in a small subgroup of patients with pre-existing kidney failure. We have received reports of adverse events involving multiple organ systems in patients with normal kidney function. A causal association between these adverse events and gadolinium retention could not be established.\n\nWe are continuing to assess the health effects of gadolinium retention in the body and will update the public when new information becomes available.\n\n[https://web.archive.org/web/20191212203518/https://www.fda.gov/drugs/fda-drug-safety-podcasts/fda-drug-safety-podcast-fda-warns-gadolinium-based-contrast-agents-gbcas-are-retained-body-requires](https://web.archive.org/web/20191212203518/https://www.fda.gov/drugs/fda-drug-safety-podcasts/fda-drug-safety-podcast-fda-warns-gadolinium-based-contrast-agents-gbcas-are-retained-body-requires) 1/2\n\n10/1/26, 7:05 PM FDA Drug Safety Podcast: FDA warns that gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) are retained in the body; requires new class warnings | FDA\n\nReport side effects involving GBCAs to FDA’s MedWatch program at www.fda.gov/medwatch ([https://www.fda.gov/medwatch-fda-safety-information-and-adverse-event-reporting-program](https://www.fda.gov/medwatch-fda-safety-information-and-adverse-event-reporting-program)).\n\nA link to the full communication detailing specific information for health care professionals and a list of FDA approved GBCAs can be found at www.fda.gov/DrugSafety ([https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drugsafety-and-availability/drug-safety-communications](https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drugsafety-and-availability/drug-safety-communications)). If you have drug questions, you can reach us at [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) ([http://www.fda.gov/about-fda/websitepolicies/website-disclaimer](http://www.fda.gov/about-fda/websitepolicies/website-disclaimer)).\n\nAnd follow us on Twitter @FDA_Drug_Info ([https://twitter.com/FDA_Drug_Info](https://twitter.com/FDA_Drug_Info)) ([http://www.fda.gov/about-fda/website-policies/website-disclaimer](http://www.fda.gov/about-fda/website-policies/website-disclaimer)) disclaimer icon ([http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/AboutThisWebsite/WebsitePolicies/Disclaimers/default.htm](http://www.fda.gov/AboutFDA/AboutThisWebsite/WebsitePolicies/Disclaimers/default.htm)) for up to the minute important drug information. Thank you for listening.\n\n## Related Information\n\nFDA Drug Safety Communication: FDA warns that gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) are retained in the body; requires new class warnings ([https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-drug-safety-communication-fda-warns-gadolinium-based-contrast-agents-gbcas-are-retained-body](https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/fda-drug-safety-communication-fda-warns-gadolinium-based-contrast-agents-gbcas-are-retained-body))\n\nFDA Drug Safety Podcast: FDA warns that gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) are retained in the body; requires new class warnings ([https://www.fda.gov/media/109512/download](https://www.fda.gov/media/109512/download))\n\n[https://web.archive.org/web/20191212203518/https://www.fda.gov/drugs/fda-drug-safety-podcasts/fda-drug-safety-podcast-fda-warns-gadolinium-based-contrast-agents-gbcas-are-retained-body-requires](https://web.archive.org/web/20191212203518/https://www.fda.gov/drugs/fda-drug-safety-podcasts/fda-drug-safety-podcast-fda-warns-gadolinium-based-contrast-agents-gbcas-are-retained-body-requires) 2/2\n', 'pages': None, 'truncated': False, 'extraction': 'firecrawl-public-document-markdown', 'request_id': '212ea51b-3fcd-48ac-a466-85454d19695f', 'source_url': 'https://downloads.regulations.gov/FDA-2026-P-11952-0094/content.pdf', 'observed_at': '2026-10-13T01:30:16.837719+00:00', 'content_hash': '15ca4bdd95d6a74e272d2b384d962a0cadc09c013cd0738f50092d64ef298246'}, 'title': 'pdf', 'check_failed': False}]}

                  Collection history starts with our observations; it is not complete legislative amendment history.

                  Source selection: advanced manufacturing. Observed 2026-10-13T01:29:06.434968+00:00.

                  Read original source ↗

                  Supporting & Related Material Federal · FDA

                  Reference 47

                  Source ID: FDA-2026-P-11952-0053 · Posted: 2026-10-09

                  Source document type: Supporting & Related Material

                  Read docket FDA-2026-P-11952 and supporting material ↗

                  Source details and legislative history

                  Detail checked 2026-10-13T01:29:06.434968+00:00.

                    • pdf
                      Collected source text excerpt

                      Observed 2026-10-12T09:21:29.950458+00:00.

                      # 2024 Cardiovascular Ultrasound

                      # TRENDS REPORT

                      # Heart Health

                      ---

                      ## Contents

                      Introduction
                      Study Design
                      Survey Sample
                      Demographics
                      Practice Management
                      General Equipment
                      Fetal and Pediatric Cardiovascular Ultrasound

                      3
                      3
                      3
                      4
                      6
                      9
                      11

                      Structural Heart Disease and Interventional Procedures 13

                      Technologies, Applications, and Innovations
                      Conclusion

                      16
                      21

                      ---

                      ## Introduction

                      The American Society of Echocardiography
                      (ASE) is committed to advancing cardiovascular
                      ultrasound and improving lives through
                      excellence in education, research, innovation,
                      advocacy, and service to the profession and the
                      public. The Cardiovascular Ultrasound Trends
                      Survey is administered on a regular basis to both
                      ASE members and non-members. This report
                      provides a summary of findings on current
                      echo trends, practices, challenges, and new
                      and emerging technologies and applications
                      enabling ASE to keep a pulse on the rapidly
                      changing medical landscape of cardiovascular
                      ultrasound.

                      ASE would like to thank our volunteers, Industry
                      Roundtable Partners, and respondents who
                      graciously contributed their time, expertise, and
                      energy in the development, dissemination, and
                      completion of this survey and report.

                      The information gleaned from the survey will
                      inform the development of meaningful and
                      timely educational programs and resources for
                      ASE membership. We hope the information
                      shared will support the broader professional
                      echo community in the pursuit of excellent
                      patient care.

                      ## Study Design

                      The 2024 Cardiovascular Ultrasound Trends
                      Survey consisted of 58 multiple choice and
                      open-ended questions covering six areas:
                      (1) Demographics, (2) Practice Management,
                      (3) General Equipment, (4) Pediatric and Fetal
                      Cardiovascular Ultrasound, (5) Structural Heart
                      Disease and Interventional Procedures, and
                      (6) Technologies, Applications, and Innovations.

                      Skip-logic questions were used intermittently
                      throughout the survey when applicable. For
                      example, some survey questions pertained only
                      to respondents in the United States. Non-U.S.

                      respondents were excluded from viewing and
                      answering these questions. Descriptive analysis
                      was conducted using absolute (n), relative (%),
                      and weighted values. For purposes of this report,
                      the term “respondents” is used in relation to
                      the response rate of specific survey questions or
                      groups of questions and should not be inferred
                      as representative of the entire respondent
                      sample.

                      ## Survey Sample

                      Recruitment efforts yielded 1,257 individuals
                      who participated in taking the survey, 220 fewer
                      than in 2023. These individuals were recruited
                      through three methods: email distribution to
                      ASE’s member and non-member lists (33,179
                      recipients), posts in ASE’s electronic newsletter
                      delivered to ASE members (10,344 recipients).
                      Additionally, the survey was shared on ASE’s
                      social media to reach a much larger audience.
                      The survey announcement contained a link to
                      an online survey tool. Data was collected from
                      February 4, 2024, through March 13, 2024. While
                      we are pleased with the response to the survey, it
                      should be noted that the response rate was under
                      5%. Therefore, information in this survey should
                      be used for informational and observational
                      purposes only.

                      ---

                      ## Demographics

                      This section presents a snapshot of survey respondent occupations, medical specialties, and work
                      settings and locations. In short, sonographers made up nearly half of the surveyed sample at 45%
                      (including technical directors of echo labs), while 25% of respondents reported being physicians
                      (including fellows and medical directors). The remaining respondents comprised educators, retired
                      clinicians, nurses, physician assistants, scientists, students, veterinarians, technical directors, and
                      engineers. The three most common areas of specialty reported were cardiac imaging, pediatric
                      cardiology (9.94%), education, and vascular medicine. This marked a change from last year, which
                      included a larger percentage in critical care.

                      Respondents were largely from the U.S., worked or trained in urban settings, had hospital-based
                      practices, and were ASE members. The regions most frequently reported outside the U.S. included Latin
                      America, Europe, Canada, and South Asia.

                      **1. Of the choices below, which BEST describes
                      your occupation? Select one position at
                      which you spend the majority of the time.**
                      n = 1,257

                      | Category | Share (%) |
                      | --- | --- |
                      | Sonographer | 40.18 |
                      | Educator | 21.48 |
                      | Physician | 20.92 |
                      | Technical Director of Echo Lab | 4.46 |
                      | Medical Director of Echo Lab | 2.15 |
                      | Fellow | 1.91 |
                      | Student | 1.75 |
                      | Industry Affiliate | 1.51 |
                      | Nurse or Physician Assistant | 1.11 |
                      | Retired | 1.11 |
                      | Scientist/Researcher | 0.95 |
                      | None of the above | 0.88 |
                      | Veterinarian | 0.80 |
                      | Intern/Resident | 0.40 |
                      | Non-Clinical Administration | 0.32 |
                      | Biomedical Engineer | 0.08 |

                      | Category | Share (%) |
                      | --- | --- |
                      | Hospital-based practice | 41.40 |
                      | Educational institution | 29.74 |
                      | Private practice | 15.11 |
                      | Academic practice | 8.04 |
                      | Industry | 1.77 |
                      | Other | 1.53 |
                      | Veterinary Clinic | 0.88 |
                      | Government (including VA) | 0.64 |
                      | Research Lab | 0.64 |
                      | Military | 0.24 |

                      **2. Of the choices below, which BEST describes
                      the job setting at which you spend the
                      majority of your time?**
                      n = 1,244

                      ---

                      | Category | Share of respondents (%) |
                      | --- | --- |
                      | Noninvasive Cardiology/ Cardiac Imaging | 56.15 |
                      | Pediatric Cardiology | 9.94 |
                      | Education | 7.25 |
                      | Vascular Medicine | 5.38 |
                      | Interventional Cardiology | 5.13 |
                      | Cardiac Electrophysiology | 4.24 |
                      | Critical Care | 2.53 |
                      | Anesthesiology | 2.28 |
                      | Other | 1.63 |
                      | Perioperative Echocardiography | 1.30 |
                      | Adult Congenital Heart Disease | 1.06 |
                      | Emergency Medicine | 0.73 |
                      | Heart Failure Specialist | 0.73 |
                      | Research | 0.65 |
                      | Cardio-oncology | 0.33 |
                      | Cardiac Surgery | 0.33 |
                      | Pulmonary | 0.16 |
                      | Oncology | 0.16 |

                      ## Please select the medical area in which you
                      ## spend the majority of your time.

                      **4. In what country do you do the majority of
                      your work?**

                      | Category | Share of respondents (%) |
                      | --- | --- |
                      | United States of America | 80.23 |
                      | Latin America | 3.57 |
                      | Europe | 3.01 |
                      | Canada | 2.66 |
                      | South Asia | 2.49 |
                      | Africa & Caribbean | 1.99 |
                      | South East Asia | 1.99 |
                      | Australia & New Zealand | 1.83 |
                      | Middle East | 1.25 |
                      | East Asia | 1.16 |

                      ---

                      ## Practice Management

                      Practice management refers to both administrative and operational aspects of practice. Centered on
                      clinical echocardiography, this section explores the mechanics that shape lab activities, drive decisionmaking, impact workflow, and influence patient care.

                      ### Repeat Studies and Quality Assurance

                      The need for repeat studies due to poor image
                      quality or insufficient information gathering can
                      significantly affect lab budgets and workflows,
                      resulting in rising costs and delays in patient
                      care. Robust quality assurance efforts, such
                      as those outlined in *ASE’s Recommendations
                      for Quality Echocardiography Laboratory*
                      *Operations,* play a critical role in mitigating the
                      occurrence of repeat studies. More than half of
                      survey respondents indicated that their labs and
                      institutions have quality assurance mechanisms
                      in place, a number nearly identical to previous
                      surveys.

                      This year’s survey included questions about
                      musculoskeletal pain during scanning. Building
                      upon last year’s questions about sonographer
                      shortages, we sought to explore the impact of
                      injuries on the workforce. Fifteen percent of
                      respondents self-reported scanning discomfort
                      in all cases, while 60% reported scanning in pain
                      “usually” or “sometimes.” Follow-up questions
                      revealed that pain is impacting the ability to do
                      their job for nearly one out of four respondents.
                      Only 34% said pain rarely or never impacted
                      their ability to work.

                      **5. Does your lab or institution track repeat
                      studies, defined as those which are
                      performed due to insufficient information or
                      quality…

                    Observed changes

                    Oct. 13, 2026, 1:30 a.m.: attachments changed since Oct. 12, 2026, 9:21 a.m..

                    {'attachments': [{'url': 'https://downloads.regulations.gov/FDA-2026-P-11952-0053/content.pdf', 'body': {'text': "# 2024 Cardiovascular Ultrasound\n\n# TRENDS REPORT\n\n# Heart Health\n\n---\n\n## Contents\n\nIntroduction \nStudy Design \nSurvey Sample \nDemographics\nPractice Management\nGeneral Equipment\nFetal and Pediatric Cardiovascular Ultrasound\n\n3\n3\n3\n4\n6\n9\n11\n\nStructural Heart Disease and Interventional Procedures 13\n\nTechnologies, Applications, and Innovations\nConclusion\n\n16\n21\n\n---\n\n## Introduction\n\nThe American Society of Echocardiography \n(ASE) is committed to advancing cardiovascular \nultrasound and improving lives through \nexcellence in education, research, innovation, \nadvocacy, and service to the profession and the \npublic. The Cardiovascular Ultrasound Trends \nSurvey is administered on a regular basis to both \nASE members and non-members. This report \nprovides a summary of findings on current \necho trends, practices, challenges, and new \nand emerging technologies and applications \nenabling ASE to keep a pulse on the rapidly \nchanging medical landscape of cardiovascular \nultrasound.\n\nASE would like to thank our volunteers, Industry \nRoundtable Partners, and respondents who \ngraciously contributed their time, expertise, and \nenergy in the development, dissemination, and \ncompletion of this survey and report.\n\nThe information gleaned from the survey will \ninform the development of meaningful and \ntimely educational programs and resources for \nASE membership. We hope the information \nshared will support the broader professional \necho community in the pursuit of excellent \npatient care.\n\n## Study Design\n\nThe 2024 Cardiovascular Ultrasound Trends \nSurvey consisted of 58 multiple choice and \nopen-ended questions covering six areas: \n(1) Demographics, (2) Practice Management, \n(3) General Equipment, (4) Pediatric and Fetal \nCardiovascular Ultrasound, (5) Structural Heart \nDisease and Interventional Procedures, and \n(6) Technologies, Applications, and Innovations.\n\nSkip-logic questions were used intermittently \nthroughout the survey when applicable. For \nexample, some survey questions pertained only \nto respondents in the United States. Non-U.S.\n\nrespondents were excluded from viewing and \nanswering these questions. Descriptive analysis \nwas conducted using absolute (n), relative (%), \nand weighted values. For purposes of this report, \nthe term “respondents” is used in relation to \nthe response rate of specific survey questions or \ngroups of questions and should not be inferred \nas representative of the entire respondent \nsample.\n\n## Survey Sample\n\nRecruitment efforts yielded 1,257 individuals \nwho participated in taking the survey, 220 fewer \nthan in 2023. These individuals were recruited \nthrough three methods: email distribution to \nASE’s member and non-member lists (33,179 \nrecipients), posts in ASE’s electronic newsletter \ndelivered to ASE members (10,344 recipients). \nAdditionally, the survey was shared on ASE’s \nsocial media to reach a much larger audience. \nThe survey announcement contained a link to \nan online survey tool. Data was collected from \nFebruary 4, 2024, through March 13, 2024. While \nwe are pleased with the response to the survey, it \nshould be noted that the response rate was under \n5%. Therefore, information in this survey should \nbe used for informational and observational \npurposes only.\n\n---\n\n## Demographics\n\nThis section presents a snapshot of survey respondent occupations, medical specialties, and work \nsettings and locations. In short, sonographers made up nearly half of the surveyed sample at 45% \n(including technical directors of echo labs), while 25% of respondents reported being physicians \n(including fellows and medical directors). The remaining respondents comprised educators, retired \nclinicians, nurses, physician assistants, scientists, students, veterinarians, technical directors, and \nengineers. The three most common areas of specialty reported were cardiac imaging, pediatric \ncardiology (9.94%), education, and vascular medicine. This marked a change from last year, which \nincluded a larger percentage in critical care.\n\nRespondents were largely from the U.S., worked or trained in urban settings, had hospital-based \npractices, and were ASE members. The regions most frequently reported outside the U.S. included Latin \nAmerica, Europe, Canada, and South Asia.\n\n**1. Of the choices below, which BEST describes\nyour occupation? Select one position at\nwhich you spend the majority of the time.**\nn = 1,257\n\n| Category | Share (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Sonographer | 40.18 |\n| Educator | 21.48 |\n| Physician | 20.92 |\n| Technical Director of Echo Lab | 4.46 |\n| Medical Director of Echo Lab | 2.15 |\n| Fellow | 1.91 |\n| Student | 1.75 |\n| Industry Affiliate | 1.51 |\n| Nurse or Physician Assistant | 1.11 |\n| Retired | 1.11 |\n| Scientist/Researcher | 0.95 |\n| None of the above | 0.88 |\n| Veterinarian | 0.80 |\n| Intern/Resident | 0.40 |\n| Non-Clinical Administration | 0.32 |\n| Biomedical Engineer | 0.08 |\n\n| Category | Share (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Hospital-based practice | 41.40 |\n| Educational institution | 29.74 |\n| Private practice | 15.11 |\n| Academic practice | 8.04 |\n| Industry | 1.77 |\n| Other | 1.53 |\n| Veterinary Clinic | 0.88 |\n| Government (including VA) | 0.64 |\n| Research Lab | 0.64 |\n| Military | 0.24 |\n\n**2. Of the choices below, which BEST describes\nthe job setting at which you spend the\nmajority of your time?**\nn = 1,244\n\n---\n\n| Category | Share of respondents (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Noninvasive Cardiology/ Cardiac Imaging | 56.15 |\n| Pediatric Cardiology | 9.94 |\n| Education | 7.25 |\n| Vascular Medicine | 5.38 |\n| Interventional Cardiology | 5.13 |\n| Cardiac Electrophysiology | 4.24 |\n| Critical Care | 2.53 |\n| Anesthesiology | 2.28 |\n| Other | 1.63 |\n| Perioperative Echocardiography | 1.30 |\n| Adult Congenital Heart Disease | 1.06 |\n| Emergency Medicine | 0.73 |\n| Heart Failure Specialist | 0.73 |\n| Research | 0.65 |\n| Cardio-oncology | 0.33 |\n| Cardiac Surgery | 0.33 |\n| Pulmonary | 0.16 |\n| Oncology | 0.16 |\n\n## Please select the medical area in which you\n## spend the majority of your time.\n\n**4. In what country do you do the majority of \nyour work?**\n\n| Category | Share of respondents (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| United States of America | 80.23 |\n| Latin America | 3.57 |\n| Europe | 3.01 |\n| Canada | 2.66 |\n| South Asia | 2.49 |\n| Africa & Caribbean | 1.99 |\n| South East Asia | 1.99 |\n| Australia & New Zealand | 1.83 |\n| Middle East | 1.25 |\n| East Asia | 1.16 |\n\n---\n\n## Practice Management\n\nPractice management refers to both administrative and operational aspects of practice. Centered on \nclinical echocardiography, this section explores the mechanics that shape lab activities, drive decisionmaking, impact workflow, and influence patient care.\n\n### Repeat Studies and Quality Assurance\n\nThe need for repeat studies due to poor image \nquality or insufficient information gathering can \nsignificantly affect lab budgets and workflows, \nresulting in rising costs and delays in patient \ncare. Robust quality assurance efforts, such \nas those outlined in *ASE’s Recommendations \nfor Quality Echocardiography Laboratory* \n*Operations,* play a critical role in mitigating the \noccurrence of repeat studies. More than half of \nsurvey respondents indicated that their labs and \ninstitutions have quality assurance mechanisms \nin place, a number nearly identical to previous \nsurveys.\n\nThis year’s survey included questions about \nmusculoskeletal pain during scanning. Building \nupon last year’s questions about sonographer \nshortages, we sought to explore the impact of \ninjuries on the workforce. Fifteen percent of \nrespondents self-reported scanning discomfort \nin all cases, while 60% reported scanning in pain \n“usually” or “sometimes.” Follow-up questions \nrevealed that pain is impacting the ability to do \ntheir job for nearly one out of four respondents. \nOnly 34% said pain rarely or never impacted \ntheir ability to work.\n\n**5. Does your lab or institution track repeat \nstudies, defined as those which are \nperformed due to insufficient information or \nquality of a prior echocardiogram?**\nn = 1,171\n\n| Category | Share of respondents (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Yes | 52.43 |\n| No | 33.13 |\n| I don't know | 14.43 |\n\n**6. If you scan patients, how often do you \nexperience musculoskeletal discomfort or \npain while scanning?**\nn = 1,219\n\n| Category | Share of responses (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Not applicable | 7.05 |\n| Always | 16.16 |\n| Usually | 22.40 |\n| Sometimes | 37.65 |\n| Rarely | 13.45 |\n| Never | 3.28 |\n\n---\n\n**7. How often does pain/discomfort while \nscanning adversely impact your ability to do \nyour job?**\nn = 1,086\n\n| Category | Share of respondents (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Always | 11.23 |\n| Usually | 13.63 |\n| Sometimes | 40.70 |\n| Rarely | 25.32 |\n| Never | 9.12 |\n\n### Sonographer Shortages\n\nThis year, there was a slight increase in \nrespondents reporting sonographer shortages, \nindicating suggesting that the shortage may have \nworsened over the past 12 months. However, \nrespondents reported a smaller percentage \nof institutions hiring per diem or travel \nsonographers compared to last year.\n\n**8. Is there a shortage of cardiac sonographers \nin your echo lab or institution?**\nn = 1,063\n\n| Category | Share of respondents (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Yes | 71.03 |\n| No | 25.49 |\n| I don't know | 3.48 |\n\n**9. Does your echo department hire per diem \nand/or travel sonographers?** \nn = 1,062\n\n| Category | Share of respondents (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Yes | 41.53 |\n| No | 52.07 |\n| I don't know | 6.40 |\n\n**10. Has the hiring of per diem or travel \nsonographers increased in the last 12 \nmonths?**\nn = 440\n\n| Category | Share of respondents (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Yes | 51.36 |\n| No | 40.23 |\n| I don't know | 8.41 |\n\nWhen asked about the use of reporting software \nand reporting practices, respondents indicated \nthat exporting measurements and integrating \nparameters into the electronic medical record \nare being accomplished in different ways \nacross labs. This suggests that standardization \nin reporting practices could benefit research, \nworkflows, and patient care.\n\nAdditionally, most respondents reported turning \nto ASE resources and professional literature first,  \nfollowed by local manufacturers, when learning \nabout new products and technologies.\n\n---\n\n**11. Do you use echo reporting software that \nallows you to export measurements (such \nas left ventricular dimensions or ejection \nfraction) or findings or (such as “mild aortic \nregurgitation”) to the electronic medical \nrecord or another source (such as excel \nspreadsheet or CSV file)?** \nn = 1,155\n\n| Category | Share of responses (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Yes-Measurements and findings | 41.47 |\n| Yes-Measurements only | 36.97 |\n| No | 14.63 |\n| I don't know | 6.93 |\n\n**12. What echo parameters, if any, are auto \npopulated in discrete fields within your \nelectronic medical records (EMR)? Select all \nthat apply**\nn = 1,125\n\n| Category | Share of respondents (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Ejection fraction | 48.53 |\n| Left ventricular wall thickness | 44.62 |\n| Doppler measurements | 43.20 |\n| Valve measurements | 41.60 |\n| Left ventricular volume | 39.73 |\n| LV Mass | 34.31 |\n| None, echo parameters are only available in the echo report | 21.87 |\n| I don't know | 8.09 |\n| Other | 2.67 |\n\n**13. Does your lab or institution have a process in \nplace to share patient echo results (images or \nreports) with physicians or a healthcare team \noutside of your immediate network?**\nn = 1,118\n\n| Category | Share of respondents (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Yes | 77.91 |\n| No | 13.86 |\n| I don't know | 8.23 |\n\n**14. From the list below, please select the most \nuseful source of information for learning \nabout new products and technologies. Select \nup to three.** \nn = 1.082\n\n| Category | Share (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| ASE resources | 55.18 |\n| Professional literature | 31.52 |\n| Local manufacturer representative | 27.73 |\n| Other professional society resources | 24.49 |\n| Peers | 20.06 |\n| Manufacturer marketing materials | 18.39 |\n| Social media | 13.59 |\n| Hospital training | 13.12 |\n| None of the above | 1.85 |\n\n---\n\n## General Equipment\n\nThis section provides an overview of factors influencing equipment purchasing decisions, as well as \nobservations on portable echocardiography. Questions about the size and changes in institutional \nbudgets were new for 2024. This year, a larger percentage of respondents reported their budget has \ndecreased (25%) compared to 11% last year. When asked about the reasons, the main factors listed \nincluded overall declining revenue and increasing staff costs. However, the vast majority (74%) of \nrespondents noted that new equipment purchases were planned for the next 12 months.\n\n**15. How has your lab or institution’s overall \nequipment budget for the next 12 months \nchanged from the previous 12 months?**\nn = 671\n\n| Category | Share of respondents (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| The overall budget has increased | 33.08 |\n| There has been no change in the budget | 34.13 |\n| The overall budget has decreased | 25.19 |\n| I don't know | 7.60 |\n\n**16. What factors do you believe played a \nsignificant role in the budget’s decrease?** \n**Select all that apply.**\nn= 167\n\n| Category | Share of respondents (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Decreased revenue | 41.92 |\n| Increased staffing costs | 32.34 |\n| Reduced need for new equipment compared to previous years | 25.75 |\n| Other | 17.37 |\n| I don't know | 1.20 |\n\n**17. Does your lab or institution plan on \npurchasing any new equipment in the next** \n**12 months?** \nn = 666\n\n| Category | Share of respondents (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Yes | 74.02 |\n| No | 17.57 |\n| I don't know | 8.41 |\n\n---\n\nIn this section, portable echos exclude \nPOCUS and can vary widely by price point \nand manufacturer. Still, questions about how \nworkflow adjusts outside of an echo lab provide \nimportant observations. For example, in both \n2023 and 2024 respondents self-reported an \nincrease in the use of portable echoes. This year, \nthere was an increase in respondents reporting \nsonographer utilization of portable echo. \nHowever, the majority of studies are still being \nconducted on traditional machines. Additionally, \nin many cases, initial measurements are taken on \nthe ultrasound cart, but reporting is completed \nin a variety of ways.\n\n**18. Has the percentage of portable echos \nincreased in the last year?** \nn = 860\n\n| Category | Share of respondents (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Yes | 69.19 |\n| No | 21.86 |\n| I don't know | 8.95 |\n\n**19. How important are advanced tools \n(applications/quantification) for portable \nechos (e.g., Strain, 3D/4D)?**\nn = 920\n\n| Category | Share of respondents (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Very important | 40.30 |\n| Somewhat important | 44.24 |\n| Not at all important | 8.04 |\n| I don't know | 2.28 |\n\n**20. What percentage of initial measurements are \ndone on the ultrasound cart (vs off cart)?**\nn = 1.064\n\n| Category | Share of initial measurements (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| I don't know | 7.33 |\n| 0% | 5.55 |\n| 1-19% | 13.44 |\n| 20-39% | 12.03 |\n| 40-59% | 16.35 |\n| 60-79% | 5.73 |\n| >80% | 39.57 |\n\n**21. What percentage of reporting is done on the \nultrasound cart (vs off cart reporting system)?**\nn = 1,063\n\n| Category | Share of respondents (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| I don't know | 9.22 |\n| 0% | 34.34 |\n| 1-19% | 7.90 |\n| 20-39% | 17.22 |\n| 40-59% | 17.69 |\n| 60-79% | 2.73 |\n| >80% | 10.91 |\n\n---\n\n## Fetal and Pediatric Cardiovascular Ultrasound\n\nWhile pediatric and fetal echoes make up a small percentage of total echoes performed in labs, they \nplay a critical role in the care of our youngest patients, providing early detection and treatment of \ncongenital and acquired heart conditions.\n\nTwenty-six percent of respondents self-reported that they always or usually perform or interpret \ncardiovascular ultrasound for pediatric studies. Within pediatric labs, 2D transthoracic echoes were \nreported to be the most frequently performed, consistent with previous years. When asked to rank three \necho technologies in order of priority, respondents ranked the 3D transthoracic echo (3D TTE) higher \nthan 3D transesophageal echo (3D TEE).\n\n**22. What types of echocardiography is your lab \nor institution using for pediatric studies?** \nn = 703\n\n## lab or institution. n = 703\n\n| Category | Share of respondents (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| 2D TTE | 70.27 |\n| 2D TEE | 36.70 |\n| 3D TTE | 22.33 |\n| 3D TEE | 13.94 |\n| 2D ICE | 8.68 |\n| I don't know | 4.55 |\n| 3D ICE | 3.98 |\n\n**23. Please place the following technologies in \norder of which are used most often in your \nlab or institution.**\nn = 168\n\n| Category | Pediatric 3D TTE (%) | Pediatric 3D TEE (%) | Pediatric Z scores automatically by artificial intelligence TEE (%) |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| 1st most used technology | 66.07 | 12.50 | 21.43 |\n| 2nd most used technology | 26.79 | 48.81 | 24.40 |\n| 3rd most used technology | 7.14 | 38.69 | 54.17 |\n\n---\n\nA smaller sample of respondents, a total of \n368 individuals, noted they always/usually/\nsometimes perform or interpret cardiovascular \nultrasound for fetal echo, and estimate that fetal \nechoes range from 11-40% of echoes in their labs.\n\n**24. How often do you personally perform or \ninterpret cardiovascular ultrasound for fetal \necho studies?**\nn = 1,051\n\n| Category | Share of responses (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Always / Usually | 15.98 |\n| Sometimes | 19.12 |\n| Rarely | 4.28 |\n| Never | 60.61 |\n\n**25. What is your best estimate of the percentage \nof fetal echoes performed in your lab or \ninstitution within the last 12 months?**\nn = 414\n\n| Category | Share of responses (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| 1-10% | 11.35 |\n| 11-20% | 25.12 |\n| 21-30% | 28.26 |\n| 31-40% | 22.95 |\n| 41-50% | 4.59 |\n| 51-75% | 1.45 |\n| 76-100% | 1.21 |\n| I don't know | 5.07 |\n\n---\n\n## Structural Heart Disease and Interventional Procedures\n\nThe benefit of echocardiography technology for structural heart interventional procedures is well \nestablished. Advantages include enhanced image quality resulting in improved procedural accuracy, \nshortened procedural time, increased patient safety, and lower procedural costs. In surveying \nrespondents, more than half reported an increase over the past year in structural heart procedures. \nSurvey findings showed that the echo equipment used in interventional procedures was generally \nshared across a wide range of procedures.\n\nOf note, respondents report an increase in structural heart disease (SHD) procedures at 66%, up from \n59% last year. TEE is used more frequently for interventional procedures, and 2D ICE remains more \ncommonly used than 3D ICE.\n\nWhen 3D ICE is used, it is frequently in the cath lab, but 3D ICE is seen in the Hybrid OR 57% of the \ntime. There are a wide range of clinicians who have a role in image optimization on 3D ICE procedures. \nAdditionally, the greatest benefit of adopting 3D ICE is not fully clear indicating a role for more \nliterature and training efforts.\n\n**26. In the past 12 months, has your lab or \ninstitution increased the number of \nstructural heart procedures?**\nn = 558\n\n| Category | Share of responses (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Yes | 65.95 |\n| No | 21.68 |\n| I don't know | 12.37 |\n\n**27. What role(s) do sonographers have in \nstructural heart intraprocedural imaging in \nyour lab or institution? Select all that apply.**\nn = 555\n\n| Category | Share (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Sonographer operates ultrasound equipment & images | 45.23 |\n| Sonographer operates ultrasound equipment, physician images | 33.51 |\n| None, physician performs all roles | 23.78 |\n| Not applicable | 12.61 |\n\n---\n\n**28. Is your echo equipment being used for any \nof the following procedures? Select all that \napply.**\nn = 543\n\n| Category | Share (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Transcatheter aortic valve replacement | 62.43 |\n| Atrial septal defect closure | 62.06 |\n| Patent foramen ovale closure | 57.09 |\n| Left atrial appendage closure/occlusion | 56.54 |\n| Transcatheter mitral valve intervention | 48.80 |\n| Atrial fibrillation interventions | 46.78 |\n| Transcatheter paravalvular leak assessment/closure | 46.78 |\n| Ventricular paravalvular leak assessment/closure | 42.73 |\n| Transcatheter tricuspid valve intervention | 31.86 |\n| Patent ductus arteriosus closure | 25.60 |\n| Alcohol septal ablation | 25.41 |\n| Pulmonic valve intervention | 20.44 |\n| Other | 17.13 |\n\n**29. Which of the following types of \nechocardiography is your lab or institution \nusing for interventional structural heart \nprocedures? Select all that apply.**\nn = 541\n\n**30. Which of the following types of intracardiac \nechocardiography is your lab or institution \nusing for interventional structural heart \nprocedures? Select all that apply.**\nn = 261\n\n| Category | Share (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| 2D ICE | 88.51 |\n| 3D/4D ICE | 53.26 |\n\n**31. Where is 3D ICE used? Select all that apply.**\nn = 139\n\n| Category | Share of respondents (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Cath lab | 82.73 |\n| Electrophysiology lab | 61.87 |\n| Hybrid OR | 56.83 |\n| Other | 0.72 |\n\n**32. Who supports image optimization/mode \nselection during 3D ICE procedures? Select \nall that apply.**\nn = 138\n\n| Category | Share of respondents (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| TEE | 78.56 |\n| Intraprocedural TEE | 56.01 |\n| ICE | 48.24 |\n| None of the above | 10.91 |\n| I don't know | 2.77 |\n\n| Category | Share of respondents (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Interventional cardiologist | 55.80 |\n| Sonographer | 42.03 |\n| Application specialist or product representative | 32.61 |\n| Cardiac anesthesiologist | 29.71 |\n| Interventional echocardiographer | 28.99 |\n| Cardiac surgeon | 15.94 |\n| Other | 6.52 |\n\n---\n\n**33. In your opinion, which of the following \nis the GREATEST benefit for adoption of \nintracardiac echocardiography (ICE) with** \n**3D Volume capabilities in structural heart \nprocedures?**\nn = 137\n\n| Category | Share of respondents (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| I don't know | 27.01 |\n| Ability to use TEE and ICE for complex cases | 25.55 |\n| Ability to image the right heart and tricuspid valve | 13.14 |\n| Minimization of general anesthesia | 10.95 |\n| Ability to anchor catheter and have multiplanar views | 9.49 |\n| Unique view of the heart | 8.76 |\n| I don't see a benefit of this adoption | 5.11 |\n\n---\n\n## Technologies, Applications, and Innovations\n\nThe following section presents survey respondent perspectives on different technologies and \napplications in the field, combining methods that in some cases are well-established, yet may still be \ngrowing in application or reliance. Observations are also shared on more innovative and emerging \ntechnologies.\n\n**34. What is the percentage of examinations for \nwhich you routinely perform the Valsalva \nmaneuver for patients who have suspected \nor diagnosed hypertrophic cardiomyopathy \nwith no apparent intracavitary or left \nventricular outflow tract gradient?**\nn = 136\n\n| Category | Share of responses (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Not applicable | 2.21 |\n| 0-25% | 16.18 |\n| 26-50% | 8.09 |\n| 51-75% | 21.32 |\n| 76-100% | 47.06 |\n| I don't know | 5.15 |\n\n**35. Which of the following echocardiography \nparameters do you use to aid in the diagnosis \nof HFpEF (heart failure with preserved \nejection fraction)? Select all that apply.**\nn = 1.041\n\n| Category | Share (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| LV systolic and end diastolic volume | 67.44 |\n| Tissue Doppler - E/e' | 64.46 |\n| E/A ratio | 59.46 |\n| LA volume | 57.35 |\n| Global longitudinal strain | 47.65 |\n| PASP/RVSP | 45.92 |\n| M Mode | 44.09 |\n| LV mass | 39.29 |\n| LA Strain | 15.66 |\n| Not applicable | 3.84 |\n| Other | 2.88 |\n\n---\n\n**36. How confident are you in making the \nechocardiographic assessment of abnormal \ndiastolic function or increased left \nventricular filling pressures using current \nechocardiographic parameters?**\nn = 1.039\n\n| Category | Share of respondents (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Very confident | 54.28 |\n| Somewhat confident | 42.16 |\n| Not at all confident | 3.56 |\n\n## Ultrasound Enhancing Agents (ultrasound conÞdent\n\n### Ultrasound Enhancing Agents (UEA)\n\nWhen questioned about UEA, respondents \nnoted that barriers include training, effort, and \npatient discomfort. However, they also report \nstrong adherence to ASE guidelines. Notably, \nthis is the first time we have seen a large portion \nof respondents reporting a lack of barriers in \nUEA use.\n\n**37. In your opinion, what are the main barriers \npreventing your institution from using** \n**Ultrasound Enhancing Agents (ultrasound \ncontrast) for suboptimal image quality more \noften? Select up to three.**\nn = 1.031\n\n| Category | Share of respondents (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| There are no barriers to use of UEAs at my institution | 28.71 |\n| Sonographers aren't trained in the insertion of IVs | 19.30 |\n| Sonographers aren't trained in the injection of contrast | 16.39 |\n| It's too much effort to administer | 11.45 |\n| Patient discomfort or refusal | 10.67 |\n| Insufficient reimbursement | 10.38 |\n| State law prohibits sonographers from injecting contrast | 9.12 |\n| Sonographers are not in favor of using contrast due to perceived safety issues | 7.95 |\n| UEA use is not applicable to my lab or institution | 7.08 |\n| Lack of laboratory protocol | 6.98 |\n| Lack of support by the medical director and/or other physicians | 6.01 |\n| I have concerns about safety | 5.92 |\n| Image quality is sufficient, contrast not needed | 4.66 |\n| I don't believe it changes outcomes sufficiently | 3.30 |\n| My equipment is not set to use contrast | 2.33 |\n| Insufficient industry guidelines on use | 2.23 |\n\n---\n\n**38. Please select TWO care settings you believe \nultrasound enhancing imaging agents \n(UEAs) are most underutilized.**\n\n| Category | Share of respondents (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Intensive Care Unit | 24.92 |\n| Hospital Floor/ Hospital Service | 22.83 |\n| Emergency Department | 21.47 |\n| Physician's Clinic | 18.01 |\n| Hospital Outpatient | 16.96 |\n| Pediatric Department | 15.08 |\n| Operating Room | 14.45 |\n| Pre-operative Clinic | 12.36 |\n| Not applicable | 10.89 |\n| I don't know | 9.11 |\n| Post-Anesthesia Care Unit | 1.15 |\n| Other | 1.05 |\n\n**39. Are the ASE guidelines utilized in UEA \nprotocols at your lab or institution?**\n\n| Category | Share of respondents (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Yes | 77.73 |\n| I don't know | 8.82 |\n| No | 7.67 |\n| Not applicable | 5.78 |\n\n### Artificial Intelligence (AI)\n\nRespondents shared observations and thoughts \nabout AI already in place in their institutions, \nways that they would ask AI technologies to \nimprove their work, and reservations around \nadoption. Survey respondents self-report AI that \nhas automated measurement abilities and assists \nin report population.\n\nWhen asked how AI might be most beneficial, \nimproving reproducibility and reducing MSK \ninjuries were among the top three responses. \nImproving reproducibility and workflow \nprotocols are seen as a potential untapped area \nfor current AI technology.\n\n**40. Which of the following AI applications does \nyour echo lab currently have? Select all that \napply.**\nn = 1.037\n\n| Category | Share of echo labs (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Technology that performs automated measurements | 35.97 |\n| Software that uses measurements or input to auto-populate reports | 29.32 |\n| Not applicable | 17.45 |\n| Software that uses measurements taken to suggest diagnoses and/or treatment | 14.46 |\n| Software that auto-indicates procedures/protocols | 14.37 |\n| Technology/software that uses sensors to evaluate the quality of measurements or images | 12.34 |\n| I don't know | 9.74 |\n| Other | 1.35 |\n\n---\n\n**41. Please select the way(s) you think improved** \n**AI could be most beneficial to you in your \nwork. Select up to three.**\n\n| Category | Share of respondents (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Reduce screening, analysis, and interpretation time | 37.03 |\n| Improve reproducibility | 32.69 |\n| Reduce musculoskeletal injuries | 24.69 |\n| Improve pathway/protocol optimization | 24.11 |\n| Reduce likelihood for misdiagnoses | 22.66 |\n| Reduce need for repeat screenings | 21.22 |\n| I don't know | 8.78 |\n| I'm not sure | 7.14 |\n| Other | 1.74 |\n\n**42. What are the greatest concerns or \nreservations you have about AI? Select up \nto three.**\n\nn = 1,033\n\n| Category | Share of respondents (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Concerns about verification of algorithms for clinical validation | 36.21 |\n| Lack of confidence in technology or product | 35.04 |\n| Lack of trust in newer, non-traditional companies in this field | 24.10 |\n| Lack of guidelines/ professional recommendation for use | 21.68 |\n| Cost /Reimbursement | 21.39 |\n| Concerns about interoperability and/or cyber security | 19.17 |\n| Lack of training | 18.68 |\n| Workflow disruption | 13.26 |\n| I don't have any concerns | 7.26 |\n\n### Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS)\n\nGlobal Longitudinal Strain has become recognized \nas a useful and cost-effective assessment tool for \npre- and post-operative prognosis of left ventricle \nfunction. Survey respondents reported widespread \napplication of GLS, particularly in patients with \nheart failure, cardiomyopathies, and infiltrative \ndiseases, and those experiencing complications \nfrom chemotherapy. Notably, compared to 2023, \nrespondents observed a similar percentage use of \nGLS and the largest challenge as lack of quality in \nthe image itself.\n\n**43. Which type(s) of strain do you routinely \nperform? Select all that apply.**\n\nn = 1,021\n\n| Category | Share of respondents (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Global longitudinal strain | 62.88 |\n| Right ventricular strain | 35.06 |\n| Left atrial strain | 24.19 |\n| None of the above | 9.89 |\n| Other | 0.59 |\n\n**44. Please estimate the percentage of patients \nfor whom Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS) \nis acquired, and/or quantified, and/or \nreported.**\n\n## is acquired, and/or quantified, and/or recommendation for use\n\n| Category | Share of respondents (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Concerns about interoperability and/or cyber security | 19.17 |\n| Lack of training | 18.68 |\n| Workflow disruption | 13.26 |\n| I don't have any concerns | 7.26 |\n\n| Category | Share of respondents (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Between 1-25% | 44.25 |\n| Between 26-50% | 26.09 |\n| Between 51-75% | 13.20 |\n| More than 75% | 12.58 |\n| I don't know | 3.88 |\n\n---\n\n**45. For which of the following patient conditions \nand/or comorbidities do you perform GLS?** \n**Select all that apply.**\n\n| Category | Share of respondents (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Chemotherapy/ Oncology | 73.56 |\n| Heart Failure | 49.92 |\n| Cardiomyopathies | 44.63 |\n| Infiltrative diseases | 41.99 |\n| Left ventricular hypertrophy | 38.72 |\n| We use GLS for all patients | 30.79 |\n| Transplant | 16.49 |\n| Constrictive pericarditis | 16.33 |\n| Valvular heart disease | 16.02 |\n| CAD | 15.24 |\n| Hypertension | 15.09 |\n| Chronic kidney disease | 8.24 |\n| Surveillance ventricular arrhythmias | 7.93 |\n| AFib | 5.44 |\n| Diabetes | 5.44 |\n| COPD | 3.89 |\n| Hyperlipidemia | 3.73 |\n| Obesity | 3.11 |\n| Other | 2.80 |\n| I don't know | 1.87 |\n| We don't often use GLS | 1.71 |\n\n**46. What is your greatest challenge for the use of** \n**Global Longitudinal Strain?**\nn = 642\n\n| Category | Share of respondents (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Image quality | 53.58 |\n| I do not find any challenges to performing strain | 10.28 |\n| Takes too much time | 9.50 |\n| Other | 8.57 |\n| Do not know to read/apply strain results | 5.30 |\n| Not ordered by physician | 5.14 |\n| Do not know which patients should have train | 2.96 |\n| Do not have the technology/ application to perform strain | 2.80 |\n| Do not know how to perform strain | 1.87 |\n\n---\n\n## Conclusion\n\nASE’s 2024 Cardiovascular Ultrasound Trends Report provides a point-in-time snapshot of the \nrapidly evolving landscape of echocardiography. Optimism runs high for the growing need for \nechocardiography in interventional and critical care settings, while its diagnostic role in various disease \nstates continues to be front-and-center for clinicians. Artificial intelligence also holds great promise for \nfacilitating efficiencies and standardization as we see more integration and application of AI in echo \ntechnology by labs and institutions.\n\nThe 2024 Trends survey results offer invaluable insight into clinical perspectives, challenges, and \nopportunities driving decision-making, innovation, and patient outcomes within current and emerging \necho practices. ASE is pleased to share these findings with the cardiovascular ultrasound community. \nWe remain steadfast in our commitment and mission to advance innovation and improve lives through \nexcellence in education, research, innovation, advocacy, and service to the profession and the public.\n\n---\n\nAmerican Society of Echocardiography\n2530 Meridian Parkway, Suite 450 | Durham, NC 27713\nPhone: 919-861-5574 | @ASE360 | ASEcho.org", 'pages': None, 'truncated': False, 'extraction': 'firecrawl-public-document-markdown', 'request_id': 'c48aa26a-6899-499f-ac53-5d95a843385a', 'source_url': 'https://downloads.regulations.gov/FDA-2026-P-11952-0053/content.pdf', 'observed_at': '2026-10-12T09:21:29.950458+00:00', 'content_hash': 'c85ba81adf625024c37ac92abf7faa17475941c6c0475577e4b69955ad5e130f'}, 'title': 'pdf', 'check_failed': False}]}
                    {'attachments': [{'url': 'https://downloads.regulations.gov/FDA-2026-P-11952-0053/content.pdf', 'body': {'text': "# 2024 Cardiovascular Ultrasound\n\n# TRENDS REPORT\n\n# Heart Health\n\n---\n\n## Contents\n\nIntroduction \nStudy Design \nSurvey Sample \nDemographics\nPractice Management\nGeneral Equipment\nFetal and Pediatric Cardiovascular Ultrasound\n\n3\n3\n3\n4\n6\n9\n11\n\nStructural Heart Disease and Interventional Procedures 13\n\nTechnologies, Applications, and Innovations\nConclusion\n\n16\n21\n\n---\n\n## Introduction\n\nThe American Society of Echocardiography \n(ASE) is committed to advancing cardiovascular \nultrasound and improving lives through \nexcellence in education, research, innovation, \nadvocacy, and service to the profession and the \npublic. The Cardiovascular Ultrasound Trends \nSurvey is administered on a regular basis to both \nASE members and non-members. This report \nprovides a summary of findings on current \necho trends, practices, challenges, and new \nand emerging technologies and applications \nenabling ASE to keep a pulse on the rapidly \nchanging medical landscape of cardiovascular \nultrasound.\n\nASE would like to thank our volunteers, Industry \nRoundtable Partners, and respondents who \ngraciously contributed their time, expertise, and \nenergy in the development, dissemination, and \ncompletion of this survey and report.\n\nThe information gleaned from the survey will \ninform the development of meaningful and \ntimely educational programs and resources for \nASE membership. We hope the information \nshared will support the broader professional \necho community in the pursuit of excellent \npatient care.\n\n## Study Design\n\nThe 2024 Cardiovascular Ultrasound Trends \nSurvey consisted of 58 multiple choice and \nopen-ended questions covering six areas: \n(1) Demographics, (2) Practice Management, \n(3) General Equipment, (4) Pediatric and Fetal \nCardiovascular Ultrasound, (5) Structural Heart \nDisease and Interventional Procedures, and \n(6) Technologies, Applications, and Innovations.\n\nSkip-logic questions were used intermittently \nthroughout the survey when applicable. For \nexample, some survey questions pertained only \nto respondents in the United States. Non-U.S.\n\nrespondents were excluded from viewing and \nanswering these questions. Descriptive analysis \nwas conducted using absolute (n), relative (%), \nand weighted values. For purposes of this report, \nthe term “respondents” is used in relation to \nthe response rate of specific survey questions or \ngroups of questions and should not be inferred \nas representative of the entire respondent \nsample.\n\n## Survey Sample\n\nRecruitment efforts yielded 1,257 individuals \nwho participated in taking the survey, 220 fewer \nthan in 2023. These individuals were recruited \nthrough three methods: email distribution to \nASE’s member and non-member lists (33,179 \nrecipients), posts in ASE’s electronic newsletter \ndelivered to ASE members (10,344 recipients). \nAdditionally, the survey was shared on ASE’s \nsocial media to reach a much larger audience. \nThe survey announcement contained a link to \nan online survey tool. Data was collected from \nFebruary 4, 2024, through March 13, 2024. While \nwe are pleased with the response to the survey, it \nshould be noted that the response rate was under \n5%. Therefore, information in this survey should \nbe used for informational and observational \npurposes only.\n\n---\n\n## Demographics\n\nThis section presents a snapshot of survey respondent occupations, medical specialties, and work \nsettings and locations. In short, sonographers made up nearly half of the surveyed sample at 45% \n(including technical directors of echo labs), while 25% of respondents reported being physicians \n(including fellows and medical directors). The remaining respondents comprised educators, retired \nclinicians, nurses, physician assistants, scientists, students, veterinarians, technical directors, and \nengineers. The three most common areas of specialty reported were cardiac imaging, pediatric \ncardiology (9.94%), education, and vascular medicine. This marked a change from last year, which \nincluded a larger percentage in critical care.\n\nRespondents were largely from the U.S., worked or trained in urban settings, had hospital-based \npractices, and were ASE members. The regions most frequently reported outside the U.S. included Latin \nAmerica, Europe, Canada, and South Asia.\n\n**1. Of the choices below, which BEST describes\nyour occupation? Select one position at\nwhich you spend the majority of the time.**\nn = 1,257\n\n| Category | Share (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Sonographer | 40.18 |\n| Educator | 21.48 |\n| Physician | 20.92 |\n| Technical Director of Echo Lab | 4.46 |\n| Medical Director of Echo Lab | 2.15 |\n| Fellow | 1.91 |\n| Student | 1.75 |\n| Industry Affiliate | 1.51 |\n| Nurse or Physician Assistant | 1.11 |\n| Retired | 1.11 |\n| Scientist/Researcher | 0.95 |\n| None of the above | 0.88 |\n| Veterinarian | 0.80 |\n| Intern/Resident | 0.40 |\n| Non-Clinical Administration | 0.32 |\n| Biomedical Engineer | 0.08 |\n\n| Category | Share (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Hospital-based practice | 41.40 |\n| Educational institution | 29.74 |\n| Private practice | 15.11 |\n| Academic practice | 8.04 |\n| Industry | 1.77 |\n| Other | 1.53 |\n| Veterinary Clinic | 0.88 |\n| Government (including VA) | 0.64 |\n| Research Lab | 0.64 |\n| Military | 0.24 |\n\n**2. Of the choices below, which BEST describes\nthe job setting at which you spend the\nmajority of your time?**\nn = 1,244\n\n---\n\n| Category | Share of respondents (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Noninvasive Cardiology/ Cardiac Imaging | 56.15 |\n| Pediatric Cardiology | 9.94 |\n| Education | 7.25 |\n| Vascular Medicine | 5.38 |\n| Interventional Cardiology | 5.13 |\n| Cardiac Electrophysiology | 4.24 |\n| Critical Care | 2.53 |\n| Anesthesiology | 2.28 |\n| Other | 1.63 |\n| Perioperative Echocardiography | 1.30 |\n| Adult Congenital Heart Disease | 1.06 |\n| Emergency Medicine | 0.73 |\n| Heart Failure Specialist | 0.73 |\n| Research | 0.65 |\n| Cardio-oncology | 0.33 |\n| Cardiac Surgery | 0.33 |\n| Pulmonary | 0.16 |\n| Oncology | 0.16 |\n\n## Please select the medical area in which you\n## spend the majority of your time.\n\n**4. In what country do you do the majority of \nyour work?**\n\n| Category | Share of respondents (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| United States of America | 80.23 |\n| Latin America | 3.57 |\n| Europe | 3.01 |\n| Canada | 2.66 |\n| South Asia | 2.49 |\n| Africa & Caribbean | 1.99 |\n| South East Asia | 1.99 |\n| Australia & New Zealand | 1.83 |\n| Middle East | 1.25 |\n| East Asia | 1.16 |\n\n---\n\n## Practice Management\n\nPractice management refers to both administrative and operational aspects of practice. Centered on \nclinical echocardiography, this section explores the mechanics that shape lab activities, drive decisionmaking, impact workflow, and influence patient care.\n\n### Repeat Studies and Quality Assurance\n\nThe need for repeat studies due to poor image \nquality or insufficient information gathering can \nsignificantly affect lab budgets and workflows, \nresulting in rising costs and delays in patient \ncare. Robust quality assurance efforts, such \nas those outlined in *ASE’s Recommendations \nfor Quality Echocardiography Laboratory* \n*Operations,* play a critical role in mitigating the \noccurrence of repeat studies. More than half of \nsurvey respondents indicated that their labs and \ninstitutions have quality assurance mechanisms \nin place, a number nearly identical to previous \nsurveys.\n\nThis year’s survey included questions about \nmusculoskeletal pain during scanning. Building \nupon last year’s questions about sonographer \nshortages, we sought to explore the impact of \ninjuries on the workforce. Fifteen percent of \nrespondents self-reported scanning discomfort \nin all cases, while 60% reported scanning in pain \n“usually” or “sometimes.” Follow-up questions \nrevealed that pain is impacting the ability to do \ntheir job for nearly one out of four respondents. \nOnly 34% said pain rarely or never impacted \ntheir ability to work.\n\n**5. Does your lab or institution track repeat \nstudies, defined as those which are \nperformed due to insufficient information or \nquality of a prior echocardiogram?**\nn = 1,171\n\n| Category | Share of respondents (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Yes | 52.43 |\n| No | 33.13 |\n| I don't know | 14.43 |\n\n**6. If you scan patients, how often do you \nexperience musculoskeletal discomfort or \npain while scanning?**\nn = 1,219\n\n| Category | Share of responses (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Not applicable | 7.05 |\n| Always | 16.16 |\n| Usually | 22.40 |\n| Sometimes | 37.65 |\n| Rarely | 13.45 |\n| Never | 3.28 |\n\n---\n\n**7. How often does pain/discomfort while \nscanning adversely impact your ability to do \nyour job?**\nn = 1,086\n\n| Category | Share of respondents (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Always | 11.23 |\n| Usually | 13.63 |\n| Sometimes | 40.70 |\n| Rarely | 25.32 |\n| Never | 9.12 |\n\n### Sonographer Shortages\n\nThis year, there was a slight increase in \nrespondents reporting sonographer shortages, \nindicating suggesting that the shortage may have \nworsened over the past 12 months. However, \nrespondents reported a smaller percentage \nof institutions hiring per diem or travel \nsonographers compared to last year.\n\n**8. Is there a shortage of cardiac sonographers \nin your echo lab or institution?**\nn = 1,063\n\n| Category | Share of respondents (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Yes | 71.03 |\n| No | 25.49 |\n| I don't know | 3.48 |\n\n**9. Does your echo department hire per diem \nand/or travel sonographers?** \nn = 1,062\n\n| Category | Share of respondents (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Yes | 41.53 |\n| No | 52.07 |\n| I don't know | 6.40 |\n\n**10. Has the hiring of per diem or travel \nsonographers increased in the last 12 \nmonths?**\nn = 440\n\n| Category | Share of respondents (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Yes | 51.36 |\n| No | 40.23 |\n| I don't know | 8.41 |\n\nWhen asked about the use of reporting software \nand reporting practices, respondents indicated \nthat exporting measurements and integrating \nparameters into the electronic medical record \nare being accomplished in different ways \nacross labs. This suggests that standardization \nin reporting practices could benefit research, \nworkflows, and patient care.\n\nAdditionally, most respondents reported turning \nto ASE resources and professional literature first,  \nfollowed by local manufacturers, when learning \nabout new products and technologies.\n\n---\n\n**11. Do you use echo reporting software that \nallows you to export measurements (such \nas left ventricular dimensions or ejection \nfraction) or findings or (such as “mild aortic \nregurgitation”) to the electronic medical \nrecord or another source (such as excel \nspreadsheet or CSV file)?** \nn = 1,155\n\n| Category | Share of responses (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Yes-Measurements and findings | 41.47 |\n| Yes-Measurements only | 36.97 |\n| No | 14.63 |\n| I don't know | 6.93 |\n\n**12. What echo parameters, if any, are auto \npopulated in discrete fields within your \nelectronic medical records (EMR)? Select all \nthat apply**\nn = 1,125\n\n| Category | Share of respondents (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Ejection fraction | 48.53 |\n| Left ventricular wall thickness | 44.62 |\n| Doppler measurements | 43.20 |\n| Valve measurements | 41.60 |\n| Left ventricular volume | 39.73 |\n| LV Mass | 34.31 |\n| None, echo parameters are only available in the echo report | 21.87 |\n| I don't know | 8.09 |\n| Other | 2.67 |\n\n**13. Does your lab or institution have a process in \nplace to share patient echo results (images or \nreports) with physicians or a healthcare team \noutside of your immediate network?**\nn = 1,118\n\n| Category | Share of respondents (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Yes | 77.91 |\n| No | 13.86 |\n| I don't know | 8.23 |\n\n**14. From the list below, please select the most \nuseful source of information for learning \nabout new products and technologies. Select \nup to three.** \nn = 1.082\n\n| Category | Share (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| ASE resources | 55.18 |\n| Professional literature | 31.52 |\n| Local manufacturer representative | 27.73 |\n| Other professional society resources | 24.49 |\n| Peers | 20.06 |\n| Manufacturer marketing materials | 18.39 |\n| Social media | 13.59 |\n| Hospital training | 13.12 |\n| None of the above | 1.85 |\n\n---\n\n## General Equipment\n\nThis section provides an overview of factors influencing equipment purchasing decisions, as well as \nobservations on portable echocardiography. Questions about the size and changes in institutional \nbudgets were new for 2024. This year, a larger percentage of respondents reported their budget has \ndecreased (25%) compared to 11% last year. When asked about the reasons, the main factors listed \nincluded overall declining revenue and increasing staff costs. However, the vast majority (74%) of \nrespondents noted that new equipment purchases were planned for the next 12 months.\n\n**15. How has your lab or institution’s overall \nequipment budget for the next 12 months \nchanged from the previous 12 months?**\nn = 671\n\n| Category | Share of respondents (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| The overall budget has increased | 33.08 |\n| There has been no change in the budget | 34.13 |\n| The overall budget has decreased | 25.19 |\n| I don't know | 7.60 |\n\n**16. What factors do you believe played a \nsignificant role in the budget’s decrease?** \n**Select all that apply.**\nn= 167\n\n| Category | Share of respondents (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Decreased revenue | 41.92 |\n| Increased staffing costs | 32.34 |\n| Reduced need for new equipment compared to previous years | 25.75 |\n| Other | 17.37 |\n| I don't know | 1.20 |\n\n**17. Does your lab or institution plan on \npurchasing any new equipment in the next** \n**12 months?** \nn = 666\n\n| Category | Share of respondents (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Yes | 74.02 |\n| No | 17.57 |\n| I don't know | 8.41 |\n\n---\n\nIn this section, portable echos exclude \nPOCUS and can vary widely by price point \nand manufacturer. Still, questions about how \nworkflow adjusts outside of an echo lab provide \nimportant observations. For example, in both \n2023 and 2024 respondents self-reported an \nincrease in the use of portable echoes. This year, \nthere was an increase in respondents reporting \nsonographer utilization of portable echo. \nHowever, the majority of studies are still being \nconducted on traditional machines. Additionally, \nin many cases, initial measurements are taken on \nthe ultrasound cart, but reporting is completed \nin a variety of ways.\n\n**18. Has the percentage of portable echos \nincreased in the last year?** \nn = 860\n\n| Category | Share of respondents (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Yes | 69.19 |\n| No | 21.86 |\n| I don't know | 8.95 |\n\n**19. How important are advanced tools \n(applications/quantification) for portable \nechos (e.g., Strain, 3D/4D)?**\nn = 920\n\n| Category | Share of respondents (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Very important | 40.30 |\n| Somewhat important | 44.24 |\n| Not at all important | 8.04 |\n| I don't know | 2.28 |\n\n**20. What percentage of initial measurements are \ndone on the ultrasound cart (vs off cart)?**\nn = 1.064\n\n| Category | Share of initial measurements (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| I don't know | 7.33 |\n| 0% | 5.55 |\n| 1-19% | 13.44 |\n| 20-39% | 12.03 |\n| 40-59% | 16.35 |\n| 60-79% | 5.73 |\n| >80% | 39.57 |\n\n**21. What percentage of reporting is done on the \nultrasound cart (vs off cart reporting system)?**\nn = 1,063\n\n| Category | Share of respondents (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| I don't know | 9.22 |\n| 0% | 34.34 |\n| 1-19% | 7.90 |\n| 20-39% | 17.22 |\n| 40-59% | 17.69 |\n| 60-79% | 2.73 |\n| >80% | 10.91 |\n\n---\n\n## Fetal and Pediatric Cardiovascular Ultrasound\n\nWhile pediatric and fetal echoes make up a small percentage of total echoes performed in labs, they \nplay a critical role in the care of our youngest patients, providing early detection and treatment of \ncongenital and acquired heart conditions.\n\nTwenty-six percent of respondents self-reported that they always or usually perform or interpret \ncardiovascular ultrasound for pediatric studies. Within pediatric labs, 2D transthoracic echoes were \nreported to be the most frequently performed, consistent with previous years. When asked to rank three \necho technologies in order of priority, respondents ranked the 3D transthoracic echo (3D TTE) higher \nthan 3D transesophageal echo (3D TEE).\n\n**22. What types of echocardiography is your lab \nor institution using for pediatric studies?** \nn = 703\n\n## lab or institution. n = 703\n\n| Category | Share of respondents (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| 2D TTE | 70.27 |\n| 2D TEE | 36.70 |\n| 3D TTE | 22.33 |\n| 3D TEE | 13.94 |\n| 2D ICE | 8.68 |\n| I don't know | 4.55 |\n| 3D ICE | 3.98 |\n\n**23. Please place the following technologies in \norder of which are used most often in your \nlab or institution.**\nn = 168\n\n| Category | Pediatric 3D TTE (%) | Pediatric 3D TEE (%) | Pediatric Z scores automatically by artificial intelligence TEE (%) |\n| --- | --- | --- | --- |\n| 1st most used technology | 66.07 | 12.50 | 21.43 |\n| 2nd most used technology | 26.79 | 48.81 | 24.40 |\n| 3rd most used technology | 7.14 | 38.69 | 54.17 |\n\n---\n\nA smaller sample of respondents, a total of \n368 individuals, noted they always/usually/\nsometimes perform or interpret cardiovascular \nultrasound for fetal echo, and estimate that fetal \nechoes range from 11-40% of echoes in their labs.\n\n**24. How often do you personally perform or \ninterpret cardiovascular ultrasound for fetal \necho studies?**\nn = 1,051\n\n| Category | Share of responses (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Always / Usually | 15.98 |\n| Sometimes | 19.12 |\n| Rarely | 4.28 |\n| Never | 60.61 |\n\n**25. What is your best estimate of the percentage \nof fetal echoes performed in your lab or \ninstitution within the last 12 months?**\nn = 414\n\n| Category | Share of responses (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| 1-10% | 11.35 |\n| 11-20% | 25.12 |\n| 21-30% | 28.26 |\n| 31-40% | 22.95 |\n| 41-50% | 4.59 |\n| 51-75% | 1.45 |\n| 76-100% | 1.21 |\n| I don't know | 5.07 |\n\n---\n\n## Structural Heart Disease and Interventional Procedures\n\nThe benefit of echocardiography technology for structural heart interventional procedures is well \nestablished. Advantages include enhanced image quality resulting in improved procedural accuracy, \nshortened procedural time, increased patient safety, and lower procedural costs. In surveying \nrespondents, more than half reported an increase over the past year in structural heart procedures. \nSurvey findings showed that the echo equipment used in interventional procedures was generally \nshared across a wide range of procedures.\n\nOf note, respondents report an increase in structural heart disease (SHD) procedures at 66%, up from \n59% last year. TEE is used more frequently for interventional procedures, and 2D ICE remains more \ncommonly used than 3D ICE.\n\nWhen 3D ICE is used, it is frequently in the cath lab, but 3D ICE is seen in the Hybrid OR 57% of the \ntime. There are a wide range of clinicians who have a role in image optimization on 3D ICE procedures. \nAdditionally, the greatest benefit of adopting 3D ICE is not fully clear indicating a role for more \nliterature and training efforts.\n\n**26. In the past 12 months, has your lab or \ninstitution increased the number of \nstructural heart procedures?**\nn = 558\n\n| Category | Share of responses (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Yes | 65.95 |\n| No | 21.68 |\n| I don't know | 12.37 |\n\n**27. What role(s) do sonographers have in \nstructural heart intraprocedural imaging in \nyour lab or institution? Select all that apply.**\nn = 555\n\n| Category | Share (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Sonographer operates ultrasound equipment & images | 45.23 |\n| Sonographer operates ultrasound equipment, physician images | 33.51 |\n| None, physician performs all roles | 23.78 |\n| Not applicable | 12.61 |\n\n---\n\n**28. Is your echo equipment being used for any \nof the following procedures? Select all that \napply.**\nn = 543\n\n| Category | Share (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Transcatheter aortic valve replacement | 62.43 |\n| Atrial septal defect closure | 62.06 |\n| Patent foramen ovale closure | 57.09 |\n| Left atrial appendage closure/occlusion | 56.54 |\n| Transcatheter mitral valve intervention | 48.80 |\n| Atrial fibrillation interventions | 46.78 |\n| Transcatheter paravalvular leak assessment/closure | 46.78 |\n| Ventricular paravalvular leak assessment/closure | 42.73 |\n| Transcatheter tricuspid valve intervention | 31.86 |\n| Patent ductus arteriosus closure | 25.60 |\n| Alcohol septal ablation | 25.41 |\n| Pulmonic valve intervention | 20.44 |\n| Other | 17.13 |\n\n**29. Which of the following types of \nechocardiography is your lab or institution \nusing for interventional structural heart \nprocedures? Select all that apply.**\nn = 541\n\n**30. Which of the following types of intracardiac \nechocardiography is your lab or institution \nusing for interventional structural heart \nprocedures? Select all that apply.**\nn = 261\n\n| Category | Share (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| 2D ICE | 88.51 |\n| 3D/4D ICE | 53.26 |\n\n**31. Where is 3D ICE used? Select all that apply.**\nn = 139\n\n| Category | Share of respondents (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Cath lab | 82.73 |\n| Electrophysiology lab | 61.87 |\n| Hybrid OR | 56.83 |\n| Other | 0.72 |\n\n**32. Who supports image optimization/mode \nselection during 3D ICE procedures? Select \nall that apply.**\nn = 138\n\n| Category | Share of respondents (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| TEE | 78.56 |\n| Intraprocedural TEE | 56.01 |\n| ICE | 48.24 |\n| None of the above | 10.91 |\n| I don't know | 2.77 |\n\n| Category | Share of respondents (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Interventional cardiologist | 55.80 |\n| Sonographer | 42.03 |\n| Application specialist or product representative | 32.61 |\n| Cardiac anesthesiologist | 29.71 |\n| Interventional echocardiographer | 28.99 |\n| Cardiac surgeon | 15.94 |\n| Other | 6.52 |\n\n---\n\n**33. In your opinion, which of the following \nis the GREATEST benefit for adoption of \nintracardiac echocardiography (ICE) with** \n**3D Volume capabilities in structural heart \nprocedures?**\nn = 137\n\n| Category | Share of respondents (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| I don't know | 27.01 |\n| Ability to use TEE and ICE for complex cases | 25.55 |\n| Ability to image the right heart and tricuspid valve | 13.14 |\n| Minimization of general anesthesia | 10.95 |\n| Ability to anchor catheter and have multiplanar views | 9.49 |\n| Unique view of the heart | 8.76 |\n| I don't see a benefit of this adoption | 5.11 |\n\n---\n\n## Technologies, Applications, and Innovations\n\nThe following section presents survey respondent perspectives on different technologies and \napplications in the field, combining methods that in some cases are well-established, yet may still be \ngrowing in application or reliance. Observations are also shared on more innovative and emerging \ntechnologies.\n\n**34. What is the percentage of examinations for \nwhich you routinely perform the Valsalva \nmaneuver for patients who have suspected \nor diagnosed hypertrophic cardiomyopathy \nwith no apparent intracavitary or left \nventricular outflow tract gradient?**\nn = 136\n\n| Category | Share of responses (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Not applicable | 2.21 |\n| 0-25% | 16.18 |\n| 26-50% | 8.09 |\n| 51-75% | 21.32 |\n| 76-100% | 47.06 |\n| I don't know | 5.15 |\n\n**35. Which of the following echocardiography \nparameters do you use to aid in the diagnosis \nof HFpEF (heart failure with preserved \nejection fraction)? Select all that apply.**\nn = 1.041\n\n| Category | Share (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| LV systolic and end diastolic volume | 67.44 |\n| Tissue Doppler - E/e' | 64.46 |\n| E/A ratio | 59.46 |\n| LA volume | 57.35 |\n| Global longitudinal strain | 47.65 |\n| PASP/RVSP | 45.92 |\n| M Mode | 44.09 |\n| LV mass | 39.29 |\n| LA Strain | 15.66 |\n| Not applicable | 3.84 |\n| Other | 2.88 |\n\n---\n\n**36. How confident are you in making the \nechocardiographic assessment of abnormal \ndiastolic function or increased left \nventricular filling pressures using current \nechocardiographic parameters?**\nn = 1.039\n\n| Category | Share of respondents (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Very confident | 54.28 |\n| Somewhat confident | 42.16 |\n| Not at all confident | 3.56 |\n\n## Ultrasound Enhancing Agents (ultrasound conÞdent\n\n### Ultrasound Enhancing Agents (UEA)\n\nWhen questioned about UEA, respondents \nnoted that barriers include training, effort, and \npatient discomfort. However, they also report \nstrong adherence to ASE guidelines. Notably, \nthis is the first time we have seen a large portion \nof respondents reporting a lack of barriers in \nUEA use.\n\n**37. In your opinion, what are the main barriers \npreventing your institution from using** \n**Ultrasound Enhancing Agents (ultrasound \ncontrast) for suboptimal image quality more \noften? Select up to three.**\nn = 1.031\n\n| Category | Share of respondents (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| There are no barriers to use of UEAs at my institution | 28.71 |\n| Sonographers aren't trained in the insertion of IVs | 19.30 |\n| Sonographers aren't trained in the injection of contrast | 16.39 |\n| It's too much effort to administer | 11.45 |\n| Patient discomfort or refusal | 10.67 |\n| Insufficient reimbursement | 10.38 |\n| State law prohibits sonographers from injecting contrast | 9.12 |\n| Sonographers are not in favor of using contrast due to perceived safety issues | 7.95 |\n| UEA use is not applicable to my lab or institution | 7.08 |\n| Lack of laboratory protocol | 6.98 |\n| Lack of support by the medical director and/or other physicians | 6.01 |\n| I have concerns about safety | 5.92 |\n| Image quality is sufficient, contrast not needed | 4.66 |\n| I don't believe it changes outcomes sufficiently | 3.30 |\n| My equipment is not set to use contrast | 2.33 |\n| Insufficient industry guidelines on use | 2.23 |\n\n---\n\n**38. Please select TWO care settings you believe \nultrasound enhancing imaging agents \n(UEAs) are most underutilized.**\n\n| Category | Share of respondents (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Intensive Care Unit | 24.92 |\n| Hospital Floor/ Hospital Service | 22.83 |\n| Emergency Department | 21.47 |\n| Physician's Clinic | 18.01 |\n| Hospital Outpatient | 16.96 |\n| Pediatric Department | 15.08 |\n| Operating Room | 14.45 |\n| Pre-operative Clinic | 12.36 |\n| Not applicable | 10.89 |\n| I don't know | 9.11 |\n| Post-Anesthesia Care Unit | 1.15 |\n| Other | 1.05 |\n\n**39. Are the ASE guidelines utilized in UEA \nprotocols at your lab or institution?**\n\n| Category | Share of respondents (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Yes | 77.73 |\n| I don't know | 8.82 |\n| No | 7.67 |\n| Not applicable | 5.78 |\n\n### Artificial Intelligence (AI)\n\nRespondents shared observations and thoughts \nabout AI already in place in their institutions, \nways that they would ask AI technologies to \nimprove their work, and reservations around \nadoption. Survey respondents self-report AI that \nhas automated measurement abilities and assists \nin report population.\n\nWhen asked how AI might be most beneficial, \nimproving reproducibility and reducing MSK \ninjuries were among the top three responses. \nImproving reproducibility and workflow \nprotocols are seen as a potential untapped area \nfor current AI technology.\n\n**40. Which of the following AI applications does \nyour echo lab currently have? Select all that \napply.**\nn = 1.037\n\n| Category | Share of echo labs (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Technology that performs automated measurements | 35.97 |\n| Software that uses measurements or input to auto-populate reports | 29.32 |\n| Not applicable | 17.45 |\n| Software that uses measurements taken to suggest diagnoses and/or treatment | 14.46 |\n| Software that auto-indicates procedures/protocols | 14.37 |\n| Technology/software that uses sensors to evaluate the quality of measurements or images | 12.34 |\n| I don't know | 9.74 |\n| Other | 1.35 |\n\n---\n\n**41. Please select the way(s) you think improved** \n**AI could be most beneficial to you in your \nwork. Select up to three.**\n\n| Category | Share of respondents (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Reduce screening, analysis, and interpretation time | 37.03 |\n| Improve reproducibility | 32.69 |\n| Reduce musculoskeletal injuries | 24.69 |\n| Improve pathway/protocol optimization | 24.11 |\n| Reduce likelihood for misdiagnoses | 22.66 |\n| Reduce need for repeat screenings | 21.22 |\n| I don't know | 8.78 |\n| I'm not sure | 7.14 |\n| Other | 1.74 |\n\n**42. What are the greatest concerns or \nreservations you have about AI? Select up \nto three.**\n\nn = 1,033\n\n| Category | Share of respondents (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Concerns about verification of algorithms for clinical validation | 36.21 |\n| Lack of confidence in technology or product | 35.04 |\n| Lack of trust in newer, non-traditional companies in this field | 24.10 |\n| Lack of guidelines/ professional recommendation for use | 21.68 |\n| Cost /Reimbursement | 21.39 |\n| Concerns about interoperability and/or cyber security | 19.17 |\n| Lack of training | 18.68 |\n| Workflow disruption | 13.26 |\n| I don't have any concerns | 7.26 |\n\n### Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS)\n\nGlobal Longitudinal Strain has become recognized \nas a useful and cost-effective assessment tool for \npre- and post-operative prognosis of left ventricle \nfunction. Survey respondents reported widespread \napplication of GLS, particularly in patients with \nheart failure, cardiomyopathies, and infiltrative \ndiseases, and those experiencing complications \nfrom chemotherapy. Notably, compared to 2023, \nrespondents observed a similar percentage use of \nGLS and the largest challenge as lack of quality in \nthe image itself.\n\n**43. Which type(s) of strain do you routinely \nperform? Select all that apply.**\n\nn = 1,021\n\n| Category | Share of respondents (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Global longitudinal strain | 62.88 |\n| Right ventricular strain | 35.06 |\n| Left atrial strain | 24.19 |\n| None of the above | 9.89 |\n| Other | 0.59 |\n\n**44. Please estimate the percentage of patients \nfor whom Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS) \nis acquired, and/or quantified, and/or \nreported.**\n\n## is acquired, and/or quantified, and/or recommendation for use\n\n| Category | Share of respondents (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Concerns about interoperability and/or cyber security | 19.17 |\n| Lack of training | 18.68 |\n| Workflow disruption | 13.26 |\n| I don't have any concerns | 7.26 |\n\n| Category | Share of respondents (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Between 1-25% | 44.25 |\n| Between 26-50% | 26.09 |\n| Between 51-75% | 13.20 |\n| More than 75% | 12.58 |\n| I don't know | 3.88 |\n\n---\n\n**45. For which of the following patient conditions \nand/or comorbidities do you perform GLS?** \n**Select all that apply.**\n\n| Category | Share of respondents (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Chemotherapy/ Oncology | 73.56 |\n| Heart Failure | 49.92 |\n| Cardiomyopathies | 44.63 |\n| Infiltrative diseases | 41.99 |\n| Left ventricular hypertrophy | 38.72 |\n| We use GLS for all patients | 30.79 |\n| Transplant | 16.49 |\n| Constrictive pericarditis | 16.33 |\n| Valvular heart disease | 16.02 |\n| CAD | 15.24 |\n| Hypertension | 15.09 |\n| Chronic kidney disease | 8.24 |\n| Surveillance ventricular arrhythmias | 7.93 |\n| AFib | 5.44 |\n| Diabetes | 5.44 |\n| COPD | 3.89 |\n| Hyperlipidemia | 3.73 |\n| Obesity | 3.11 |\n| Other | 2.80 |\n| I don't know | 1.87 |\n| We don't often use GLS | 1.71 |\n\n**46. What is your greatest challenge for the use of** \n**Global Longitudinal Strain?**\nn = 642\n\n| Category | Share of respondents (%) |\n| --- | --- |\n| Image quality | 53.58 |\n| I do not find any challenges to performing strain | 10.28 |\n| Takes too much time | 9.50 |\n| Other | 8.57 |\n| Do not know to read/apply strain results | 5.30 |\n| Not ordered by physician | 5.14 |\n| Do not know which patients should have train | 2.96 |\n| Do not have the technology/ application to perform strain | 2.80 |\n| Do not know how to perform strain | 1.87 |\n\n---\n\n## Conclusion\n\nASE’s 2024 Cardiovascular Ultrasound Trends Report provides a point-in-time snapshot of the \nrapidly evolving landscape of echocardiography. Optimism runs high for the growing need for \nechocardiography in interventional and critical care settings, while its diagnostic role in various disease \nstates continues to be front-and-center for clinicians. Artificial intelligence also holds great promise for \nfacilitating efficiencies and standardization as we see more integration and application of AI in echo \ntechnology by labs and institutions.\n\nThe 2024 Trends survey results offer invaluable insight into clinical perspectives, challenges, and \nopportunities driving decision-making, innovation, and patient outcomes within current and emerging \necho practices. ASE is pleased to share these findings with the cardiovascular ultrasound community. \nWe remain steadfast in our commitment and mission to advance innovation and improve lives through \nexcellence in education, research, innovation, advocacy, and service to the profession and the public.\n\n---\n\nAmerican Society of Echocardiography\n2530 Meridian Parkway, Suite 450 | Durham, NC 27713\nPhone: 919-861-5574 | @ASE360 | ASEcho.org", 'pages': None, 'truncated': False, 'extraction': 'firecrawl-public-document-markdown', 'request_id': 'c48aa26a-6899-499f-ac53-5d95a843385a', 'source_url': 'https://downloads.regulations.gov/FDA-2026-P-11952-0053/content.pdf', 'observed_at': '2026-10-12T09:21:29.950458+00:00', 'content_hash': 'c85ba81adf625024c37ac92abf7faa17475941c6c0475577e4b69955ad5e130f'}, 'title': 'pdf'}]}

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                    Source ID: FDA-2026-P-11952-0014 · Posted: 2026-10-09

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                        **GUIDELINE**

                        **Open Access**

                        # Multi‑societal expert consensus statement on the safe administration of ultrasound contrast agents

                        Jordan B. Strom<sup>1,2*</sup>, Andrew Appis<sup>2,3</sup>, Richard G. Barr<sup>2,4</sup>, Maria Cristina Chammas<sup>2,5</sup>, Dirk‑André Clevert<sup>2,6</sup>,
                        Kassa Darge<sup>2,7</sup>, Linda Feinstein<sup>22</sup>, Steven B. Feinstein<sup>2</sup>, J. Brian Fowlkes<sup>2,8</sup>, Beverly Gorman<sup>2</sup>, Pintong Huang<sup>2,9</sup>,
                        Yuko Kono<sup>2,10</sup>, Juan Lopez‑Mattei<sup>11</sup>, Andrej Lyshchik<sup>2,12</sup>, Michael L. Main<sup>2,13</sup>, Wilson Matthias Jr.<sup>2,5</sup>,
                        Christina Merrill<sup>2,14</sup>, Sharon L. Mulvagh<sup>2,15</sup>, Petros Nihoyannopoulos<sup>2,16</sup>, Joan Olson<sup>2,17</sup>, Fabio Piscaglia<sup>2,18,21</sup>,
                        Thomas Porter<sup>2,17</sup>, Arnaldo Rabischoffsky<sup>2,19</sup>, Roxy Senior<sup>2,20</sup>, Jessica L. Stout<sup>1,2</sup>, Maria Stanczak<sup>2,12</sup> and
                        Stephanie R. Wilson<sup>2,14</sup> on behalf of the International Contrast Ultrasound Society with endorsement from
                        the British Society of Echocardiography, the Canadian Society of Echocardiography, the Society of Diagnostic
                        Medical Sonography, the Society for Pediatric Radiology, the World Federation of Ultrasound in Medicine and
                        Biology, the Brazilian College of Radiology, the Joint Review Committee for Diagnostic Medical Sonography,
                        the Chinese Ultrasound Doctors Association, and the American Society of Neuroimaging and affirmation/
                        support from the American Society of Echocardiography, the Association for Medical Ultrasound, and the
                        Society for Vascular Ultrasound

                        ## Abstract

                        Contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) offers a safe, reliable imaging option to establish a clinical diagnosis
                        across a variety of multidisciplinary settings. This Expert Consensus Statement serves to outline expert opinion
                        on what constitutes appropriate supervision and the essential components of safe CEUS practice. The purpose
                        of this document is to empower institutions to allow sonographers, along with other trained medical professionals,
                        to administer UCAs at the point of care, consistent with the updated scope of practice documentation and within the
                        broad parameters of an individual’s training and licensure, while subject to appropriate supervision and meeting
                        or exceeding minimum safety standards. This guidance was developed by the International Contrast Ultrasound
                        Society and endorsed by the following organizations that represent ultrasound professionals: the British Society
                        of Echocardiography, the Canadian Society of Echocardiography, the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography,
                        the Society for Pediatric Radiology, the World Federation of Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology, the Brazilian College
                        of Radiology, the Joint Review Committee for Diagnostic Medical Sonography, the Chinese Ultrasound Doctors Asso‑
                        ciation, and the American Society of Neuroimaging. Additionally, this guidance document was affirmed or supported
                        by the American Society of Echocardiography, the Association for Medical Ultrasound, and the Society for Vascular
                        Ultrasound.

                        **Keywords** Contrast ultrasound, Safety, Sonography, Guideline

                        *Correspondence:
                        Jordan B. Strom
                        [email protected]
                        Full list of author information is available at the end of the article

                        ---

                        ## Preamble

                        Central to the provision of effective patient care is the
                        ability to obtain a timely and accurate assessment of an
                        individual’s clinical condition while maintaining the
                        lowest risks for adverse outcomes. Contrast enhanced
                        ultrasound (CEUS) offers a safe, reliable imaging option
                        to establish a clinical diagnosis across a variety of multidisciplinary settings. CEUS studies use intracavitary or
                        intravenously (IV)-injected ultrasound contrast agents
                        (UCA, a.k.a. ultrasound enhancing agents), along with
                        widely-available ultrasound hardware and software, to
                        produce diagnostic images in real time [1–3]. The focus
                        of this paper will be the CEUS via IV route. CEUS studies
                        do not expose patients or staff to ionizing radiation, and
                        UCAs are among the safest contrast agents used in modern medical imaging with no influence on renal or thyroid function [4]. CEUS studies can reduce the need for
                        additional downstream testing [5–8], improve the time
                        to diagnosis [9], lower overall imaging costs [5–7], and
                        potentially improve workflows. There are also situations
                        where CEUS may be the only suitable modality to evaluate an abnormality [10].

                        CEUS imaging has multiple applications in cardiology
                        and radiology. UCAs are useful in diagnosing cardiac and
                        vascular disease by improving endocardial border resolution and assessment of blood volume and myocardial
                        perfusion [1, 2, 9, 11, 12]. UCAs also enable identification and characterization of tumors, and monitoring of
                        inflammatory and neoplastic gastro-intestinal and renal
                        diseases. [1, 2, 9, 11, 12] In addition, novel applications
                        of UCAs are being explored in the therapeutic realm,
                        including molecular imaging, sonothrombolysis, and
                        enhanced delivery of chemotherapy drugs and gene therapies [13, 14].

                        Although CEUS is underutilized relative to potential
                        applications [5, 15], CEUS indications and use are growing in adult and pediatric patient populations worldwide. Reflecting that trend, numerous multi-societal
                        guidance documents now support the administration of
                        UCAs by sonographers and other medical professionals
                        under appropriate supervision [1, 2, 9, 11, 12, 16]. For
                        example, the recently updated “Scope of Practice and
                        Clinical Standards for the Diagnostic Medical Sonographer,” promulgated by the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS), allows a trained sonographer to
                        determine when a CEUS examination is necessary, place
                        an IV, and inject UCAs [17].

                        This Expert Consensus Statement serves to outline
                        expert opinion on what constitutes appropriate supervision and the essential components of safe CEUS practice.
                        The purpose of this document is to empower institutions to allow sonographers, along with other trained
                        medical professionals, to administer UCAs at the point of

                        care, consistent with the updated SDMS Scope of Practice [17] and within the broad parameters of an individual’s training and licensure, while subject to appropriate
                        supervision and meeting or exceeding minimum safety
                        standards. This document mirrors the new SDMS Scope
                        of Practice [17] and is similar to practice parameters set
                        forth by the American College of Radiology (ACR) [18]
                        in predefining conditions for safe administration of iodinated contrast by non-physician personnel.

                        This guidance was developed by the International Contrast Ultrasound Society (ICUS) and endorsed by the
                        following organizations that represent ultrasound professionals: the British Society of Echocardiography, the
                        Canadian Society of Echocardiography, the Society of
                        Diagnostic Medical Sonography, the Society for Pediatric
                        Radiology, the World Federation of Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology, the Brazilian College of Radiology, the
                        Joint Review Committee for Diagnostic Medical Sonography, the Chinese Ultrasound Doctors Association, and
                        the American Society of Neuroimaging. Additionally,
                        this guidance document was affirmed or supported by
                        the American Society of Echocardiography, the Association for Medical Ultrasound, and the Society for Vascular
                        Ultrasound. This document is intended solely as a general
                        tool for educating and guiding medical professionals in
                        the provision of safe, timely, and appropriate care within
                        their scope of practice and institutional guidelines. This
                        document is expressly not intended to establish a legal
                        standard of care or to reflect appropriate clinical judgments or decisions made or to be made with respect to
                        specific patients.

                        ## Introduction

                        UCAs consist of liquid or lyophilized suspensions of
                        microbubbles containing high-molecular weight gases
                        surrounded by a phospholipid or albumin …

                      Observed changes

                      Oct. 13, 2026, 1:30 a.m.: attachments changed since Oct. 12, 2026, 9:21 a.m..

                      {'attachments': [{'url': 'https://downloads.regulations.gov/FDA-2026-P-11952-0014/content.pdf', 'title': 'pdf'}]}
                      {'attachments': [{'url': 'https://downloads.regulations.gov/FDA-2026-P-11952-0014/content.pdf', 'body': {'text': '**GUIDELINE**\n\n**Open Access**\n\n# Multi‑societal expert consensus statement on\xa0the\xa0safe administration of\xa0ultrasound contrast agents\n\nJordan B. Strom<sup>1,2*</sup>, Andrew Appis<sup>2,3</sup>, Richard G. Barr<sup>2,4</sup>, Maria Cristina Chammas<sup>2,5</sup>, Dirk‑André Clevert<sup>2,6</sup>, \nKassa Darge<sup>2,7</sup>, Linda Feinstein<sup>22</sup>, Steven B. Feinstein<sup>2</sup>, J. Brian Fowlkes<sup>2,8</sup>, Beverly Gorman<sup>2</sup>, Pintong Huang<sup>2,9</sup>, \nYuko Kono<sup>2,10</sup>, Juan Lopez‑Mattei<sup>11</sup>, Andrej Lyshchik<sup>2,12</sup>, Michael L. Main<sup>2,13</sup>, Wilson Matthias Jr.<sup>2,5</sup>, \nChristina Merrill<sup>2,14</sup>, Sharon L. Mulvagh<sup>2,15</sup>, Petros Nihoyannopoulos<sup>2,16</sup>, Joan Olson<sup>2,17</sup>, Fabio Piscaglia<sup>2,18,21</sup>, \nThomas Porter<sup>2,17</sup>, Arnaldo Rabischoffsky<sup>2,19</sup>, Roxy Senior<sup>2,20</sup>, Jessica L. Stout<sup>1,2</sup>, Maria Stanczak<sup>2,12</sup> and \nStephanie R. Wilson<sup>2,14</sup> on behalf of  the International Contrast Ultrasound Society with endorsement from \nthe British Society of Echocardiography, the Canadian Society of Echocardiography, the Society of Diagnostic \nMedical Sonography, the Society for Pediatric Radiology, the World Federation of Ultrasound in Medicine and \nBiology, the Brazilian College of Radiology, the Joint Review Committee for Diagnostic Medical Sonography, \nthe Chinese Ultrasound Doctors Association, and the American Society of Neuroimaging and affirmation/\nsupport from the American Society of Echocardiography, the Association for Medical Ultrasound, and the \nSociety for Vascular Ultrasound\n\n## Abstract\n\nContrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) offers a safe, reliable imaging option to establish a clinical diagnosis \nacross a variety of multidisciplinary settings. This Expert Consensus Statement serves to outline expert opinion \non what constitutes appropriate supervision and the essential components of safe CEUS practice. The purpose \nof this document is to empower institutions to allow sonographers, along with other trained medical professionals, \nto administer UCAs at the point of care, consistent with the updated scope of practice documentation and within the \nbroad parameters of an individual’s training and licensure, while subject to appropriate supervision and meeting \nor exceeding minimum safety standards. This guidance was developed by the International Contrast Ultrasound \nSociety and endorsed by the following organizations that represent ultrasound professionals: the British Society \nof Echocardiography, the Canadian Society of Echocardiography, the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography, \nthe Society for Pediatric Radiology, the World Federation of Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology, the Brazilian College \nof Radiology, the Joint Review Committee for Diagnostic Medical Sonography, the Chinese Ultrasound Doctors Asso‑\nciation, and the American Society of Neuroimaging. Additionally, this guidance document was affirmed or supported \nby the American Society of Echocardiography, the Association for Medical Ultrasound, and the Society for Vascular \nUltrasound.\n\n**Keywords** Contrast ultrasound, Safety, Sonography, Guideline\n\n*Correspondence:\nJordan B. Strom\[email protected]\nFull list of author information is available at the end of the article\n\n---\n\n## Preamble\n\nCentral to the provision of effective patient care is the \nability to obtain a timely and accurate assessment of an \nindividual’s clinical condition while maintaining the \nlowest risks for adverse outcomes. Contrast enhanced \nultrasound (CEUS) offers a safe, reliable imaging option \nto establish a clinical diagnosis across a variety of multidisciplinary settings. CEUS studies use intracavitary or \nintravenously (IV)-injected ultrasound contrast agents \n(UCA, a.k.a. ultrasound enhancing agents), along with \nwidely-available ultrasound hardware and software, to \nproduce diagnostic images in real time [1–3]. The focus \nof this paper will be the CEUS via IV route. CEUS studies \ndo not expose patients or staff to ionizing radiation, and \nUCAs are among the safest contrast agents used in modern medical imaging with no influence on renal or thyroid function [4]. CEUS studies can reduce the need for \nadditional downstream testing [5–8], improve the time \nto diagnosis [9], lower overall imaging costs [5–7], and \npotentially improve workflows. There are also situations \nwhere CEUS may be the only suitable modality to evaluate an abnormality [10].\n\nCEUS imaging has multiple applications in cardiology \nand radiology. UCAs are useful in diagnosing cardiac and \nvascular disease by improving endocardial border resolution and assessment of blood volume and myocardial \nperfusion [1, 2, 9, 11, 12]. UCAs also enable identification and characterization of tumors, and monitoring of \ninflammatory and neoplastic gastro-intestinal and renal \ndiseases. [1, 2, 9, 11, 12] In addition, novel applications \nof UCAs are being explored in the therapeutic realm, \nincluding molecular imaging, sonothrombolysis, and \nenhanced delivery of chemotherapy drugs and gene therapies [13, 14].\n\nAlthough CEUS is underutilized relative to potential \napplications [5, 15], CEUS indications and use are growing in adult and pediatric patient populations worldwide. Reflecting that trend, numerous multi-societal \nguidance documents now support the administration of \nUCAs by sonographers and other medical professionals \nunder appropriate supervision [1, 2, 9, 11, 12, 16]. For \nexample, the recently updated “Scope of Practice and \nClinical Standards for the Diagnostic Medical Sonographer,” promulgated by the Society of Diagnostic Medical Sonography (SDMS), allows a trained sonographer to \ndetermine when a CEUS examination is necessary, place \nan IV, and inject UCAs [17].\n\nThis Expert Consensus Statement serves to outline \nexpert opinion on what constitutes appropriate supervision and the essential components of safe CEUS practice. \nThe purpose of this document is to empower institutions to allow sonographers, along with other trained \nmedical professionals, to administer UCAs at the point of\n\ncare, consistent with the updated SDMS Scope of Practice [17] and within the broad parameters of an individual’s training and licensure, while subject to appropriate \nsupervision and meeting or exceeding minimum safety \nstandards. This document mirrors the new SDMS Scope \nof Practice [17] and is similar to practice parameters set \nforth by the American College of Radiology (ACR) [18] \nin predefining conditions for safe administration of iodinated contrast by non-physician personnel.\n\nThis guidance was developed by the International Contrast Ultrasound Society (ICUS) and endorsed by the \nfollowing organizations that represent ultrasound professionals: the British Society of Echocardiography, the \nCanadian Society of Echocardiography, the Society of \nDiagnostic Medical Sonography, the Society for Pediatric \nRadiology, the World Federation of Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology, the Brazilian College of Radiology, the \nJoint Review Committee for Diagnostic Medical Sonography, the Chinese Ultrasound Doctors Association, and \nthe American Society of Neuroimaging. Additionally, \nthis guidance document was affirmed or supported by \nthe American Society of Echocardiography, the Association for Medical Ultrasound, and the Society for Vascular \nUltrasound. This document is intended solely as a general \ntool for educating and guiding medical professionals in \nthe provision of safe, timely, and appropriate care within \ntheir scope of practice and institutional guidelines. This \ndocument is expressly not intended to establish a legal \nstandard of care or to reflect appropriate clinical judgments or decisions made or to be made with respect to \nspecific patients.\n\n## Introduction\n\nUCAs consist of liquid or lyophilized suspensions of \nmicrobubbles containing high-molecular weight gases \nsurrounded by a phospholipid or albumin shell. Their \nsmall size (1.1–4.5\xa0 μm in diameter) permits unimpeded \npassage through the pulmonary and systemic microcirculation. When insonation is applied using a very low \nmechanical index (MI < 0.2), these microbubbles oscillate \nin a nonlinear fashion, emitting an ultrasound signal that \ncan be used to create effective delineation of the blood \npool and microvasculature.\n\nUCAs are among the safest of all contrast media, and \nvoluminous studies published over the past few decades \nsupport the overwhelming safety profiles of UCAs along \nwith their clinical benefits for use in both cardiology \nand radiology applications [4, 19–30]. Nevertheless, on \nexceedingly rare occasions, serious immune-related reactions may occur, largely attributed to complement activation-related pseudoallergy (CARPA) reactions that result \nfrom interactions of the liposomal shell with the complement system, resulting in an anaphylactoid reaction that can be fatal if not addressed promptly [4, 19–30]. In \nmultiple published large safety studies, CARPA reactions \noccur in approximately 1:15,000 UCA administrations \nand do not require prior exposure to the agent [4, 19–30]. \nIn addition, rare IgE-mediated Type I hypersensitivity \nreactions, requiring prior exposure to an allergen, have \nbeen described to occur with components of the agent \nincluding the microbubble shell, the gaseous component, \nor excipients such as polyethylene glycol; use of these \nagents is contraindicated in individuals with a known \nallergy to any component [31]. Even more uncommonly, \nUCAs have been associated with Kounis Syndrome, the \noccurrence of an acute coronary syndrome in the setting of an allergic reaction [32–34], which is estimated to \noccur at a frequency of < 1/20,000 in the Food and Drug \nAdministration Event Reporting System (FAERS) database [35]. While these rare reactions do not negate the \nmultiple demonstrated clinical benefits of UCA use [9], \nthey do highlight the need for guidance in safely administering these agents in clinical practice. It is important \nto note that UCAs have an improved safety profile compared with x-ray and MRI contrast agents [4].\n\n### A. Adoption of\xa0protocol documents\n\nWe recommend that each facility adopt a written and \nstandardized set of predefined imaging protocols for use \nof UCAs. These protocols should reflect consideration of \nthe various UCAs available and indications or contraindications for each. These protocols should be predefined \nand the staff trained prior to the first use of UCAs at a \ngiven site. We recommend that these protocols stipulate:\n\n1. Indications and contraindications for use.\n\n2. The credentials required for administering healthcare \nprofessionals.\n\n3. Procedures for administering and documenting use \nof UCAs including routinely documenting lot number and expiry date where feasible.\n\n4. The institutional protocol for responding to an \nadverse reaction to contrast administration.\n\n5. Procedures for response to adverse reactions.\n\n6. The locations and contents of allergy kits (recommended to be available) and the procedure for use \nand restocking.\n\n7. Which healthcare professionals may directly supervise administration of UCAs (see “E. Direct supervision of UCA administration”) and the appropriate \nhierarchy to seek medical assistance should this/\nthese individual(s) not be available or reachable.\n\n8. Procedures for documenting the occurrence of an \nadverse reaction, including retaining the vial for \nreporting of the lot number to the manufacturer,\n\ndocumenting the occurrence of an event in the study \nreport and health record, counseling patients on \nfuture risks and avoidance of UCAs, and debriefing \nwith staff around ways to improve future responses.\n\n### B. Professional responsible for\xa0ordering CEUS study\n\nThe order for a CEUS imaging study should be placed \nby a licensed professional who meets institutional, \nstate, and federal requirements for this task, potentially \nincluding physicians including residents or fellows or \nappropriately trained and licensed advanced practice \nprofessionals (nurse practitioner or physician assistant). The order should either be written or electronic, \nand should state the name of the ordering healthcare \nprofessional, the specific study ordered, and the date/\ntime of the order. UCAs may be ordered as part of the \noverall order for a CEUS study or separately. When the \noption is available, the order for an ultrasound examination should include an order for UCAs to be injected \nat the discretion of the administering healthcare professional, so as to obviate the need for a separate order. \nA standing order within the ultrasound unit providing \nthe appropriate indications for a CEUS study (see “A. \nAdoption of protocol documents”) allows administration of UCAs at the discretion of the trained healthcare \nprofessional performing the ultrasound examination \nafter verbal consent from the patient.\n\n### C. Professional responsible for\xa0performing the\xa0CEUS study\n\n• The professional responsible for a CEUS study may \nor may not be different than the individual administering the UCA.\n\n• Injections should follow societal guidelines as well \nas relevant institutional, state, and federal regulations around proper injection technique.\n\n• Individuals who perform the CEUS study should be \nknowledgeable in cardiopulmonary resuscitation.\n\n• Additionally, all individuals who perform the CEUS \nstudy should have access to an allergy kit and cardiopulmonary resuscitation cart (aka code cart).\n\n• The professional should be familiar with the unit \nand institutional emergency/code procedures specifically including the immediate response to an \nadverse reaction to UCAs and the mechanism to \nactivate an emergency response within their institution.\n\n• Not superseding institutional, state, and federal \nregulations, injections of UCAs may be performed \nby licensed physicians and appropriately supervised medical personnel (see “D. Professional administering ultrasound contrast agent”).\n\n### D. Professional administering ultrasound contrast agent\n\nNot superseding institutional, state, and federal regulations, the following healthcare professionals may inject \nUCAs without (1) or with (2–5) direct supervision (see \n“E. Direct supervision of UCA administration”):\n\n1. Physicians (MD, DO, MBBS)\n\n2. Sonographers (RDMS, RDCS, RCS, ACS, RVT)\n\n3. Advanced practice professionals (nurse practitioner \nor physician assistant)\n\n4. Registered nurses\n\n5. Other certified radiologic technologists or registered \nradiologist assistants\n\n### E. Direct supervision of\xa0UCA administration\n\nUnder the general supervision of a licensed physician \nwith training in UCA administration, the following \nhealthcare professionals may also provide direct supervision of UCA administration:\n\n1. Other physicians (MD/DO/MBBS) including residents and fellows\n\n2. Advanced practice professionals (nurse practitioner \nor physician assistant)\n\n3. Registered nurses\n\n4. Sonographers acting in a supervisory capacity (i.e., \nlead sonographer, technical director, advanced \nsonographer)\n\nThe professional of direct supervision must be immediately available for assistance and direction throughout the procedure. Importantly, the direct supervisor is \nnot required to be present in the room where and when \nthe injection is performed. However, there should be at \nleast one person meeting criteria for direct supervision \nin attendance (either in the room or in close proximity). \nThis person should be knowledgeable of cardiopulmonary resuscitation techniques and institutional protocols \nfor responding to adverse reactions and should be able to \nsummon further medical support as needed. The professional directly supervising an injection should be competent in:\n\n1. Local policies and protocols with regard to UCA \nadministration and activation of the emergency \nresponse system (see “A. Adoption of protocol documents”).\n\nRecognition and immediate management of acute \nhypersensitivity reactions, including the types of \nreactions experienced in response to UCAs (see \nIntroduction).\n\n2. Proficiency in cardiopulmonary resuscitation.\n\n## Summary\n\nThis Expert Consensus Statement outlines guidelines \naround the safe administration of CEUS studies so that \nultrasound units may confidently allow sonographers \nand other healthcare professionals to practice within \ntheir scope of practice, as permitted by institutional, \nstate, and federal regulations, while ensuring the highest quality standard of patient care is met.\n\n#### Author contributions\n\nJ.S. wrote the main manuscript text. All authors conceived of the idea, \nreviewed the manuscript, and provided critical edits.\n\n#### Funding\n\nNot applicable.\n\n#### Data availability\n\nNo datasets were generated or analysed during the current study.\n\n### Declarations\n\n#### Competing interests\n\nThe authors declare no competing interests.\n\n#### Author details\n\n<sup>1</sup>Richard A. and Susan F. Smith Center for Outcomes Research in Cardiology, \nBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, 375 Longwood Avenue, 4Th Floor, \nBoston, MA 02215, USA. <sup>2</sup>International Contrast Ultrasound Society, Chicago, \nUSA. <sup>3</sup>Kaiser-Permanente, San Diego, USA. <sup>4</sup>Northeastern Ohio Medical \nUniversity, Rootstown, USA. <sup>5</sup>University of São Paulo School of Medicine Clinics \nHospital, São Paulo, Brazil. Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich,<sup>6</sup> \nGermany. <sup>7</sup>Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, USA. <sup>8</sup>Department \nof Radiology, University of Michigan–Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor, USA. <sup>9</sup>Second \nAffiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China. <sup>10</sup>University \nof California, San Diego, San Diego, USA. <sup>11</sup>Lee Heart Health Institute, Fort \nMyers, USA. <sup>12</sup>Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, USA. <sup>13</sup>Saint Luke’s \nMid America Heart Institute, Kansas City, USA. <sup>14</sup>University of Calgary, Calgary, \nCanada. <sup>15</sup>Dalhousie University, Halifax, Canada. <sup>16</sup>Imperial College London, \nLondon, UK. <sup>17</sup>University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, USA. <sup>18</sup>Depart‑\nment of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, USA. \n<sup>19</sup>Hospital Pró-Cardíaco, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. <sup>20</sup>Royal Brompton Hospital, \nLondon, UK. <sup>21</sup>Division of Internal Medicine, Hepatobiliary and Immunoallergic \nDiseases, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero, Universitaria di Bologna, Italy, Bologna, \nItaly. <sup>22</sup>Dentons US, Chicago, USA.\n\nReceived: 28 October 2024   Accepted: 28 December 2024\n[Image: Im0]\n\n#### References\n\n1. 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Expert consensus statement from the \namerican society of echocardiography on hypersensitivity reactions to \nultrasound enhancing agents in patients with allergy to polyethylene gly‑\ncol. J Am Soc Echocardiogr. 2021;34(7):707–8. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.\nEcho.2021.05.002.\n\n32.\n\nYopes MC, Larnard EA, Liu SD, et al. Kounis syndrome after administration \nof ultrasound enhancing agent. Circulation. 2024;17(3):E016362. https://\ndoi.org/10.1161/Circimaging.123.016362.\n\n33.\n\nSagalov A, Eggert A, Rimawi A, Hegde S. A rare presentation Of Kounis \nsyndrome induced By an echocardiography contrast. Cjc Open. \n2023;5(10):757–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/J.Cjco.2023.07.009.\n\n34.\n\nPortero-Portaz JJ, Córdoba-Soriano JG, Gallego-Page JC. Type Iii Kounis \nsyndrome after administration of an echocardiography contrast agent. \nEur Heart J Acute Cardiovasc Care. 2020. https://doi.org/10.1177/20488\n72616655943.\n\n35.\n\nAdministration Fad. Fda Adverse Event Reporting System (Faers) Public \nDashboard. Accessed April 23, 2024, 2024. https://Www.Fda.Gov/Drugs/\nQuestions-And-Answers-Fdas-Adverse-Event-Reporting-System-Faers/\nFda-Adverse-Event-Reporting-System-Faers-Public-Dashboard\n\n## Publisher’s Note\n\nSpringer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in pub‑\nlished maps and institutional affiliations.', 'pages': None, 'truncated': False, 'extraction': 'firecrawl-public-document-markdown', 'request_id': 'e391de33-9438-4b5e-a0bd-59fbf846e2d8', 'source_url': 'https://downloads.regulations.gov/FDA-2026-P-11952-0014/content.pdf', 'observed_at': '2026-10-13T01:29:25.890117+00:00', 'content_hash': '128546906ab6d66260bda08bc36b411ad640ceb108bcd51ad857248532aa1736'}, 'title': 'pdf', 'check_failed': False}]}

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