Prochlorperazine: An Overview

Summary or Key Points

Prochlorperazine is a medication used to manage nausea, vomiting, schizophrenia, and anxiety in adults. It belongs to the class of drugs known as phenothiazines, which work by blocking certain chemicals in the brain. However, like all medications, it can cause potential side effects, which may include drowsiness, dizziness, and dry mouth. Always consult with your healthcare provider or our telemedicine service for personalized advice.

Names of Medication

US Brand Name: Compazine (Generic Name: Prochlorperazine)

The term ‘generic name’ refers to the standard medical name for the active ingredient in the medication. This name is universal and used regardless of the brand name of the medication. The generic name is indicated in parentheses.

Pharmacologic Category

Prochlorperazine belongs to the class of medications known as Phenothiazines, alongside drugs like Chlorpromazine (Thorazine), Fluphenazine (Prolixin), and Thioridazine (Mellaril).

Dosing

Prochlorperazine is used to treat several conditions, but the dose, frequency, and length of treatment can vary. Always consult your healthcare provider or get in touch with one of our telemedicine providers before adjusting your dose.

• Nausea and Vomiting: Typically, the dose is 5-10 mg, three to four times daily.
• Schizophrenia: The usual dose is 5-10 mg, three to four times daily. The dose may be increased gradually, if necessary.
• Anxiety: For mild cases, the usual dose is 5 mg, three to four times daily.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Prochlorperazine is available in the following forms and strengths:

• Tablets: 5mg, 10mg
• Suppositories: 2.5mg, 5mg, 25mg
• Injection: 5mg/mL

Administration Instructions

Always take Prochlorperazine as instructed by your healthcare provider. Tablets should be swallowed whole with a glass of water, with or without food. Suppositories are for rectal use only. Injections are usually administered by a healthcare professional.

Adverse Reactions and Side Effects

Prochlorperazine may cause certain side effects. Remember, everyone’s reaction to a medication is different and not everyone will experience all side effects. The frequency of side effects is classified as:

• Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people)
• Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people)
• Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people)
• Very rare (may affect up to 1 in 10,000 people)

Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, and dry mouth. If you notice these or any other effects, immediately get in touch with your healthcare provider or one of our telemedicine providers for advice.

Contraindications

A contraindication is a condition or factor that serves as a reason not to take a certain medical treatment due to the potential harm that it could cause the patient. Prochlorperazine should not be used if you have:

• Severe central nervous system depression or comatose states: This medication can enhance the effects of CNS depressants leading to increased sedation.
• Liver or kidney disease: These conditions can affect the elimination of Prochlorperazine from the body.
• Known allergy to Prochlorperazine or other phenothiazines: Taking this drug may trigger an allergic reaction.

Drug to Drug Interactions

Several medications may interact with Prochlorperazine, including:

• Alcohol (Ethanol)
• Antidepressants like Fluoxetine (Prozac), Sertraline (Zoloft)
• Anti-seizure drugs like Carbamazepine (Tegretol), Phenytoin (Dilantin)

Prochlorperazine in Pregnancy

Prochlorperazine should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Always consult with your healthcare provider or our telemedicine service before taking this medication when pregnant.

Prochlorperazine while Breastfeeding

Prochlorperazine is excreted in breast milk. Therefore, caution should be exercised when taking this medication while breastfeeding. Always consult your healthcare provider or our telemedicine service before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Estimated Cost of Medication

The estimated cost of a 30-day supply of Prochlorperazine without insurance, using a GoodRX coupon, is approximately $10 – $20 depending on the pharmacy and dosage.

Possible Alternatives

It’s important to discuss any potential alternatives with your healthcare provider or our telemedicine service before making any changes to your treatment plan. Possible alternatives could include:

• Nausea and Vomiting: Lifestyle changes, like altering your diet, or alternative medications such as Ondansetron (Zofran).
• Schizophrenia: Other antipsychotic medications like Risperidone (Risperdal) or therapy techniques.
• Anxiety: Psychotherapy, stress management techniques, and medications such as SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) like Fluoxetine (Prozac).

Recent Updates on Prochlorperazine Research

Recent research shows that Prochlorperazine may have a beneficial effect on migraine symptoms, in addition to its known uses. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings and determine safe usage. Always consult your healthcare provider or our telemedicine service for the most up-to-date information.

Brief Legal Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.
Brief Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.