Prochlorperazine

A healthcare provider may recommend prochlorperazine for the treatment of a number of conditions, including schizophrenia, anxiety, and severe nausea or vomiting. While the drug is not a cure for anxiety or schizophrenia, it can help control symptoms of these conditions. Prochlorperazine, which is available by prescription, comes in tablet, rectal suppository, and injectable forms. Side effects of the medicine may include a dry mouth, dizziness, drowsiness, and blurred vision.

 

What Is Prochlorperazine?

Part of a group of drugs known as phenothiazines, prochlorperazine maleate (Compazine®) is a prescription medicine that has been licensed to treat the following conditions:
 

Who Makes Prochlorperazine?

Prochlorperazine was originally manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. Although brand-name Compazine is no longer being made, generic prochlorperazine products are still available. Generic prochlorperazine is made by several different companies.
 
(Click What Is Prochlorperazine Used For? for more information on prochlorperazine uses, including possible off-label uses.)
 

How Does Prochlorperazine Work?

Prochlorperazine belongs to a group of medications called phenothiazines. When used to treat schizophrenia, it is known as a typical (or first-generation) antipsychotic medication. It is not entirely known exactly how prochlorperazine works. However, it is known that the drug blocks or lessens the effects of dopamine, a chemical in the brain. Dopamine may be elevated in people with schizophrenia or anxiety. Prochlorperazine is not a cure for schizophrenia or anxiety; it only helps to control symptoms of these conditions (see Symptoms of Schizophrenia or Anxiety Symptoms).
 
Since dopamine can activate the part of the brain that controls nausea and vomiting, prochlorperazine can treat severe nausea and vomiting by lessening the effects of dopamine in the brain.
 

When and How to Take Prochlorperazine

Some general considerations for when and how to take prochlorperazine include:
 
  • Prochlorperazine comes in tablet and rectal suppository forms. It is also available in an injectable form.
     
  • Prochlorperazine suppositories can be especially useful for people with very severe nausea and vomiting who have difficulty swallowing (or "keeping down") a tablet.
     
  • Do not take prochlorperazine rectal suppositories by mouth. Be sure to remove the foil or plastic packaging before inserting rectally.
     
  • It does not matter if you take prochlorperazine tablets with or without food.
     
  • If you take prochlorperazine on a daily basis, you should take it at the same times each day to maintain even levels of the drug in your blood.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be used as prescribed. Prochlorperazine will not work if you stop using it.
     

Prochlorperazine Dosage

The dose of prochlorperazine that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • The medical condition being treated
  • Your age and weight (for children)
  • The form of prochlorperazine (tablet, suppository, or injection)
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be currently taking.
     
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Prochlorperazine Dosing for more information about dosing for prochlorperazine.)
 

Prochlorperazine Side Effects

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with prochlorperazine. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well. When prochlorperazine side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Common side effects of prochlorperazine include but are not limited to:
 
(Click Side Effects of Prochlorperazine to learn about specific prochlorperazine side effects, including some of the more serious side effects that you should report to your healthcare provider.)
 

Prochlorperazine Drug Interactions

Prochlorperazine can potentially interact with a number of other medicines.
 
(Click Drug Interactions With Prochlorperazine for more information about prochlorperazine and other medicines.)
 

Prochlorperazine: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking prochlorperazine if you have:
 
Also let your healthcare provider know if you:
 
You should also make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Precautions and Warnings With Prochlorperazine for more information on this topic, including information on who should not take prochlorperazine.)
 

Overdose With Prochlorperazine

People who take too much prochlorperazine may have overdose symptoms that could include:
 
  • Unusual body movements
  • Drowsiness
  • Coma
  • Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
  • Low blood pressure (hypotension)
  • A dry mouth
  • Intestinal blockage.
     
If you happen to overdose on prochlorperazine, seek medical attention immediately.
 
(Click Compazine Overdose for more information.)
 

Prochlorperazine: Storage Methods

Prochlorperazine tablets and suppositories should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Prochlorperazine tablets should be stored in an airtight container, and prochlorperazine suppositories should be kept in their original packaging until just before use.
 
Keep prochlorperazine and all other medications out of the reach of children.
 

Prochlorperazine: What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

Although prochlorperazine is often taken only when needed (such as for nausea or vomiting), some people take it regularly. If you do not take your prochlorperazine as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double your dose of prochlorperazine.
 

Prochlorperazine: Strengths

Generic prochlorperazine tablets are available in the following strengths:
 
  • Prochlorperazine 5 mg tablets
  • Prochlorperazine 10 mg tablets.
     
At one point, prochlorperazine syrup and extended-release prochlorperazine capsules were available. However, these products are no longer being made.
 
Generic prochlorperazine suppositories are available in one strength -- prochlorperazine 25 mg suppositories.
 

Prochlorperazine Generic

Currently, only generic prochlorperazine is available for sale.
 
(Click Generic Compazine for more information.)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;