Prochlorperazine (By Mouth)

Prochlorperazine (proe-klor-PER-a-zeen)

Treats nausea and vomiting. It has also been used for emotional disorders. Belongs to a class of drugs called phenothiazines.

Brand Name(s):

Compazine
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to any phenothiazine drug (such as Mellaril®, Prolixin®, Stelazine®, Thorazine®, or Trilafon®).

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet, Long Acting Capsule, Liquid

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take and how often.
• May take with or without food.
• Swallow the extended-release capsule whole. Do not crush or chew.
• Do not get the oral liquid on your skin.

If a dose is missed:

• If you take several doses a day, take the missed dose if it is within one hour of the missed dose, otherwise skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.
• If you take one dose a day, take the missed dose as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next regular dose, skip the missed dose.
• You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store at room temperature, away from heat, light, and moisture.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not drink alcohol while using this medicine.
• You should not use at the same time as antacids such as Mylanta®, Maalox®, or Amphojel®.
• Avoid using drugs that can make you sleepy such as sleeping pills, sedatives, tranquilizers, antihistamines, or narcotic pain killers.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.
• Talk with your doctor before using if you have a seizure disorder, heart, liver, or lung disease, or any other medical problem.
• This medicine may cause drowsiness. If it does, avoid driving a car or operating machinery.
• Stand up slowly after you have been sitting or lying down to decrease dizziness.
• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Try not to spend long periods in direct sunlight and protect your skin from the sun.
• Prochlorperazine may cause a false reading of some types of pregnancy tests.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Trouble going to the bathroom (urinating)
• Skin rash
• Rapid breathing or heartbeat
• Convulsions (seizures)
• Spasms of neck, face or back
• Muscle twitching or jerking
• Unexplained fever, severe muscle stiffness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Drowsiness or dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Changes in vision such as difficulty focusing
• Constipation

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.