Prochlorperazine is a generic drug that treats nausea and vomiting. It is also an antipsychotic and antivertigo drug.
Know the basics
What is prochlorperazine used for?
- Severe nausea and vomiting (due to pregnancy, chemotherapy, etc.)
- Psychotic disorders (e.g. schizophrenia, acute mania)
- Migraine
- Vertigo
How should I take prochlorperazine?
Read the directions on the packaging for complete information. Check the label and expiration date.
For oral dosage forms, swallow it whole without chewing, crushing, or dissolving it in liquid.
For parenteral dosage forms, only a licensed healthcare professional should administer it.
How do I store prochlorperazine?
Store this product at room temperature away from direct light and moisture. To prevent drug damage, you should not store it in the bathroom or the freezer.
There may be different brands of this drug that may have different storage needs. So, it is important to always check the product package for instructions on storage, or ask your pharmacist. For safety, you should keep all medicines away from children and pets.
You should not flush this product down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Additionally, it is important to properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist for more details about how to safely discard your product.
Know the precautions & warnings
What should I know before using prochlorperazine?
Before using this drug, tell your doctor if you are/have:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Taking any other medicines. This includes any prescription, OTC, and herbal remedies.
- An allergy to any of the ingredients of this product.
- Any other illnesses, disorders, or medical conditions.
Is it safe to take prochlorperazine during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Unfortunately, there isn’t enough information about the safety of using this drug during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Please always consult with your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before taking any medication.
Know the side effects
What are the side effects of prochlorperazine?
Like all drugs, this product may have side effects. If they occur, side effects are generally mild and resolve once treatment is finished or the dose is lowered. Some reported side effects include:
- Constipation
- Dry mouth
- Blurry vision
- Urinary retention
- Extrapyramidal symptoms
- Orthostatic hypotension
- Hyperprolactinemia
- Retinopathy
- Lenticular or corneal deposits
- Dysregulated body temperature
- Amenorrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Intestinal obstruction
- Jaundice
- Skin rash
- Dystonia
- Parkinsonism
- Agitation
- Convulsion or seizure
- Insomnia
- Impotence
- Respiratory depression
Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of the following potentially fatal effects:
- Arrhythmias
- Blood dyscrasias
- Hypotension
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
However, not everyone experiences these side effects. In addition, some people may experience other side effects. So, if you have any concerns about a side effect, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Know the interactions
What drugs may interact with prochlorperazine?
This medication may interact with other drugs that you are currently taking, which can change how your drug works or increase your risk for serious side effects.
To avoid any potential drug interactions, you should keep a list of all the drugs you are using (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist.
Drugs with known interactions:
- Barbiturates
- Sedatives
- Anticholinergics
- Antidiabetic agents
- Antidepressants
- Lithium
- Anticoagulants
- Antacids
- Alcohol-containing preparations
If you experience an adverse drug interaction, inform your doctor immediately to reevaluate your treatment plan. Approaches include dose adjustment, drug substitution, or ending therapy.
Does food or alcohol interact with prochlorperazine?
This drug may interact with food or alcohol by altering the way the drug works or increase the risk for serious side effects. Do not consume alcohol while using this medication. Please discuss with your doctor or pharmacist any potential food or alcohol interactions before using this drug.
What health conditions may interact with prochlorperazine?
This drug may interact with underlying conditions. This interaction may worsen your health condition or alter the way the drug works. Therefore, it is important to always let your doctor and pharmacist know all the health conditions you currently have.
Understand the dosage
The information provided is not a substitute for any medical advice. Therefore, you should always consult with your doctor or pharmacist before using any medication.
What is the dose for an adult?
Nausea and vomiting
- Oral: Initially take 20 mg, followed by 10 mg after 2 hours.
- IM: Administer 12.5 mg (prochlorperazine mesilate) as via deep injection. As prochlorperazine edisylate, give 5 to 10 mg then repeat the dose every 3 to 4 hours. The maximum dose is 40 mg per day.
- IV: Administer 2.5 to 10 mg (as prochlorperazine edisylate) via slow IV injection. the maximum dose is 10 mg per dose, up to 40 mg a day.
- Suppository: Insert a 25 mg suppository via the rectum, twice a day.
Psychosis
Administer 12.5 to 25 mg (as prochlorperazine mesilate) 2 to 3 times a day given via deep inj.
As prochlorperazine edisylate, administer 10 to 20 mg via deep injection. Repeat the dose every 2 to 4 hours, if necessary.
Vertigo (Meniere’s syndrome, labyrinthitis)
Take 5 mg three times a day, up to 30 mg per day. Gradually reduce the dose to 5 to 10 mg after several weeks.
What is the dose for a child?
Nausea and vomiting
Children over 1 year old and weighing more than 10 kg, give 0.25 mg per kilogram of body weight 2 to 3 times a day.
How is Prochlorperazine available?
Prochlorperazine is available in the following dosage forms and strengths:
Tablets: 5 mg, 10 mg
Capsule: 10 mg, 15 mg
Injectable solution: 5 mg/mL
Suppositories: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 25 mg
Syrup: 5 mg/5 mL
What should I do in case of an emergency or overdose?
In case of an emergency or an overdose, call your local emergency services or go to the nearest emergency room.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regular dose as scheduled. Do not take a double dose.
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