Prochlorperazine – Injection, Compazine
Medication Uses: This medication is used to treat severe nausea and vomiting from various causes such as anti-cancer treatment, migraine headaches, and post-surgery. Prochlorperazine is a phenothiazine medication that works by affecting the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain to reduce nausea and the urge to vomit. This medication is not recommended for children under 2 years old or during surgery on children.
How To Use: This medication is injected into a vein or muscle, usually the buttock. Do not inject under the skin due to local irritation. The dosage is based on age, medical condition, and response to therapy. Do not increase the dose or use this medication more often without your doctor’s approval. If you are taking this medication on a prescribed schedule, use it regularly at the same time(s) each day. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Side Effects: Common side effects may include constipation, drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, and dry mouth. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist. To relieve dry mouth, suck on (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water, or use a saliva substitute. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: agitation/restlessness, face/muscle twitching, uncontrolled movements, drooling, trouble swallowing, difficulty talking, enlarged/tender breasts, unusual breast milk production, shaking (tremors), or trouble urinating. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience dark urine, persistent nausea/vomiting, signs of infection, severe abdominal pain, unusual bleeding/bruising, weakness, or yellowing eyes/skin. Rare but serious side effects may include neuroleptic malignant syndrome, characterized by severe muscle stiffness, mental/mood changes, high fever, seizures, irregular/fast heartbeat, increased sweating. Seek immediate medical attention if you have an allergic reaction to this drug, with symptoms such as rash, itching/swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you experience any other effects not listed here.
Precautions: Before using prochlorperazine, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it, other phenothiazines, or if you have any other allergies. This medication should not be used to treat unconscious patients or those taking large amounts of drugs that cause drowsiness and slow breathing. Before using this medication, disclose your medical history, especially if you have blood disorders, ongoing breathing problems, certain heart rhythm problems, low blood pressure, glaucoma, liver problems, Reye’s syndrome, seizures, or urination problems. This drug may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. Avoid driving, using machinery, or performing activities that require alertness or clear vision until you can do so safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Minimize dizziness and light-headedness by getting up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position. This medication may increase sensitivity to the sun. Use sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors. Avoid extreme temperatures to prevent fainting, fever, and heatstroke. Elderly patients and children may be more sensitive to the effects of this drug. During pregnancy, use this medication only when clearly needed. Infants born to mothers who used this medication during pregnancy may rarely have liver or nerve/muscle problems. Consult your doctor about the risks and benefits. Based on related drugs, this medication may pass into breast milk. Therefore, breastfeeding is not recommended while using this medication. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug Interactions: Inform your healthcare professionals about all medications you are using. This drug should not be used with certain medications, as serious interactions may occur. These medications include dofetilide, drugs that increase dopamine activity, drugs that may affect heart rhythm, epinephrine for low blood pressure, metrizamide, and sibutramine. If you are currently using any of these medications, notify your doctor or pharmacist before starting prochlorperazine. Also, inform your doctor or pharmacist about all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you are using, especially alpha blockers, anticholinergics, anti-seizure drugs, guanethidine/guanadrel, narcotic pain relievers, and drugs that may increase seizure risk. Check the labels of all your medicines for drowsiness-causing ingredients. This medication can affect certain lab test results. Make sure all healthcare providers are aware of your use of this drug.
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Overdose: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include restlessness, muscle spasms, deep sleep/loss of consciousness, seizures, and irregular heartbeat.
Notes: Do not share this medication with others. Periodic laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor your progress or check for side effects.
Missed Dose: If you miss a dose taken on a prescribed schedule, take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Storage: Store vials below 86 degrees F (30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not freeze. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.
