Prochlorperazine – Oral, Compazine

Warning: Medication Uses, How To Use, Side Effects, Precautions, Drug Interactions, Overdose, Notes, Missed Dose, Storage. WARNING: There may be a slightly increased risk of serious, possibly fatal side effects (such as heart failure, fast/irregular heartbeat, pneumonia) when this medication is used by older adults with dementia. This medication is not approved for the treatment of dementia-related behavior problems. Discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with the doctor. USES: This medication is used to treat severe nausea and vomiting from certain causes (for example, after surgery or cancer treatment). Prochlorperazine belongs to a class of drugs known as phenothiazines. This medication is not recommended for use in children younger than 2 years or in children going through surgery. HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 3 to 4 times daily. The dosage is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. In children, the dosage may also be based on weight. Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often than directed. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens. SIDE EFFECTS: Drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, blurred vision, constipation, or dry mouth may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. To relieve dry mouth, suck on (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water, or use a saliva substitute. To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: mental/mood changes (such as agitation, restlessness), unusual/uncontrolled movements (such as fixed upward stare, neck twisting, tongue movements, muscle spasms), shaking (tremor), difficulty urinating, enlarged/tender breasts, unusual breast milk production, weakness, easy bleeding/bruising, signs of infection (such as fever, persistent sore throat), severe stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting, yellowing eyes/skin. Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: seizures. This medication may rarely cause a very serious condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). Get medical help right away if you have any of the following symptoms: fever, muscle stiffness/pain/tenderness/weakness, severe tiredness, severe confusion, sweating, fast/irregular heartbeat, dark urine, change in the amount of urine. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. In Canada – Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking prochlorperazine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other phenothiazines (such as chlorpromazine); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: breathing problems (such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD), blood/immune system disorders (such as bone marrow depression), high pressure in the eye (glaucoma), heart disease (such as irregular heartbeat), liver disease, kidney disease, certain brain disorders (such as Reye’s syndrome, seizures), stomach/intestine problems (such as blockage), difficulty urinating (for example, due to enlarged prostate), pheochromocytoma. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or cause blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths, and sunlamps. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. This medication may decrease your ability to sweat, making you more likely to get heat stroke. Avoid activities that may cause you to overheat (such as doing strenuous work/exercise in hot weather, using hot tubs). When the weather is hot, drink plenty of fluids and dress lightly. If you become overheated, promptly seek cooler shelter and stop exercising. Get medical help right away if you develop a fever, mental/mood changes, headache, or dizziness. Children with short-term illnesses (such as a viral infection, dehydration) may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially nerve/muscle problems. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially low blood pressure, constipation, urinary problems, and nerve/muscle problems. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Babies born to mothers who have used this drug during the last 3 months of pregnancy may infrequently develop symptoms including muscle stiffness or shakiness, drowsiness, feeding/breathing difficulties, or constant crying. If you notice any of these symptoms in your newborn anytime during their first month, tell the doctor right away. It is unknown if prochlorperazine passes into breast milk. However, similar drugs pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding. DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: cabergoline, dofetilide, metoclopramide. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness including alcohol, antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants, and narcotic pain relievers (such as codeine). Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely. This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including phenylketonuria, certain pregnancy tests), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

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OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: mental/mood changes (such as restlessness, agitation), severe drowsiness, seizures, irregular heartbeat. NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details. MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up. STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications 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. Information last revised January 2014. Copyright(c) 2014 First Databank, Inc.