Indications
- Prochlorperazine is used to treat severe nausea and vomiting resulting from specific causes like surgery or cancer treatment.
- It belongs to the phenothiazines class of drugs.
- Not recommended for children under 2 years old or those undergoing surgery.
Dosage and administration
- Take this medication orally, with or without food, following your doctor’s instructions, typically 3 to 4 times daily.
- Dosage is determined by age, medical condition, and treatment response. In children, weight may also be considered.
- Do not exceed the prescribed dose or take more frequently than directed.
- Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.
Side effects
- Common side effects may include drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, blurred vision, constipation, or dry mouth. Notify your doctor or pharmacist if these persist or worsen.
- To alleviate dry mouth, try sucking on sugarless hard candy or ice chips, chewing sugarless gum, drinking water, or using a saliva substitute.
- To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, rise slowly when transitioning from sitting or lying down.
- This medication is prescribed because its benefits outweigh the risks for most people. Serious side effects are uncommon.
- Alert your doctor immediately if you experience persistent nausea/vomiting, agitation, unusual movements, tremors, difficulty urinating, breast changes, weakness, bleeding, signs of infection, severe abdominal pain, or yellowing of the eyes/skin.
- Seek immediate medical help if you have seizures or symptoms of neuroleptic malignant syndrome, such as fever, muscle stiffness/pain/weakness, confusion, sweating, fast/irregular heartbeat, dark urine, or changes in urination.
- Although rare, a serious allergic reaction may occur. Seek medical attention if you notice symptoms like rash, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
- This isn’t an exhaustive list of side effects. Contact your doctor or pharmacist for any other concerns.
Precautions
- Before taking prochlorperazine, inform your doctor or pharmacist about any allergies to it, other phenothiazines (like chlorpromazine), or any other allergies.
- Discuss your medical history, especially breathing problems (such as asthma, COPD), blood/immune disorders (like bone marrow depression), glaucoma, heart disease, liver/kidney disease, certain brain disorders, stomach/intestinal problems, difficulty urinating (e.g., due to enlarged prostate), or pheochromocytoma.
- This medication may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. Avoid driving, using machinery, or activities requiring alertness or clear vision until safe. Refrain from alcohol or marijuana use, as they can increase dizziness or drowsiness. Discuss marijuana use with your doctor.
- Before surgery, inform your doctor or dentist about all products used, including prescription, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products.
- Prochlorperazine may increase sensitivity to sunlight. Limit sun exposure, avoid tanning booths/sunlamps, use sunscreen, and wear protective clothing outdoors. Notify your doctor if sunburned or experiencing skin blisters/redness.
- This medication may reduce sweating, increasing risk of heat stroke. Avoid overheating, especially in hot weather or during activities/exercise. Stay hydrated, dress lightly, and seek cool areas if overheated. Seek medical help for persistent fever, mental/mood changes, headache, or dizziness.
- Children may be more sensitive to side effects, especially uncontrolled movements. Greater risk occurs during illness (e.g., viral infection, dehydration).
- Older adults may be more sensitive to side effects, including low blood pressure, constipation, urinary issues, and nerve/muscle problems.
- During pregnancy, use only if clearly needed. Discuss risks and benefits with your doctor. Babies born to mothers using this drug in the last 3 months of pregnancy may rarely develop symptoms such as muscle stiffness/shakiness, drowsiness, feeding/breathing difficulties, or constant crying. Inform the doctor immediately if these symptoms occur in your newborn within the first month.
- It’s unclear if prochlorperazine passes into breast milk, but similar drugs do. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.