Compazine (Prochlorperazine) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 26, 2012

Compazine

Nausea and Vomiting »

Nausea and vomiting facts

Nausea and vomiting are symptoms of a disease or condition. The underlying cause of the illness causing nausea and vomiting should be identified and treated.
Nausea and vomiting symptom control is important both for comfort's sake and to prevent dehydration.
Dehydration can worsen nausea and vomiting.
Medication may be available to control symptoms of nausea and vomiting.

Introduction to nausea and vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are symptoms of an underlying illness and not a specific disease. Nausea is the sensation that the stomach wants to empty itself, while vomiting (emesis) or throwing up, is the act of forcible emptying of the stomach. The term "dry heaves" refers to an episode of vomiting where there is no food in the stomach to vomit, and only clear secretions are vomited.

Vomiting is a violent act in which the stomach almost...

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Compazine

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Please Note: This Brand Name drug is no longer available in the US.
(Generic versions may still be available.)

Compazine Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking oral prochlorperazine (Compazine)?

Prochlorperazine is not for use in psychotic conditions related to dementia. Prochlorperazine may cause heart failure, sudden death, or pneumonia in older adults with dementia-related conditions.

Do not use prochlorperazine if you have brain damage, bone marrow depression, or are also using large amounts of alcohol or medicines that make you sleepy. Do not use if you are allergic to prochlorperazine or other phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), fluphenazine (Permitil), perphenazine (Trilafon), promethazine (Adgan, Pentazine, Phenergan), thioridazine (Mellaril), or trifluoperazine (Stelazine).

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before you take prochlorperazine, tell your doctor if you have:

glaucoma;
heart disease or high blood pressure;
liver or kidney disease;
severe asthma, emphysema, or other breathing problem;
a history of seizures;
adrenal gland tumor (pheochromocytoma);
Parkinson's disease;
an enlarged prostate or urination problems;
an infectious disease such as chickenpox, measles, stomach flu, or an infection of the central nervous system;
past or present breast cancer;
low levels of calcium in your blood (hypocalcemia); or
if you have ever had a serious side effect while using prochlorperazine or another phenothiazine.

Tell your doctor if you will be exposed to extreme heat or cold, or to insecticide poisons while you are taking prochlorperazine.

It is not known whether prochlorperazine will harm an unborn baby. Prochlorperazine may cause side effects in a newborn if the mother takes the medication during pregnancy. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant while taking prochlorperazine.

Prochlorperazine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from this medication.

Prochlorperazine is not for use in children younger than 2 years old or weighing less than 20 pounds. Talk with your doctor before giving this medication to a child who has been ill with a fever or flu symptoms.

How should I take oral prochlorperazine (Compazine)?

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using prochlorperazine.

If you need to have an x-ray or CT scan of your spinal column using a dye that is injected into a vein, you may need to temporarily stop taking prochlorperazine. Be sure the doctor knows ahead of time that you are using this medication.

Do not stop using prochlorperazine suddenly after long-term use, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or feeling shaky. Talk to your doctor about how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when you stop using prochlorperazine.

Store prochlorperazine at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

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