Brand Names: Compazine

Generic Name: prochlorperazine (oral) (Pronunciation: pro klor PER a zeen)

• What is oral prochlorperazine (Compazine)?
• What are the possible side effects of oral prochlorperazine (Compazine)?
• What is the most important information I should know about oral prochlorperazine (Compazine)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking oral prochlorperazine (Compazine)?
• How should I take oral prochlorperazine (Compazine)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Compazine)?
• What happens if I overdose (Compazine)?
• What should I avoid while taking oral prochlorperazine (Compazine)?
• What other drugs will affect oral prochlorperazine (Compazine)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is oral prochlorperazine (Compazine)?

Prochlorperazine is an anti-psychotic medication in a group of drugs called phenothiazines (FEEN-oh-THYE-a-zeens). It works by changing the actions of chemicals in your brain.

Prochlorperazine is used to treat psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. It is also used to treat anxiety, and to control severe nausea and vomiting.

Prochlorperazine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Prochlorperazine 10 mg-APH

round, yellow, imprinted with INV 276, 10

Prochlorperazine 10 mg-BAR

round, yellow, imprinted with dp, 522

Prochlorperazine 10 mg-MYL

round, orange, imprinted with P2, M

Prochlorperazine 10 mg-TEV

round, yellow, imprinted with COPLEY, 652

Prochlorperazine 5 mg-APH

round, yellow, imprinted with INV 275, 5

Prochlorperazine 5 mg-BAR

round, orange, imprinted with dp, 521

Prochlorperazine 5 mg-MYL

round, orange, imprinted with P1, M

Prochlorperazine 5 mg-PAR

round, yellow, imprinted with TL 113

Prochlorperazine 5 mg-TEV

round, yellow, imprinted with 93, 9643

What are the possible side effects of oral prochlorperazine (Compazine)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using prochlorperazine and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• twitching or uncontrollable movements of your eyes, lips, tongue, face, arms, or legs;
• tremor (uncontrolled shaking), drooling, trouble swallowing, problems with balance or walking;
• feeling restless, jittery, or agitated;
• high fever, stiff muscles, confusion, sweating, fast or uneven heartbeats, rapid breathing;
• feeling like you might pass out;
• seizure (black-out or convulsions);
• decreased night vision, tunnel vision, watery eyes, increased sensitivity to light;
• nausea and stomach pain, skin rash, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, fever, sore throat, flu symptoms;
• urinating less than usual or not at all;
• joint pain or swelling with fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, chest pain, vomiting, unusual thoughts or behavior, and patchy skin color; or
• slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting, slow breathing (breathing may stop).

Less serious side effects may include:

• dizziness, drowsiness, anxiety;
• sleep problems (insomnia), strange dreams;
• dry mouth, stuffy nose;
• blurred vision;
• constipation;
• breast swelling or discharge;
• a missed menstrual period;
• weight gain, swelling in your hands or feet;
• impotence, trouble having an orgasm;
• mild itching or skin rash; or
• headache.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Compazine (prochlorperazine) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about oral prochlorperazine (Compazine)?

Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have twitching or uncontrollable movements of your eyes, lips, tongue, face, arms, or legs. These could be early signs of dangerous side effects.

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.

Before you take prochlorperazine, tell your doctor if you have glaucoma, heart disease or high blood pressure, liver or kidney disease, severe asthma or breathing problems, a history of seizures, adrenal gland tumor, Parkinson's disease, enlarged prostate or urination problems, an infectious disease (such as chickenpox, measles, flu, or central nervous system infection), past or present breast cancer, low levels of calcium in your blood, or if you have ever had a serious side effect while using prochlorperazine or similar medicines.

Before taking prochlorperazine, tell your doctor about all other medications you use.