In this Article

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

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using rectal prochlorperazine (Compro)?

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), promethazine (Adgan, Pentazine, Phenergan), and others.

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before you use 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;
• a bone marrow disease;
• an infectious disease such as chickenpox, measles, stomach flu, or an infection of the central nervous system;
• past or present breast cancer; or
• low levels of calcium in your blood (hypocalcemia).

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

It is not known whether prochlorperazine will harm an unborn baby. Prochlorperazine may cause side effects in a newborn if the mother uses the medication during pregnancy. Before using this medication, tell your doctor if you are pregnant.

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.

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

How should I use rectal prochlorperazine (Compro)?

Use this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Do not take rectal prochlorperazine by mouth.

Remove the outer wrapper from the suppository before inserting it. Avoid handling the suppository too long or it will melt in your hands. You may wet the suppository with a small amount of water to make it easier to insert. Gently insert the suppository into the rectum, pointed tip first. The suppository will begin to melt once inserted.

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 using 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. Talk to your doctor about how to avoid withdrawal symptoms.

Store prochlorperazine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.