Prochlorperazine (proe-klor-PER-a-zeen)

Treats severe nausea and vomiting. This medicine is a phenothiazine.

Brand Name(s):

Compro

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Suppository

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Never take rectal suppositories by mouth.
• Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine. Remove the foil or wrapper from the suppository before inserting it.
• If the suppository is too soft to handle, place it in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes or hold it under cold water for a few minutes while it is still in the wrapper.
• To make the suppository easier to insert, you may use a lubricating gel such as K-Y® Jelly, but do not use petroleum jelly (Vaseline®). You may moisten the suppository with cool water.
• Lie on your left side with your left leg straight or slightly bent, and your right knee bent upward. Gently push the pointed end of the suppository into the rectum about 1 inch.
• Keep lying down for about 15 minutes to keep the suppository from coming out before it melts. Then, wash your hands again.
• Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Some medicines can affect how prochlorperazine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
  • Lithium
  • Blood pressure or heart medicine (including guanethidine, propranolol)
  • Blood thinner (including warfarin)
  • A diuretic (water pill)
  • Medicine to treat seizures (including phenytoin)
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.
• Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, heart disease, blood or bone marrow problems, bowel blockage, brain tumor, glaucoma, low blood pressure, pheochromocytoma, Reye syndrome, seizures, or a history of breast cancer.
• This medicine may cause the following problems:
  • Extrapyramidal reaction (a muscle and nerve disorder)
  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (a nerve disorder that could be life-threatening)
  • Tardive dyskinesia (a muscle disorder that could become permanent)
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy, or may cause trouble with thinking or controlling body movements, which may lead to falls, fractures or other injuries. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. You may also feel lightheaded when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position, so stand up slowly.
• This medicine may change how your body regulates temperature. Avoid activities that could cause you to become very cold, hot, or dehydrated.
• This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
• Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.
• Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches
• Fever, sweating, confusion, uneven heartbeat, muscle stiffness
• Jerky muscle movement you cannot control (often in your face, tongue, or jaw)
• Severe sleepiness
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
• Yellow skin or eyes

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Blurred vision
• Mild tiredness or sleepiness
• Restlessness, excitement

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088