Prochlorperazine (oral/injection)

Prochlorperazine is a phenothiazine (FEEN-oh-THYE-a-zeen) antipsychotic medicine that treats anxiety or schizophrenia.

Prochlorperazine is also used to manage severe nausea and vomiting.

Prochlorperazine may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

You should not use prochlorperazine if you have recently used alcohol, sedatives, tranquilizers, or narcotic medications.

Prochlorperazine is not approved for use by anyone younger than 2 years old or weighing less than 20 pounds. Do not give prochlorperazine to a child before or after surgery.

Prochlorperazine is not approved for use in older adults with dementia-related psychosis.

Call your doctor right away if you have uncontrollable movements of your eyes, lips, tongue, face, arms, or legs. These could be early signs of serious side effects.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to prochlorperazine or other phenothiazines (such as chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, perphenazine, promethazine, thioridazine, or trifluoperazine).

Do not use prochlorperazine if you have recently used large amounts of alcohol or medicine that makes you sleepy.

Prochlorperazine is not approved for use by anyone younger than 2 years old or weighing less than 20 pounds. Talk with your doctor before giving prochlorperazine to a child or teenager with a fever, flu symptoms, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Do not give this medicine to a child before or after a surgery.

Prochlorperazine may increase the risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis and is not approved for this use.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart disease;
• seizures, or a brain tumor;
• low white blood cell (WBC) counts;
• glaucoma;
• pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland);
• low blood pressure;
• breast cancer; or
• chemotherapy.

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

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or you get pregnant. Taking antipsychotic medication during the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause breathing problems, feeding problems, or withdrawal symptoms in the newborn.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

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

High doses or long-term use of prochlorperazine can cause a serious movement disorder that may not be reversible. The longer you use prochlorperazine, the more likely you are to develop this disorder, especially if you are a woman or an older adult.

Prochlorperazine may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• uncontrolled muscle movements in your arms and legs, or your face (chewing, lip smacking, frowning, tongue movement, blinking or eye movement);
• trouble speaking or swallowing, stiffness or muscle spasms in your neck;
• tremors, or any new or unusual muscle movements you cannot control;
• extreme drowsiness or light-headed feeling (like you might pass out);
• little or no urination;
• agitation, restlessness;
• severe constipation, stomach pain, bloating;
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• low blood cell counts--fever, chills, sore throat, cough, trouble breathing, mouth sores, skin sores, pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding;
• lupus-like symptoms--muscle or joint pain, flu symptoms, chest pain, and a rash or patchy skin color that worsens in sunlight; or
• severe nervous system reaction--very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats.

Side effects such as dry mouth, constipation, confusion, and tremors may be more likely in older adults.

Common side effects of prochlorperazine may include:

• headache, dizziness, drowsiness;
• dry mouth, stuffy nose;
• nausea, constipation;
• increased appetite, weight gain;
• blurred vision;
• agitation, feeling jittery, trouble sleeping;
• skin redness, itching, or rash;
• missed menstrual periods; or
• impotence, abnormal ejaculation.

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.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Prochlorperazine oral is taken by mouth.

Prochlorperazine doses are based on weight in children. Your child's dose needs may change if the child gains or loses weight.

Prochlorperazine injection is injected into a muscle or as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

After receiving a prochlorperazine injection, you may need to remain lying down for at least 30 minutes. You may feel light-headed when you first stand up.

If you use prochlorperazine long-term, you may need frequent medical tests.

Do not stop using prochlorperazine suddenly after long-term use, or you could have unpleasant symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or tremors. Ask your doctor how to safely stop using prochlorperazine.

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

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose can cause severe drowsiness, irregular heartbeats, agitation, seizure, or fainting.

Drinking alcohol with prochlorperazine can cause side effects.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. This medicine may cause dizziness or blurred vision and may impair your reactions. Dizziness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.

Prochlorperazine could make you sunburn more easily. Avoid sunlight or tanning beds. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

Using prochlorperazine with other medications that cause drowsiness or slow your breathing can lead to serious side effects. Consult your doctor before taking opioid medications, sleeping pills, muscle relaxants, or medications for anxiety or seizures.

Inform your doctor about all the medicines you are currently taking. Many medications can interact with prochlorperazine, especially:

• lithium;
• propranolol;
• a diuretic or "water pill";
• a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven); or
• seizure medication.

This list is not exhaustive, and many other drugs may also interact with prochlorperazine. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are mentioned here.