Prochlorperazine (rectal)

Prochlorperazine (rectal) is used to manage severe nausea and vomiting in adults.

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 opioid medication.

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

Do not give prochlorperazine to a child younger than 2 years old or weighing less than 20 pounds.

You should not use prochlorperazine if you are allergic to it, or if you have recently used alcohol, sedatives, tranquilizers, or opioid medication.

Do not give this medicine to a child younger than 2 years old or weighing less than 20 pounds. Talk with your doctor before giving this medicine to a child of any age who has been sick with a fever or flu symptoms.

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;
• cancer;
• bone marrow suppression;
• an infectious disease such as chickenpox, measles, stomach flu, or an infection of the central nervous system;
• an enlarged prostate or urination problems;
• a seizure;
• glaucoma; or
• pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland).

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. Using prochlorperazine (rectal) in 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; difficulty 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 diabetic or an older adult.

Prochlorperazine may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• uncontrolled muscle movements in your arms, legs, or face (chewing, lip smacking, frowning, tongue movement, blinking or eye movement);
• a light-headed feeling, like you might faint;
• agitation;
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting, slow breathing;
• fever, chills, sore throat, mouth sores;
• new or worsening symptoms of lupus--joint pain, and a skin rash on your cheeks or arms that worsens in sunlight; or
• severe nervous system reaction--very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, feeling like you might faint.

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

Common side effects of prochlorperazine may include:

• dizziness, drowsiness;
• feeling restless or jittery;
• blurred vision;
• constipation;
• breast swelling or discharge, a missed menstrual period;
• sleep problems (insomnia); or
• swelling in your hands or feet.

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 the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Do not take a rectal suppository by mouth. It is for use only in your rectum.

Wash your hands before and after inserting the suppository.

Remove the wrapper before inserting the suppository. Avoid handling the suppository too long or it will melt. Lie on your back with your knees up toward your chest. Gently insert the suppository into your rectum about 1 inch, pointed tip first.

Stay lying down for a few minutes while the suppository melts. You should feel little or no discomfort. Avoid using the bathroom for at least an hour.

Try to empty your bowel and bladder just before using the prochlorperazine suppository.

If you need surgery or a medical procedure, tell the doctor you currently use prochlorperazine.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Use the medicine as soon as possible, but skip the missed dose if it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at the same time.

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

An overdose can cause dry mouth, constipation, bloating or stomach cramps, extreme drowsiness or feeling restless and agitated, changes in heart rate, fever, and fainting.

Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how prochlorperazine will affect you. Dizziness or drowsiness can lead to falls, accidents, or severe injuries.

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

Drinking alcohol with this medicine can lead to side effects.

Using prochlorperazine with other drugs that slow your breathing can cause serious side effects or death. Talk to your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Many drugs can affect prochlorperazine. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are mentioned here. Inform your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you begin or stop using.