Prochlorperazine — what it does and when you might need it
Prochlorperazine is a prescription drug used mainly to treat severe nausea and vomiting and, in some cases, to manage agitation or psychotic symptoms. It belongs to the phenothiazine family and works on brain receptors that control nausea and some mood and behavior pathways. People commonly know it by brand names like Compazine.
How it works and common uses
Doctors prescribe prochlorperazine for nausea from migraines, chemotherapy, or other causes. It’s also used short-term for intense anxiety with agitation or for psychosis when other options aren’t suitable. You’ll find it as tablets, suppositories, or injections — the route depends on how sick the person is and how quickly relief is needed.
Typical adult oral doses for nausea are 5–10 mg taken 2–3 times a day. For severe cases, a doctor might give an injection in clinic or hospital. Always follow your prescriber’s directions — doses vary by reason for use, age, and other health issues.
Side effects, warnings, and simple safety tips
Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, and blurred vision. Because it can make you sleepy, avoid driving or heavy machinery until you know how it affects you. Prochlorperazine can also cause movement problems like tremors, stiffness, or sudden muscle spasms (extrapyramidal symptoms). If you get unusual stiffness, difficulty speaking, or twitching, contact your doctor quickly — some reactions need urgent treatment.
Older adults are more sensitive to side effects such as low blood pressure, confusion, and falls. People with Parkinson’s disease, severe heart problems, a history of blood disorders, or a depressed central nervous system should generally avoid it or use it with caution. Don’t combine prochlorperazine with strong sedatives, large amounts of alcohol, or medicines that prolong the QT interval without medical advice — these combinations raise the risk of dangerous heart rhythm problems or extreme drowsiness.
If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, talk with your clinician. The drug can affect newborns if used near delivery and may pass into breast milk. For children, dosing is different and doctors weigh risks carefully before prescribing.
If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it’s almost time for the next dose — don’t double up. Store tablets at room temperature and keep injectable forms at the clinic or pharmacy as instructed. For any severe reaction — high fever, rigid muscles, very fast heartbeat, fainting, yellowing skin, or uncontrollable movements — seek emergency care.
Want alternatives or more personalized advice? Ask your prescriber about safer options for nausea or behavioral symptoms, and always check your current medication list for interactions. A quick pharmacy check can prevent many problems.
