Prochlorperazine Maleate Oral tablet Health Article

Generic name(s):

Prochlorperazine Maleate Oral tablet

Brand name(s):

Compazine, Compazine Spansule, Compro, Prochlorperazine Edisylate, Prochlorperazine Maleate, Procot

What is this medicine?

PROCHLORPERAZINE (proe klor PER a zeen) helps to control severe nausea and vomiting. This medicine is also used to treat schizophrenia. It can also help patients who experience anxiety that is not due to psychological illness.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• blood disorders or disease
• dementia
• liver disease or jaundice
• Parkinson's disease
• uncontrollable movement disorder
• an unusual or allergic reaction to prochlorperazine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly. This can cause nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. Ask your doctor or health care professional for advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• amoxapine
• antidepressants like citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine, and sertraline
• deferoxamine
• dofetilide
• maprotiline
• tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline, clomipramine, imipramine, nortiptyline and others

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• lithium
• medicines for pain
• phenytoin
• propranolol
• warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

This medicine can reduce the response of your body to heat or cold. Try not to get overheated. Avoid temperature extremes, such as saunas, hot tubs, or very hot or cold baths or showers. Dress warmly in cold weather.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.