Compazine

Compazine

     * Generic Name: prochlorperazine
     * Brand Name: Compazine


     * What is prochlorperazine (Compazine)?
     * What are the possible side effects of prochlorperazine
       (Compazine)?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       prochlorperazine (Compazine)?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       prochlorperazine (Compazine)?
     * How should I take prochlorperazine (Compazine)?
     * What happens if I miss a dose (Compazine)?
     * What happens if I overdose (Compazine)?
     * What should I avoid while taking prochlorperazine (Compazine)?
     * What other drugs will affect prochlorperazine (Compazine)?
     * Where can I get more information (Compazine)?

What is prochlorperazine (Compazine)?

   Prochlorperazine is an anti-psychotic medicine in a group of drugs
   called phenothiazines (FEEN-oh-THYE-a-zeens). It works by changing the
   actions of chemicals in your brain.

   Prochlorperazine oral (taken by mouth) is used to treat psychotic
   disorders such as schizophrenia. It is also used to treat anxiety,
   and to control severe nausea and vomiting.

   Prochlorperazine may also be used for purposes not listed in this
   medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of prochlorperazine (Compazine)?

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

   Stop taking prochlorperazine and call your doctor at once if you have
   any of these signs of a serious movement disorder:
     * tremors or shaking in your arms or legs;
     * uncontrolled muscle movements in your face (chewing, lip smacking,
       frowning, tongue movement, blinking or eye movement); or
     * any new or unusual muscle movements you cannot control.

   Also call your doctor at once if you have:
     * a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
     * little or no urinating;
     * trouble swallowing, stiffness or muscle spasms in your neck;
     * feeling restless, jittery, or agitated;
     * jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
     * fast or slow heart rate;
     * low white blood cell counts--sudden weakness or ill feeling,
       fever, chills, sore throat, swollen gums, mouth sores, pain
       when swallowing, skin sores, cough, trouble breathing;
     * lupus-like syndrome--joint pain or swelling with fever, swollen
       glands, muscle aches, chest pain, vomiting, unusual thoughts or
       behavior, and patchy skin color; or
     * severe nervous system reaction--very stiff (rigid) muscles, high
       fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors,
       feeling like you might pass out.

   Side effects such as painful or difficult urination, constipation,
   and confusion may be more likely in older adults.

   Common side effects may include:
     * dizziness, drowsiness;
     * blurred vision;
     * itching or rash;
     * missed menstrual periods; or
     * sleep problems (insomnia).

   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.

What is the most important information I should know about prochlorperazine
(Compazine)?

   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 this medicine to a
   child before or after a surgery.

   Prochlorperazine is not approved for use in psychotic conditions
   related to dementia. Prochlorperazine may increase the risk of
   death in older adults with dementia-related conditions.

   Compazine Patient Information including How Should I Take
   Schizophrenia: Types, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

   Schizophrenia Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Take the Schizophrenia Quiz

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
prochlorperazine (Compazine)?

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

   Prochlorperazine is not approved for use in psychotic conditions
   related to dementia. Prochlorperazine may increase the risk of death in
   older adults with dementia-related conditions.

   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.

   Long-term use of prochlorperazine can cause a serious movement disorder
   that may not be reversible. The longer you take prochlorperazine, the
   more likely you are to develop this movement disorder. The risk of this
   side effect is higher in women and older adults.

   To make sure prochlorperazine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you
   have ever had:
     * urination problems;
     * a blockage in your intestines;
     * glaucoma;
     * heart disease;
     * low blood pressure;
     * breast cancer;
     * liver disease;
     * adrenal gland tumor (pheochromocytoma);
     * seizures, or a history of brain tumor;
     * Parkinson's disease; or
     * a serious side effect while using prochlorperazine or another
       phenothiazine.

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

   It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell
   your doctor if you are pregnant.

   Taking antipsychotic medicine in the last 3 months of pregnancy may
   cause problems in the newborn, such as withdrawal symptoms,
   breathing problems, feeding problems, fussiness, tremors, and limp or
   stiff muscles. However, you may have withdrawal symptoms or other
   problems if you stop taking your medicine during pregnancy. If you
   become pregnant, do not stop taking prochlorperazine without your
   doctor's advice.

   Prochlorperazine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby.
   Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take prochlorperazine (Compazine)?

   Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may
   occasionally change your dose. Do not use this medicine in larger or
   smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

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

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

   Compazine Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   Schizophrenia: Types, Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

   Schizophrenia Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Take the Schizophrenia Quiz

What happens if I miss a dose (Compazine)?

   Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if
   it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra
   medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (Compazine)?

   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.

What should I avoid while taking prochlorperazine (Compazine)?

   Drinking alcohol with this medicine can cause side effects.

   This medication may cause drowsiness or blurred vision and may impair
   your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that
   requires you to be alert and able to see clearly. Avoid getting up too
   fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up
   slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall.

What other drugs will affect prochlorperazine (Compazine)?

   Taking prochlorperazine with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow
   your breathing can cause dangerous side effects or death. Ask your
   doctor before taking a sleeping pill, opioid pain medicine,
   prescription cough medicine, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety,
   depression, or seizures.

   Many drugs can interact with prochlorperazine. Not all possible
   interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your current
   medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:
     * lithium;
     * propranolol;
     * a diuretic or "water pill";
     * a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven); or
     * seizure medication.

   This list is not complete and many other drugs can interact with
   prochlorperazine. This includes prescription and over-the-counter
   medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Give a list of all your
   medicines to any healthcare provider who treats you.

Where can I get more information (Compazine)?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about oral
   prochlorperazine.
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