Indications
Comprazine (active ingredient: prochlorperazine) is a prescription medication indicated for the following:
- Nausea and Vomiting: Comprazine is used for the treatment of nausea and vomiting associated with various conditions, including chemotherapy, surgery, and migraine headaches.
- Vertigo: It is also indicated for the management of vertigo associated with diseases affecting the vestibular system.
- Psychiatric Disorders: Comprazine may be prescribed to manage certain psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and generalized anxiety disorder.
Comprazine belongs to a class of drugs known as phenothiazines, which exert their therapeutic effects by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain and inhibiting the action of serotonin, resulting in antiemetic and antipsychotic properties.
Uses and Dosage
Compazine (Prochlorperazine) is available as an oral tablet. It comes in 5 mg doses and is usually taken three or four times a day, with or without food. It is important to follow the dosage instructions provided by your doctor when taking this medication. Do not take more or less than the prescribed amount and do not take it for longer than recommended. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible, but do not take two doses at once.
The recommended dosage of Compazine (prochlorperazine) varies depending on the condition being treated and the patient's response to the medication.
- For severe nausea and vomiting, the recommended dosage is 5 to 10 mg orally every 6 to 8 hours; the maximum dose per day is 40 mg.
- For non-psychotic anxiety, the recommended dose is 5 to 10 mg orally three times a day.
- For psychosis, the recommended dose is 10 to 25 mg orally three times a day.
- For schizophrenia, the recommended dose is 10 to 25 mg orally three times a day.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Prochlorperazine Include:
- Agitation, feeling jittery, trouble sleeping
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth, stuffy nose
- Headache
- Increased appetite
- Itching, rash, redness, or discoloration of the skin
- Nausea
- Weight gain
Serious Side Effects of Prochlorperazine
- Blurred vision
- Increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Jitteriness
- Trouble sleeping
- Impotence, abnormal ejaculation.
Form and Strength
Compazine (Prochlorperazine) is available in the following forms and strengths:
Compazine: Tablet
- 5 mg
Prochlorperazine: Tablet
- 5 mg
- 10 mg
Caution
- If you are allergic to prochlorperazine, chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, perphenazine, promethazine, thioridazine, or trifluoperazine, you should not take this medicine.
- When you stand up quickly from a lying or sitting position, you may experience dizziness, lightheadedness, or even faint. It is recommended to get up slowly as this can help reduce the likelihood of such symptoms. If the problem persists or worsens, it is best to consult your doctor.
- Consult with a doctor before administering prochlorperazine to a child or teenager who has a fever, flu symptoms, vomiting, or diarrhea. Prochlorperazine is not approved for use in people who are younger than 2 years old or who weigh less than 20 pounds.
- Elderly adults with dementia-related psychosis who are treated with prochlorperazine may be at an increased risk of death and Compazine is not approved for this use.
- Prochlorperazine should not be used in comatose states or in the presence of substantial amounts of central nervous system depressants (alcohol, barbiturates, narcotics, etc.). Doing so can lead to an increased risk of serious side effects.
- If signs and symptoms of tardive dyskinesia appear in a patient on antipsychotics, drug discontinuation should be considered. However, some patients may require treatment despite the presence of the syndrome to control their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are there any drug interactions I should be aware of?
Yes, there are drug interactions you should be aware of when taking Compazine. Some medications that may interact with Compazine include MAO inhibitors, levodopa, antifungals, lithium, diuretics, SSRI and SNRI antidepressants, and antihistamines.
Is it safe to take Compazine during pregnancy?
Compazine is classified as a pregnancy category C drug, which means that it has not been studied in pregnant women and may not be safe for use during pregnancy.
What should I do if I experience an allergic reaction to Compazine?
If you experience an allergic reaction to Compazine, you should stop taking the medication and contact your doctor immediately.
How long should I use Compazine?
The length of time you should take Compazine will depend on your condition, the severity of your symptoms, and how well you respond to the medication. Generally, it is recommended that you take Compazine for the shortest amount of time necessary to control your symptoms.
Resources
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-3672/compazine-oral/details
- https://www.rxlist.com/compazine-drug.htm
- https://www.everydayhealth.com/drugs/prochlorperazine
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2005/010571s096lbl.pdf
- https://www.oncolink.org/cancer-treatment/oncolink-rx/prochlorperazine-compazine-r-oral-tablet-im-iv-suppository
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