Prochlorperazine

What is this medication for?

Prochlorperazine is a type of anti-vomiting agent which blocks dopamine (a type of chemical messenger). By blocking dopamine, signals are unable to travel to the vomiting center in the brain. This relieves the sensation of nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting on its own or nausea and vomiting due to other causes such as Meniere's disease or inner ear problems for example vertigo (giddiness).

How should I take or use this medication?

• It is available either as an oral tablet or injection
• Follow the instructions on the medication label and take this medication as prescribed by your doctor
• If your symptoms persist (does not go away) or worsen, seek help from your doctor as soon as possible
• You may take this medication with or without food.

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

Do not take this medication regularly if you are not experiencing any symptoms.

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies
• Medical conditions such as;
  • Heart disease
  • Dementia
  • Liver and kidney disease
  • Seizure (fits)
  • Phaeochromocytoma (tumour on the adrenal gland),
  • Slow movement of digestive system
  • Eye condition (e.g. visual problem)
  • Reye's syndrome (condition that causes the brain and liver swelling)
  • Enlarged prostate, retention of urine
  • Motor/Movement Disorders [e.g. Parkinson, dystonia (uncontrolled involuntary muscle spasms and cramps), akathisia (unable to remain still)]

What are some common side effects of this medication? ​

• Constipation
  • Drink more water (if not fluid restricted), eat more high fibre foods
• Dry mouth
  • Chew sugar-free gum, suck on sugar-free hard candies or ice chips, sip water regularly
• Dry eyes
  • Use a lubricating eye drop
• Blurred vision
• Light-headedness (especially during a sudden change in posture)
  • Get up slowly from sitting or lying down position
• Feeling tired or drowsy
  • Avoid driving or engaging in activities requiring concentration

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately? 

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

Rarely this medication may cause:

• High fever, severe muscle stiffness, confusion, irregular blood pressure (signs and symptoms of neuroleptic malignant syndrome)
• Urinary retention
• Muscle stiffness and spasms (such as in the face, neck and back), difficulty in speaking or swallowing, twitching or upward rolling of eyes (dystonia)
• Oculogyric crisis (sudden, involuntary eye rolling into a fixed position usually upwards)
• Uncontrollable movements (such as in the face, tongue, jaw or other parts of the body) (tardive dyskinesia)
• Fever, sore throat and/or mouth ulcers that do not go away (symptoms of blood dyscrasia)
• Increased prolactin hormone in the blood (hyperprolactinemia)
  • Changes in menstrual cycle in females (irregular or stopping of menstrual periods) and/or
  • Abnormal breast swelling, soreness or secretion (in both men and women)

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately

What food or medication should I avoid when I take or use this medication?

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication as it can worsen the drowsiness side effect

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.

How do I throw away this medication safely? ​

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing it into the rubbish chute or bin.