The following information is a summary about Compazine. It is not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
PROCHLORPERAZINE - ORAL
(pro-klor-PAIR-uh-zeen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S)
Compazine
USES
This medication is used to control nausea and vomiting or
for certain mental or mood conditions.
HOW TO USE
Take by mouth as directed by your doctor. May be
taken with food or milk to lessen stomach irritation. Do not take
more medication than is prescribed.
SIDE EFFECTS
Constipation, drowsiness, vision changes or dry
mouth may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen,
notify your doctor.
Unlikely to occur but report promptly: restlessness, muscle
stiffness, weakness, difficulty speaking, loss of balance, mask-
like facial expression, trembling or shaking, dizziness, lip
smacking or other uncontrollable movements, difficulty urinating,
skin rash/discoloration.
Very unlikely to occur but report promptly: sore throat,
unusual bleeding or bruising, stomach pain, yellowing of eyes or
skin, dark urine, hot dry skin, vomiting.
Though very unlikely to occur, notify your doctor immediately
if you experience any of the following effects: severe muscle
stiffness, confusion, fever, seizures, irregular/fast heartbeat,
increased sweating, prolonged/painful erection.
In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this
drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic
reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble
breathing.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your
doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially
of: very high or very low blood pressure, liver or heart disease,
Reye's syndrome, alcohol or drug dependencies, nervous system
problems, blood disorders, allergies (especially drug allergies).
Use caution performing tasks that require alertness, such as
driving or using machinery.
Use of alcohol can cause extreme drowsiness. Avoid alcohol
use.
This medication may increase sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid
prolonged sun exposure and wear a sunscreen and protective
clothing when you are exposed to the sun.
This medication can reduce sweating making you more
susceptible to heat stroke. Avoid strenuous work or exercise in
hot weather.
The manufacturer of this drug does not recommend its use
during pregnancy. However, it may be used in certain cases.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Certain drugs closely related to this one (a phenothiazine)
are excreted into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on
a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS
Inform your doctor about all the medications
you may use (both prescription and nonprescription), especially
of: anti-depressant/anti-anxiety drugs, sparfloxacin,
grepafloxacin, guanethidine, guanadrel, metrizamide, cabergoline,
lithium, narcotic pain medications (e.g., codeine), drugs used to
aid sleep, drowsiness-causing antihistamines (e.g.,
diphenhydramine), other medicines that make you drowsy.
Many cough-and-cold products contain ingredients that may add
a drowsiness effect. Before you use cough-and-cold medications,
ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safe use of those
products.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist
approval.
OVERDOSE
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison
control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of
overdose may include restlessness, muscle spasms, tremors,
twitching, deep sleep or loss of consciousness, and seizures.
NOTES
Do not share this medication with others.
MISSED DOSE
If dose is one per day, take the missed dose if you
remember that day. If not remembered until the next day, skip the
missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. If your dose
is more than one per day, take the missed dose if it is within an
hour. If you remember later, skip the missed dose and resume your
usual dosing schedule. In each case do not "double-up" the doses.
STORAGE
Store at room temperature away from moisture and
sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.
