Compazine

Compazine (Prochlorperazine)

General information

Compazine belongs to a group of medications called phenothiazines. It is used to treat severe nausea and vomiting, schizophrenia, anxiety. The drug blocks or lessens the effects of dopamine, a chemical in the brain. Dopamine may be elevated in people with schizophrenia or anxiety. Compazine is not a cure for schizophrenia or anxiety; it only helps to control symptoms of these conditions. Since dopamine can activate the part of the brain that controls nausea and vomiting, this medication can treat severe nausea and vomiting by lessening the effects of dopamine in the brain.

Directions

Take Compazine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The recommended starting dose for schizophrenia is 5 mg or 10 mg three or four times daily. The recommended dose for severe nausea and vomiting is 5 mg to 10 mg three to four times daily. The usual dose for anxiety is 5 mg three to four times daily. It should not be used at doses higher than 20 mg per day or for longer than 12 weeks. For schizophrenia treatment in children ages 2 to 12, the recommended starting dose is 2.5 mg two or three times daily. It should not be used for nausea and vomiting in pediatric surgery. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

Precautions

Before taking Compazine you should talk with your doctor if you have breathing problems (asthma, or emphysema), glaucoma, enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia), difficulty passing urine, any allergies, heart disease, high blood pressure, liver or kidney disease, Parkinson's disease, infectious disease (chickenpox, measles), breast cancer, low levels of calcium in your blood. Compazine may impair your thinking or reactions. Do not drive or perform tasks that require alertness. Avoid drinking alcohol as it can increase some of the side effects. Compazine should not be used in children younger than two years of age.

Contraindications

Do not use Compazine if you have brain damage, bone marrow depression, or are also using large amounts of alcohol or medicines that make you sleepy. Do not use it if you are allergic to prochlorperazine or other phenothiazines. Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Possible side effect

Get emergency medical help if you have drowsiness, dizziness, menstrual changes, blurred vision, dry mouth, nasal congestion, headaches, nausea, constipation, ejaculation problems, impotence, difficulty passing urine, sensitivity to the sun, increased appetite, weight gain, irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia), low blood pressure (hypotension), high blood sugar (hyperglycemia) or low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice), breast changes (breast enlargement or breast discharge), high fever, stiff muscles, confusion, sweating, unexplained rash, hives, itching, wheezing, difficulty breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor.

Drug interactions

Tell your doctor about all other medications you use, especially: barbiturates (butalbital, phenobarbital, amobarbital), narcotics (morphine, oxycodone), propranolol, seizure medications, blood thinners (warfarin), diuretics, atropine, insulin, incontinence medications, asthma medications or bronchodilators. Interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking.

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose if it is time for your next scheduled dose. Don't take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

If you think you have overdosed the medicine seek emergency medical help at once. The overdose symptoms are nausea, drowsiness, irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia), low blood pressure (hypotension), dry mouth, vomiting.

Storage

Store the medicine at room temperature between 68-77 degrees F (20-25 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Keep all drugs away from reach of children and pets.

Note

The information presented at the site has a general character. Note please this information cannot be used for self-treatment and self diagnosis. You should consult with your doctor or health care adviser regarding any specific instructions of your condition. The information is reliable, but we concede it could contain mistakes. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other damage caused by use of this information on the site and also for consequences of self-treatment.