What is Prochlorperazine: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Prochlorperazine overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Compro, Compro

Generic Names:

  • Prochlorperazine

Uses:

  • Treats severe nausea and vomiting. This medicine is a phenothiazine.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antiemetic, Antipsychotic

Forms:

  • Suppository

How it’s taken:

  • Into the rectum

What is Prochlorperazine used for?

Prochlorperazine comes in the form of a suppository and is used to treat psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. It is also used to treat anxiety, and to control severe nausea and vomiting. You should not use prochlorperazine if you have recently used alcohol, tranquilizers, sedatives or narcotic medications. Common side effects may include dizziness, drowsiness and blurred vision.

What form(s) does Prochlorperazine come in

  • Suppository

What are common Prochlorperazine doses?

  • Box 12 Suppository

Common Prochlorperazine prescriptions

  • Prochlorperazine
    1000 suppository box

  • Prochlorperazine
    12 suppository box

How to take Prochlorperazine

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Rectal routeNever take rectal suppositories by mouth.

  • Rectal routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine. Remove the foil or wrapper from the suppository before inserting it.

  • If the suppository is too soft to handle, place it in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes or hold it under cold water for a few minutes while it is still in the wrapper.

  • Rectal routeTo make the suppository easier to insert, you may use a lubricating gel such as K-Y® Jelly, but do not use petroleum jelly (Vaseline®). You may moisten the suppository with cool water.

  • Rectal routeLie on your left side with your left leg straight or slightly bent, and your right knee bent upward. Gently push the pointed end of the suppository into the rectum about 1 inch.

  • Rectal routeKeep lying down for about 15 minutes to keep the suppository from coming out before it melts. Then, wash your hands again.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Rectal routeTo make the suppository easier to insert, you may use a lubricating gel such as K-Y® Jelly, but do not use petroleum jelly (Vaseline®). You may moisten the suppository with cool water.

  • Rectal routeKeep lying down for about 15 minutes to keep the suppository from coming out before it melts. Then, wash your hands again.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • If the suppository is too soft to handle, place it in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes or hold it under cold water for a few minutes while it is still in the wrapper.

  • Rectal routeWash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine. Remove the foil or wrapper from the suppository before inserting it.

  • Rectal routeLie on your left side with your left leg straight or slightly bent, and your right knee bent upward. Gently push the pointed end of the suppository into the rectum about 1 inch.

  • Rectal routeNever take rectal suppositories by mouth.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

What to do if you miss a dose of Prochlorperazine

Prochlorperazine contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to prochlorperazine or another phenothiazine medicine.

Prochlorperazine warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have liver disease, heart disease, blood or bone marrow problems, bowel blockage, brain tumor, glaucoma, low blood pressure, pheochromocytoma, Reye syndrome, seizures, or a history of breast cancer.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Extrapyramidal reaction (a muscle and nerve disorder)Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (a nerve disorder that could be life-threatening)Tardive dyskinesia (a muscle disorder that could become permanent)

  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy, or may cause trouble with thinking or controlling body movements, which may lead to falls, fractures or other injuries. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. You may also feel lightheaded when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position, so stand up slowly.

  • This medicine may change how your body regulates temperature. Avoid activities that could cause you to become very cold, hot, or dehydrated.

  • This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Prochlorperazine interactions

  • Some medicines can affect how prochlorperazine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:LithiumBlood pressure or heart medicine (including guanethidine, propranolol)Blood thinner (including warfarin)A diuretic (water pill)Medicine to treat seizures (including phenytoin)

  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

  • Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine if you have a myelography (type of spinal x-ray).

  • If this medicine is being used by a child and the child becomes nervous and overly excited, do not give any more medicine.

  • This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often. Tell your doctor if you have bone marrow problems or if you have ever had a blood disorder, such as low blood cell counts.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Prochlorperazine side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Yellow skin or eyes

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting

  • Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches

  • Fever, sweating, confusion, uneven heartbeat, muscle stiffness

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

  • Severe sleepiness

  • Jerky muscle movement you cannot control (often in your face, tongue, or jaw)

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Mild tiredness or sleepiness

  • Blurred vision

  • Restlessness, excitement

  • Restlessness, excitement

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