Compazine

Prochlorperazine Maleate Drug Information

• Compazine Overview

  Compazine is used to treat severe nausea and vomiting from certain causes (for example, after surgery or cancer treatment). Prochlorperazine belongs to a class of drugs known as phenothiazines. Compazine is not recommended for use in children younger than 2 years or in children going through surgery.

• Compazine Warnings

  There may be a slightly increased risk of serious, possibly fatal side effects (such as heart failure, fast/irregular heartbeat, pneumonia) when Compazine is used by older adults with dementia. Compazine is not approved for the treatment of dementia-related behavior problems. Discuss the risks and benefits of Compazine with the doctor.

• How to Use Compazine

  Take Compazine by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 3 to 4 times daily. The Dosage of Compazine is based on your age, medical condition, and response to treatment. In children, the dosage may also be based on weight. Do not increase your dose or take Compazine more often than directed. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

• Compazine Precautions

  Before taking prochlorperazine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other phenothiazines (such as chlorpromazine); or if you have any other allergies. Compazine may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Compazine, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,breathing problems (such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD), blood/immune system disorders (such as bone marrow depression), high pressure in the eye (glaucoma), heart disease (such as irregular heartbeat), liver disease, kidney disease, certain brain disorders (such as Reye's syndrome, seizures), stomach/intestine problems (such as blockage), difficulty urinating (for example, due to enlarged prostate), pheochromocytoma. Compazine may make you dizzy or drowsy or blur your vision. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Compazine may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness. Compazine may make you sweat less, making you more likely to get heat stroke. Avoid doing things that may cause you to overheat, such as hard work or exercise in hot weather, or using hot tubs. When the weather is hot, drink a lot of fluids and dress lightly. If you overheat, quickly look for a place to cool down and rest. Get medical help right away if you have a fever that does not go away, mental/mood changes, headache, or dizziness. Children with short-term illnesses (such as a viral infection, dehydration) may be more sensitive to the side effects of Compazine, especially nerve/muscle problems. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of Compazine, especially low blood pressure, constipation, urinary problems, and nerve/muscle problems. During pregnancy, Compazine should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Babies born to mothers who have used Compazine during the last 3 months of pregnancy may rarely develop symptoms including muscle stiffness or shakiness, drowsiness, feeding/breathing difficulties, or constant crying. If you notice any of these symptoms in your newborn anytime during their first month, tell the doctor right away. It is unknown if prochlorperazine passes into breast milk. However, similar drugs pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

• Compazine Misdose

  If you miss a dose of Compazine, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Compazine Interactions

  Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.cabergoline, dofetilide, metoclopramide. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine). Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely. Compazine may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including phenylketonuria, certain pregnancy tests), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use Compazine.

• Compazine Side Effects

  What are Compazine side effects?

  Side effects are physical, mental or emotional symptoms which occur in addition to or outside of the desired effect of a therapeutic treatment such as an over-the-counter or prescribed drug or medication. Side effects from Compazine may occur at the beginning or at the end of treatment and may also depend on the length of time an individual remains on the treatment. Side effects, also known as adverse effects, are generally more likely to occur when starting treatment. Individuals may also experience side effects from Compazine as a result of an interaction with other medications.

  Side Effects of Compazine

  The side effects of Compazine may vary in number and intensity for many different reasons. Factors such as age, weight, gender and ethnicity may influence the side effects of Compazine. Also, an individual’s state of general physical health and seriousness of the disease or illness as well as an increase or decrease in dosage may lead to side effects. Further, side effects from Compazine may also occur as a result of an interaction with certain herbal supplements, foods or drinks.

  Prescription drug side effects can be serious and may cause patients to stop the treatment. However, when side effects from the use of a prescription drug, such as Compazine, do occur a patient should consult their physician. A physician may prescribe an additional treatment in order to control the symptoms or an adjustment in the dosage may be made. In addition, changes to diet, exercise or other lifestyle activities may help to lessen the side effects of Compazine.

  By understanding side effects and the factors which may influence the occurrence of side effects patients are empowered to take an active role in their care. Patients who have specific questions about the side effects of Compazine, or any other medication, should contact their physician. General information about Compazine and the side effects associated with Compazine are described in the following:

  Common Compazine Side Effects

  Severe

  • tardive dyskinesia
  • extrapyramidal disease
  • pigmentary retinopathy
  • blurred vision
  • hypotension
  • syncope
  • akathisia

  Less Severe

  • orthostatic hypotension
  • nasal congestion
  • sialorrhea
  • xerostomia
  • constipation
  • decreased sweating
  • drowsy
  • dizziness

  Less Frequent Compazine Side Effects

  Severe

  • skin photosensitivity
  • contact dermatitis
  • dysuria

  Less Severe

  • abnormal sexual function
  • galactorrhea not associated with childbirth
  • mastalgia
  • breast engorgement
  • irregular menstrual periods
  • weight gain

  Rare or Very Rare Compazine Side Effects

  Severe

  • agranulocytosis
  • neuroleptic malignant syndrome
  • visual changes
  • torsades de pointes
  • prolonged QT interval
  • obstructive hyperbilirubinemia
  • priapism
  • melanosis
  • seizure disorder
  • hypothermia
  • heat stroke
  • neutropenic disorder
  • leukopenia

  Less Severe

  • photophobia
  • fever

• Compazine Storage

  Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Compazine when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.