Studies have shown that older adults with dementia (a brain disorder that affects the ability to remember, think clearly, communicate, and perform daily activities and that may cause changes in mood and personality) who take antipsychotics (medications for mental illness) such as prochlorperazine have an increased chance of death during treatment.
Prochlorperazine is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of behavior problems in older adults with dementia. Talk to the doctor who prescribed this medication if you, a family member, or someone you care for has dementia and is taking prochlorperazine. For more information, visit the FDA website: http://www.fda.gov/Drugs
Prochlorperazine suppositories and tablets are used to control severe nausea and vomiting. Prochlorperazine tablets are also used to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia (a mental illness that causes disturbed or unusual thinking, loss of interest in life, and strong or inappropriate emotions). Prochlorperazine tablets are also used on a short-term basis to treat anxiety that could not be controlled by other medications. Prochlorperazine should not be used to treat any condition in children who are younger than 2 years old or who weigh less than 20 pounds (about 9 kilograms). Prochlorperazine is in a class of medications called conventional antipsychotics. It works by decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain.
Prochlorperazine comes as a tablet to take by mouth and as a suppository to place in the rectum. Prochlorperazine tablets are usually taken three to four times a day by adults and are usually given to children one to three times a day. Prochlorperazine suppositories are usually inserted twice a day. Use prochlorperazine at around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use prochlorperazine exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
Your doctor may start you on a low dose of prochlorperazine and gradually increase your dose, not more often than once every 2-3 days.
If you are using prochlorperazine to treat schizophrenia, prochlorperazine may help control your symptoms but will not cure your condition. Continue to use prochlorperazine even if you feel well. Do not stop using prochlorperazine without talking to your doctor. If you suddenly stop using prochlorperazine, you may experience withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and shakiness.
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
If the suppository is soft, hold it under cool water or place it in the refrigerator for a few minutes to harden it before removing the wrapper.
Remove the wrapper, if present.
If you were told to use half of the suppository, cut it lengthwise with a clean, sharp blade.
Put on a finger cot or disposable glove, if desired (available at a pharmacy).
Lubricate the suppository tip with a water-soluble lubricant such as K-Y Jelly, not petroleum jelly (Vaseline). If you do not have this lubricant, moisten your rectal area with cool tap water.
Lie on your side with your lower leg straightened out and your upper leg bent forward toward your stomach.
Lift upper buttock to expose the rectal area.
Insert the suppository, pointed end first, with your finger until it passes the muscular sphincter of the rectum, about 1/2 to 1 inch (1.25 to 2.5 centimeters) in infants and 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) in adults. If not inserted past this sphincter, the suppository may pop out.
Hold buttocks together for a few seconds.
Remain lying down for about 15 minutes to avoid having the suppository come out.
Try to avoid having a bowel movement for about an hour so that the medication in the suppository can be absorbed into the body.
Discard used materials and wash your hands thoroughly.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
drowsiness
dizziness
blurred vision
dry mouth
stuffed nose
headache
nausea
constipation
difficulty urinating
widening or narrowing of the pupils (black circles in the center of the eyes)
increased appetite
weight gain
agitation
jitteriness
difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
blank facial expression
drooling
uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
shuffling walk
breast enlargement
breast milk production
missed menstrual periods
decreased sexual ability in men
fever
muscle stiffness
confusion
fast or irregular heartbeat
sweating
yellowing of the skin or eyes
flu-like symptoms
sore throat, chills, and other signs of infection
neck cramps
tongue that sticks out of the mouth
tightness in the throat
difficulty breathing or swallowing
fine, worm-like tongue movements
uncontrollable, rhythmic face, mouth, or jaw movements
seizures
rash
hives
itching
swelling of the eyes, face, mouth, lips, tongue, throat, arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
vision loss, especially at night
seeing everything with a brown tint
coma (loss of consciousness for a period of time)
erection that lasts for hours
Prochlorperazine may cause other side effects. Tell your doctor if you have any unusual problems while you are taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store prochlorperazine suppositories in their wrappers; do not unwrap a suppository until just before you insert it. Store the medication at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
agitation
jitteriness
difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
blank facial expression
drooling
uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body
shuffling walk
sleepiness
coma (loss of consciousness for a period of time)
seizures
irregular heartbeat
fever
dry mouth
constipation
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory technician that you are taking prochlorperazine.
Prochlorperazine may interfere with the results of home pregnancy tests. Talk to your doctor if you think you might be pregnant during your treatment with prochlorperazine. Do not try to test for pregnancy at home.
Do not let anyone else take or use your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Last Revised - 05/16/2012
AHFS® Consumer Medication Information. © Copyright, 2012. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., 7272 Wisconsin Avenue, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.