Prochlorperazine
Introduction To Prochlorperazine
Prochlorperazine is used in the treatment of nausea and vomiting caused by various conditions. It is also used to treat vertigo (dizziness) due to ear problems (Meniere’s syndrome). This medicine is also used in mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and short-term anxiety.
Prochlorperazine is given by your doctor or nurse. The dose you are given will depend on your condition and how you respond to the medicine. You should take this medicine until your doctor tells you to stop. Let your doctor know about all other medications you are taking as some may affect, or be affected by this medicine.
The most common side effect is orthostatic hypotension (sudden lowering of blood pressure on standing). This is temporary and usually resolves with time. Contact your doctor straight away if you are at all concerned about these side effects. It may also cause drowsiness, so do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medicine as it can worsen your sleepiness.
Before taking this medicine you should let your doctor know if you have jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), epilepsy, muscle weakness (myasthenia gravis), an underactive thyroid gland, increased pressure in the eye (glaucoma), enlarged prostate gland, liver, kidney, and heart problems. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their doctor. Inform the doctor if you have ever abused alcohol.
Uses of Prochlorperazine
- Treatment of Anxiety
- Treatment of Nausea
- Treatment of Vomiting
- Treatment of Migraine
- Treatment of Vertigo
- Treatment of Short term anxiety
Benefits of Prochlorperazine
Treatment of Anxiety
Prochlorperazine reduces the symptoms of excessive anxiety and worry. It can also
reduce feelings of restlessness, tiredness, difficulty concentrating, and
feeling irritable. It will therefore help you go about your daily activities
more easily and be more productive. Keep taking this medicine even if you feel
well. Stopping it suddenly can cause serious problems. So, do not stop taking
it without discussing it with your doctor.
Treatment of Nausea
Prochlorperazine blocks the action of chemicals in the body that can make you feel
or be sick. It is often used to prevent nausea and vomiting that may be caused
due to some medicines and it is also effective in treating nausea/vomiting
after an operation (in adults only). The dose will be decided by your doctor
and you must always take this medicine as it is prescribed.
Treatment of Migraine
Prochlorperazine helps treat and prevent migraine headaches. It changes the
electrical activity in the brain, blocks chemicals responsible for pain
sensation and also blocks signals that cause nausea/vomiting associated with
migraines. By preventing and reducing the frequency of migraine headaches, it
can help you carry out your daily activities and have a better quality of
life.
Treatment of Vertigo
Vertigo means a spinning sensation or dizziness that is triggered due to
frequent movement or in people suffering from Meniere’s disease. It can happen
due to many reasons but it may also occur without any underlying disease.
Prochlorperazine helps treat this sensation effectively. If you feel dizzy while
getting up from the bed, sit for a while and then rise slowly to avoid having
an accidental fall.
Treatment of Short term anxiety
Prochlorperazine reduces the symptoms of excessive anxiety and worry that are
triggered only at the time of stressful conditions that last for a shorter
duration. These could be job interviews, exams, stage performances, etc. It
can effectively manage feelings of restlessness, tiredness, difficulty
concentrating, and feeling irritable. Prochlorperazine will therefore help you go
about your daily activities more easily and be more productive.
Side effects of Prochlorperazine
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Nausetil
- Drowsiness
- Orthostatic hypotension (sudden lowering of blood pressure on standing)
How to use Prochlorperazine
Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.
How Prochlorperazine works
Prochlorperazine is a dopamine antagonist. It has an antipsychotic effect by blocking the action of dopamine, a chemical messenger in the brain that affects thoughts and mood. Dopamine also controls the region in the brain that causes nausea and vomiting. Therefore, Prochlorperazine also shows an antiemetic action.
Quick tips
- Prochlorperazine is used for the prevention and treatment of nausea and vomiting.
- It may also be used to treat dizziness associated with problems of the inner ear such as Meniere’s Syndrome.
- It may cause sleepiness. Don't drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how it affects you.
- To lower the chance of feeling dizzy or passing out, rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down.
- Avoid consuming alcohol when taking the Prochlorperazine as it may cause excessive drowsiness.
- It makes you more likely to get heatstroke. Avoid heavy exercising and drink plenty of fluids.
- It can cause your skin to be more sensitive to sunlight. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight while having this medicine.
Safety Advice
PregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Prochlorperazine if I’m pregnant?
Information regarding the use of Prochlorperazine during pregnancy is not available. Please consult your doctor.
BreastfeedingCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Prochlorperazine if I’m breastfeeding?
Prochlorperazine is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby. Occasional short-term use of Prochlorperazine for the treatment of nausea and vomiting poses little risk to the breastfed infant.
AlcoholUNSAFE
Is drinking alcohol while taking Prochlorperazine safe?
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Prochlorperazine.
DrivingUNSAFE
Can I drive after taking Prochlorperazine?
Prochlorperazine may decrease alertness, affect your vision or make you feel sleepy and dizzy. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
KidneyCAUTION
Can I take Prochlorperazine if I have/had kidney diseases?
Prochlorperazine should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Prochlorperazine may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
LiverCAUTION
Can I take Prochlorperazine if I have/had liver diseases?
Prochlorperazine should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Prochlorperazine may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How does Prochlorperazine work?
Prochlorperazine is used to treat mental disorders like schizophrenia. It is also used to treat and prevent nausea, and vomiting.It may be used to treat anxiety (short-term) in certain cases where other anti-anxiety drugs have been ineffective. It is also used to treat nausea, vomiting, dizziness or spinning sensations (vertigo) due to Meniere's disease.It belongs to a class of medication call phenothiazines. It acts on the central nervous system by blocking certain receptors thus producing an anti-psychotic and anti-vomiting effect
Q. Does Prochlorperazine expire?
Yes, Prochlorperazine does expire. Please check the expiry date written on the pack and it refers to the last day of that month. Do not use Prochlorperazine after the expiry date.
Q. Is Prochlorperazine available over the counter?
Prochlorperazine is not available over the counter. It is available only on prescription from the doctor
Q. Is Prochlorperazine safe to use?
Prochlorperazine is safe to use for a prescribed duration in the dose as advised by a doctor.
Q. How long can I take Prochlorperazine for?
Prochlorperazine should only be taken for the duration as advised by the doctor for your condition.
Q. Is Prochlorperazine addictive?
Prochlorperazine is not known to have any addictive potential. Please consult your doctor in case you have any other query regarding the same.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
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