Compazine is a medication primarily used to treat severe nausea and vomiting and to manage symptoms of certain psychiatric disorders. Its active ingredient, prochlorperazine, belongs to a class of drugs known as phenothiazines, which act as antipsychotics and antiemetics. Compazine works by affecting neurotransmitters in the brain to help control nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms.
Product Highlights
Used to control severe nausea and vomiting, particularly when other treatments have not been effective.
Sometimes used to manage symptoms of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, though this is less common.
Key Ingredient
Prochlorperazine
Key Benefits
Provides relief from severe nausea and vomiting.
Helps manage symptoms of certain psychiatric conditions, such as agitation or hallucinations.
Available in multiple forms, including oral tablets, suppositories, and injectables, allowing flexibility in administration.
Direction of Use
Typically, one tablet of either 5 mg or 10 mg should be taken 3 to 4 times daily. Swallow tablets whole with water; they can be taken with or without food.
Administered rectally as directed, usually 3 to 4 times a day or as needed.
Injectable Administered by a healthcare provider, usually in a hospital setting.
Oral or Rectal Dosage: More than 1 day’s therapy is seldom necessary:
Weight
Usual Dosage
Not to Exceed
Under 20 lbs not recommended
-
-
20 to 29 lbs
2½ mg 1 or 2 times a day
7.5 mg per day
30 to 39 lbs
2½ mg 2 or 3 times a day
10 mg per day
40 to 85 lbs
2½ mg 3 times a day or 5 mg 2 times a day
15 mg per day
Safety Concerns
Drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, and blurred vision.
May include extrapyramidal symptoms (such as tremors or muscle rigidity), tardive dyskinesia (involuntary muscle movements), severe allergic reactions, and neuroleptic malignant syndrome (a rare but serious condition characterized by elevated fever, muscle stiffness, and changes in mental status).
Regular monitoring may be required to manage side effects and ensure the medication is working effectively.
Avoid Compazine (Prochlorperazine) If
You are allergic to prochlorperazine or any other phenothiazine medications.
Avoid if you have certain medical conditions such as severe liver disease, bone marrow suppression, or a history of certain neurological disorders.
Consult your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, as prochlorperazine may pose risks to an unborn baby or nursing infant.
Inform your healthcare provider about all other medications you are taking, as prochlorperazine can interact with other drugs, potentially causing adverse effects or altering effectiveness.
