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Prochlorperazine

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Prochlorperazine is used for several different conditions and is therefore available in different forms including tablet, buccal tablet, oral liquid and injection form.
The most common side effects are dizziness, blurred vision and dry mouth.

About prochlorperazine

Type of medicine	Neuroleptics
Used for	Mental illness (such as hearing, seeing or sensing things that are not real, mistaken beliefs and problems dealing with other people). It is also used in lower doses for nausea (feeling sick), vomiting (being sick), dizziness and problems with balance.
Also called	Buccastem® Stemetil®
Available as	Tablet, buccal tablet (dissolve in the mouth), oral liquid and injection form

Prochlorperazine is used to treat mental illness with symptoms such as hearing, seeing or sensing things that are not real, mistaken beliefs and problems dealing with other people. It is also used to treat conditions not associated with mental illness such as nausea (feeling sick), vomiting (being sick), dizziness and problems with balance.

Before taking prochlorperazine

Before taking prochlorperazine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
If you suffer from any heart problems
If you suffer from liver, kidney or breathing problems
If you suffer from Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, depression, myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakening disease), phaeochromocytoma (a growth on the adrenal glands), prostate problems, porphyria (a blood disorder) or glaucoma
If you suffer from postural hypotension (if you become dizzy when getting up from a sitting or lying position)
If you suffer from hypotension (low blood pressure)

How to take prochlorperazine

If you have been supplied the standard 5 mg tablets, take these in the normal way by swallowing them with a glass of water.
If you have been supplied the 3 mg buccal tablets (Buccastem®), the advised dose should be placed high between the upper lip and gum and left to dissolve. Do not use the standard 5mg tablets in this way.
If you are prescribed a regular dose, try to get into the habit of taking this medicine at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses. Prochlorperazine can also be taken as required when treating sickness.
Do not stop taking these tablets without first speaking with your doctor. Your doctor will probably want to reduce the dose you are taking gradually, as stopping treatment suddenly can cause complications.

Getting the most from your treatment

You may have to take this medicine for several weeks before you feel the full effect.

Can prochlorperazine cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine	What can I do if I experience this
Dizziness	Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert. Avoid alcohol; it will increase any feelings of drowsiness
Headache	Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain-killer. If headache continues speak with your doctor.
Dry mouth	Try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking pieces of ice or sugar-free sweets. If this becomes troublesome speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
Constipation	Try to eat a well balanced diet containing plenty of fibre and drink 6-8 glasses of water each day. If constipation continues to be a problem speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
Blurred vision	Make sure that you can see properly before starting any task that may be dangerous if you could not see very well.
Diarrhoea	Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids. If diarrhoea continues to be a problem speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
Shakiness, abnormal face and body movements, restlessness, uncontrollable movements of the tongue face and jaw, drowsiness, mood changes, insomnia (trouble sleeping), confusion, problems urinating (passing water), a fast or thumping heartbeat, changes in menstruation (periods), breast problems, sexual problems, weight gain, skin rashes, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes), purple tint to the skin and eyes.	Speak with your doctor if you suffer from any of these problems.

Important: If you experience 'flu like' symptoms such as stiffness, high temperature, abnormal paleness, leaking bladder and a racing heartbeat contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital immediately.

How to store prochlorperazine

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk

DocID: 1477

DocRef: dils2056

Last Reviewed: 28 Jan 2008

Version: 24

The authors and editors of this article are employed to create accurate and up to date content reflecting reliable research evidence, guidance and best clinical practice. They are free from any commercial conflicts of interest. Find out more about updating.

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