Prochlorperazine rectal

About Prochlorperazine rectal

This belongs to the group of medicines known as neuroleptics.

Prochlorperazine is used to treat mental illness with symptoms such as hearing, seeing or sensing things that are not there, 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.

Prochlorperazine rectal is available suppository form.

It is also sometimes known as: Stemetil. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before using Prochlorperazine rectal

Before using any of this medicine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from liver, kidney, breathing or heart problems
• if you suffer from Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, depression, myasthenia gravis (a muscle weakening disease), prostate problems, porphyria (a blood disorder), phaeochromocytoma (a growth on the adrenal glands) 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)
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines

How to use Prochlorperazine rectal

1. Wash your hands.
2. If the suppository is too soft, it may be chilled in the refrigerator or under cold running water before unwrapping.
3. Remove the wrapping.
4. Lie on your left side (if you are right handed) and draw your knees up towards your chest, with the right leg drawn up more than the left.
5. Gently push the suppository as far as possible into the rectum, pointed end first.
6. Lower your legs and retain the suppository in place. If you feel the suppository must come out immediately, it has not been inserted high enough.
7. You may feel an immediate urge to go to the toilet. Try to ignore this.
8. If the suppository does come out whole, you may insert a second one.
9. Wash your hands.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Use this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Never use more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine contact your doctor or 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.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor. You will probably have to undergo tests during your treatment to ensure the dose you are taking is right for you.
• Prochlorperazine can cause drowsiness, dizziness and blurred vision. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert or able to see properly.
• Alcohol will increase feelings of drowsiness. If you do drink alcohol, drink only in moderation and be aware of its effects on you.
• Before having any surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking prochlorperazine.
• Prochlorperazine can occasionally cause a dry mouth. If you experience this, try sucking sugar-free sweets or chewing sugar-free gum. Alternatively a saliva substitute is available to purchase from your pharmacist. If your mouth becomes too dry speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
• Prochlorperazine can cause some people's skin to become more sensitive to sunlight than it usually is. Try to avoid the sun and sunbeds until you know how your skin reacts or use a suncream higher than factor 15.

Can Prochlorperazine rectal cause problems?

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

Shakiness, abnormal face and body movements, restlessness, uncontrollable movements of the tongue face and jaw, drowsiness, mood changes, insomnia (trouble sleeping), dizziness, headache, confusion, constipation, diarrhoea, tummy ache, a stuffy nose, dry mouth, problems urinating (passing water), blurred vision, 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) or a purple tint to the skin and eyes.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Prochlorperazine rectal

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Prochlorperazine suppositories may be stored in a refrigerator.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 23/09/2002