Indications 

Compazine is a prescription medication that alleviates severe nausea and vomiting from certain causes such as post-chemotherapy, post-radiation therapy, pre-and post-operative setting, and other conditions. 

Compazine is also used to manage symptoms associated with schizophrenia and has demonstrated efficacy as a short-term treatment option for generalized non-psychotic anxiety. 

Prochlorperazine is the active ingredient of Compazine and is categorized as an anti-emetic and antipsychotic agent. It works by blocking the action of a chemical called dopamine in the brain.  

This mechanism controls nausea and vomiting, mitigates anxiety, and alleviates manifestations of schizophrenia, such as delusions and hallucinations. 

Uses and Dosage 

Before using Compazine and with each subsequent refill, thoroughly review its patient information leaflet and medication guide. For questions and clarifications, seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional. 

Use Compazine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not administer in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. 

Compazine’s dosage and length of intake vary per individual based on their medical condition and response treatment. For children, age and weight are also considered.   

This medication is usually given at the lowest dose and gradually titrated upward, not more than once every 2-3 days.  

Compazine is orally administered and can be taken with or without food. The typical dosing frequency for adults is three to four times per day, whereas pediatric patients are typically prescribed once to three times daily. 

For optimal results, continue the entire course of the prescription. Do not stop intake without a doctor’s advice to prevent withdrawal symptoms from occurring.  

Side Effects 

The following potential side effects associated with Compazine use are provided for reference. Should any of these side effects last or worsen, promptly notify your physician. 

Common Side Effects 

• Drowsiness 
• Dizziness 
• Lightheadedness 
• Blurred vision 
• Constipation 
• Dry mouth  

Serious Side Effects  

• Seizures 
• Persistent nausea/vomiting 
• Alterations in mental/mood state (such as restlessness or agitation) 
• Uncontrollable and abnormal movements (such as neck twisting, tongue movements, muscle spasms, or fixed upward stare) 
• Tremors 
• Difficulty urinating 
• Tenderness or enlargement of the breasts 
• Atypical breast milk production 
• Weakness 
• Easy bruising/bleeding 
• Indications of infection (such as a persistent sore throat or fever) 
• Intense abdominal/stomach pain 
• Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes or skin) 

Get medical help immediately if any of the above serious side effects are experienced. 

Although rare, Compazine may cause neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) (a life-threatening idiosyncratic reaction to antipsychotic drugs). Seek immediate medical assistance if you experience any of the following symptoms: 

• Fever 
• Muscle rigidity, pain, tenderness, or weakness 
• Severe fatigue 
• Confusion 
• Sweating 
• Irregular or rapid heart rate 
• Dark urine or signs of renal dysfunction (e.g., changes in urine volume) 

Allergic Reactions 

Severe allergic response to Compazine is uncommon. However, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately if any of the following symptoms are present: 

• Hives 
• Severe dizziness 
• Respiratory distress 
• Facial, lip, tongue, or throat swelling 

The list of side effects above is not a complete list of side effects of Compazine. If you experience unlisted side effects, seek the advice of a healthcare professional. 

Cautions 

Before taking Compazine, inform your healthcare provider or pharmacist of any known allergies, especially with prochlorperazine. This medication may contain inactive ingredients that may also trigger allergic reactions or other issues. Consult with your pharmacist for additional information. 

To avoid drug interactions, tell your physician and pharmacist about any current prescription/nonprescription medications, supplements, and herbal products you are presently taking or intend to take.  

Your physician may need to modify the dosages of your medications or closely monitor you for any potential side effects if you are taking any of the following medications: 

• Anticoagulants (‘blood thinners’) like warfarin (Coumadin) 
• Antidepressants 
• Antihistamines 
• Atropine (found in Motofen, Lomotil, Lonox) 
• Barbiturates such as Nembutal (pentobarbital), Luminal (phenobarbital), and Seconal (secobarbital) 
• Diuretics (‘water pills’) 
• Epinephrine (Epipen) 
• Guanethidine (not available in the US) 
• Ipratropium (Atrovent) 
• Lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid) 
• Pharmaceuticals prescribed for the treatment of anxiety, irritable bowel disease, mental disorders, Parkinson’s disease, motion sickness, ulcerative conditions, or urinary problems. 
• Seizures medicatoion such as phenytoin (Dilantin) 
• Narcotic medications for pain 
• Propranolol (Inderal) 
• Sedatives 
• Sleeping pills 
• Tranquilizers 

Disclose your medical history to your doctor, specifically if you have experienced any of the following: 

• Breathing difficulties (such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease – COPD) 
• Hematologic or immunologic disorders, including bone marrow depression. 
• Elevated pressure in the eye (glaucoma) 
• Cardiac disease, including conditions such as arrhythmia 
• Liver disease 
• Kidney disease 
• Certain brain disorders (such as Reye’s syndrome or seizures) 
• Stomach or intestinal issues (such as blockage) 
• Difficulty urinating (due to enlarged prostate, for instance) 
• Pheochromocytoma 

The administration of Compazine may potentially disrupt laboratory assessments (including phenylketonuria and pregnancy tests), which could generate inaccurate test outcomes. Inform laboratory staff and all healthcare providers involved about your current medication usage. 

Administration of Compazine should be avoided in comatose patients or when the patient has been exposed to significant amounts of central nervous system depressants such as alcohol, barbiturates, or narcotics. 

This medication should not be used for pediatric surgical procedures.  

Compazine is not recommended for pediatric patients under two years of age or weighing less than 20 pounds. It should not be prescribed to children for conditions where appropriate dosage levels have not yet been established. 

For most patients with non-psychotic anxiety, Compazine should not be considered the initial therapy medication due to certain risks associated with its use that are not present in commonly used alternative treatments, such as benzodiazepines. 

Compazine may impede your body’s ability to regulate its temperature during periods of high heat. Inform your doctor if you intend to engage in rigorous exercise or anticipate exposure to extreme heat. 

Concurrent use of alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) with Compazine can intensify some side effects, such as dizziness, drowsiness, and vision impairment. Refrain from driving, operating machinery, or engaging in activities that require alertness or clear vision until you regain your faculties.