Prochlorperazine – Powerful anti-nausea medication for severe symptoms.
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What is Prochlorperazine?
Prochlorperazine is a powerful anti-nausea medication that belongs to the phenothiazine class of drugs. It’s particularly effective for severe nausea and vomiting that doesn’t respond to milder medications, and for balance disorders causing significant vertigo.
Book an online consultation if you’re experiencing severe nausea, persistent vomiting, or balance problems that are significantly affecting your daily life. Our GPs can assess your symptoms and determine if Prochlorperazine is the appropriate treatment for your condition.
What is Prochlorperazine used for?
- Severe nausea and vomiting
- Vertigo and balance disorders
- Migraine-associated nausea
- Post-operative nausea and vomiting
- Chemotherapy-induced nausea
- Acute labyrinthitis
- Ménière's disease symptoms
How does Prochlorperazine work?
A phenothiazine antipsychotic that blocks dopamine receptors in the brain's chemoreceptor trigger zone and vomiting center, providing powerful anti-nausea and anti-vomiting effects.
Dosage and Administration
Adults
5-10 mg taken 2-3 times daily by mouth, or 12.5 mg by injection for severe symptoms.
Children
250 micrograms per kg twice daily (children over 10 kg)—specialist supervision required.
Important Notes
- Can be taken with or without food.
- For acute symptoms: buccal tablets dissolve between gum and cheek.
- Injection form available for severe cases in hospital settings.
- Take regularly for chronic conditions like Ménière's disease.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects
- Drowsiness and sedation
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Blurred vision
- Restlessness or anxiety
- Muscle stiffness
Serious Side Effects
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Extrapyramidal symptoms (involuntary movements)
- Tardive dyskinesia (with long-term use)
- Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (rare but serious)
- Severe allergic reactions
- Heart rhythm changes
- Blood disorders
Important Warnings
- May cause involuntary muscle movements (extrapyramidal effects), especially in young adults.
- Not suitable for children under 10 kg or with certain neurological conditions.
- Use with caution in elderly patients—increased risk of movement disorders.
- Tell your GP if you have Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, or heart problems.
- May mask symptoms of other serious conditions.
Drug Interactions
Tell your GP if you're taking any of the following medications:
- Alcohol—increases drowsiness and impairs coordination.
- Other sedating medications—additive drowsiness effects.
- Levodopa—may reduce effectiveness in Parkinson's disease.
- Antiepileptic drugs—may lower seizure threshold.
- Medications affecting heart rhythm—increased risk of arrhythmias.
- Lithium—may increase risk of extrapyramidal effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is Prochlorperazine different from other anti-nausea medications?
Prochlorperazine is much stronger than antihistamines like cyclizine, making it suitable for severe nausea from chemotherapy or severe vertigo, but it has more potential side effects.
What are extrapyramidal side effects?
These are involuntary muscle movements including tremor, muscle stiffness, or restlessness. They're more common in young adults and usually reversible when the medication is stopped.
Can I drive while taking Prochlorperazine?
No, you should not drive or operate machinery as it causes drowsiness and can impair your reactions and coordination.
How quickly does it work for nausea?
Oral tablets usually work within 30-60 minutes. Buccal tablets (dissolved in mouth) work faster, within 15-30 minutes.
Medically Reviewed by: Mohammed Hassan - Independent Prescriber
Last Updated: 2025-01-14