Compazine

Compazine (prochlorperazine) is a dopamine antagonist that is used to treat nausea and vomiting. Compazine is also used to treat anxiety, schizophrenia, and Tourette's syndrome. Compazine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Compazine is not for use in children younger than 2 years old. Do not take this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, or tranylcypromine.

You should not take Compazine if you are allergic to prochlorperazine, or if you have:

• bone marrow suppression;
• blood disorders such as low white blood cell counts or low platelet counts;
• a blood disorder called porphyria; or
• if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days.

To make sure Compazine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• liver disease;
• kidney disease;
• epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
• parkinson's disease;
• a history of heart disease or heart rhythm disorder;
• high or low blood pressure;
• a history of stroke or mini-stroke; or
• if you are also taking an antipsychotic medicine.

Compazine is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It is not known whether prochlorperazine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using Compazine.

Compazine is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Compazine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• any new or worsening symptoms such as depressed mood, anxiety, aggression, agitation, confusion, unusual thoughts, hallucinations, memory problems, changes in personality, risk-taking behavior, decreased inhibitions, no fear of danger, or thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself;
• tremors, tics, or muscle twitches;
• restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck;
• mask-like appearance of your face, trouble swallowing, problems with your balance or coordination;
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• seizure (convulsions); or
• jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes).

Common Compazine side effects may include:

• dizziness, drowsiness;
• dry mouth;
• blurred vision; or
• sleep problems (insomnia).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Compazine dosage

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Compazine is usually given 4 times a day. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Compazine can be taken with or without food.

Do not crush, chew, or break an extended-release tablet. Swallow it whole. Breaking the tablet may cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.

Measure liquid medicine with the dosing syringe provided, or with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Compazine is sometimes given for only a short time, such as 2 or 3 days. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not freeze.

Throw away any unused liquid after 4 weeks.