Important Note
The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
PROCHLORPERAZINE SUSTAINED ACTION CAPSULE - ORAL
(pro-klor-PAIR-uh-zeen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Compazine
Uses
This medication is used to control nausea and vomiting or to provide a calming effect.
How To Use
Take by mouth as directed by your doctor. Swallow whole. Do not crush or chew because it will destroy the long action of this medication and may increase side effects. May be taken with food or milk to lessen stomach irritation. Do not take more medication than prescribed.
Side Effects
Constipation, drowsiness, vision changes or dry mouth may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Unlikely to occur, but report promptly: restlessness, muscle stiffness, weakness, difficulty speaking, loss of balance, mask- like facial expression, trembling or shaking, dizziness, lip smacking or other uncontrollable movements, difficulty urinating, skin rash/discoloration. Very unlikely to occur, but report promptly: sore throat, unusual bleeding or bruising, stomach pain, yellowing of eyes or skin, dark urine, hot dry skin, vomiting. Though very unlikely to occur, notify your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following effects: severe muscle stiffness, confusion, fever, seizures, irregular/fast heartbeat, increased sweating, prolonged/painful erection. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: very high or very low blood pressure, liver or heart disease, Reye's syndrome, alcohol or drug dependencies, nervous system problems, blood disorders, allergies (especially drug allergies). Because this medication may make you drowsy, use caution performing tasks that require alertness such as driving or using machinery. Use of alcohol can cause extreme drowsiness. Avoid alcohol use. This medication may increase sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid prolonged sun exposure and wear a sunscreen and protective clothing when you are exposed to the sun. This medication can reduce sweating making you more susceptible to heat stroke. Avoid strenuous work or exercise in hot weather. The manufacturer of this drug does not recommend its use during pregnancy. However, it may be used in certain cases. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Certain drugs closely related to this one (phenothiazines) have been detected in breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions
Inform your doctor of all the medications you may use (both prescription and nonprescription), especially of: antidepressant/anti-anxiety drugs, sparfloxacin, grepafloxacin, guanethidine, guanadrel, metrizamide, cabergoline, lithium, narcotic pain medication (e.g., codeine), drugs used to aid sleep, drowsiness-causing antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), other medicines that make you drowsy. Many cough-and-cold products contain ingredients that may add a drowsiness effect. Before you use any cough-and-cold medications, ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safe use of those products. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include restlessness, muscle spasms, tremors, twitching, deep sleep or loss of consciousness, and seizures.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others.
Missed Dose
If dose is one per day, take the missed dose if you remember that day. If not remembered until the next day, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. If your dose is more than one per day, take the missed dose if it is within an hour. If you remember later, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. In each case do not double the dose to catch up.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.
Medical Alert
Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).