Generic
Prochlorperazine Maleate
11 brands available in the market
At a glance
Prochlorperazine Maleate is a dopamine antagonist used to control severe nausea and vomiting caused by radiation therapy, cancer chemotherapy, surgery, and other conditions, to relieve nausea, vomiting, and vertigo associated with Meniere's disease and other inner ear disorders, and for the treatment of psychotic illness such as schizophrenia, acute mania, and short-term generalized non-psychotic anxiety.
Description
Prochlorperazine is a dopamine and histamine antagonist. Its antiemetic activity is due to blockade of histamine H1 and dopamine D2 neurotransmitter receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone and vomiting center. It also has weak anticholinergic effects and prevents acid reflux by increasing lower esophageal sphincter tone.
Indications
- Severe nausea and vomiting caused by radiation therapy, cancer chemotherapy, and surgery
- Nausea, vomiting, and vertigo associated with Meniere's disease and other inner ear disorders
- Schizophrenia (hallucinations and hostility)
- Acute mania
- Short-term generalized non-psychotic anxiety
Therapeutic class
Anti vertigo drugs, Anti-emetic drugs
Pharmacological class
Phenothiazine (Dopamine Antagonist)
Pharmacology
Prochlorperazine blocks dopamine D2 and histamine H1 receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone and vomiting center, providing antiemetic effects. It blocks mesolimbic dopamine receptors for antipsychotic effects and has weak anticholinergic activity.
Mechanism of action
Controls nausea, vomiting, and psychosis symptoms by blocking dopamine and histamine receptors.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Oral):
- Antiemetic: 5-10 mg 3-4 times daily; usual max 40 mg/day
- Antipsychotic: 5-10 mg 3-4 times daily; up to 150 mg/day in severe cases
- Non-psychotic anxiety: 15-20 mg/day in divided doses; not for >12 weeks
- Elderly (anxiety): Initial 2.5-5 mg 1-2 times daily; gradual increase; max 75 mg/day
Pediatric Dose (Oral):
- Antiemetic (2-12 years, ≥10 kg): 2.5-5 mg as needed
- Antipsychotic (2-12 years): 2.5 mg 2-3 times daily; max 20-25 mg/day
- Under 2 years or <10 kg: Not recommended
Administration
- May be taken with or without food
- Swallow tablet whole; do not chew, crush, or break
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember; skip if it's almost time for next dose; do not double the dose.
Side effects
Side Effects:
- Drowsiness
- Orthostatic hypotension
- Jaw, neck, and back muscle spasms
- Worm-like tongue movements
- Rhythmic face, mouth, or jaw movements
- Slow or difficult speech
- Difficulty swallowing
- Restlessness
- Tremors
- Skin rash
- Yellowing of skin or eyes
Precautions & warnings
- May affect driving ability; do not drive if drowsy or dizzy
- Avoid alcohol (excessive drowsiness)
- May increase sensitivity to sunlight; avoid prolonged sun exposure
- May reduce sweating (risk of heatstroke)
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to prochlorperazine or any component
- Severe CNS depression, coma
- Bone marrow depression
- Pheochromocytoma
- Prolactin-dependent tumors
- Children under 2 years
- Pregnancy and lactation
Drug interactions
- Alcohol, barbiturates, other sedatives: Increased CNS depression
- Antacids, antiparkinson drugs, lithium: May interfere with absorption
- Propranolol and phenobarbital: May interfere with plasma concentration
- Antihistamines, TCAs, parkinsonism drugs: Additive anticholinergic effects
- Guanethidine: May reduce antihypertensive effect
- Drugs that prolong QT interval: Increased risk of arrhythmias
- Potentially fatal: Alcohol, sedatives, hypnotics, barbiturates, opioids, antihistamines, general anesthetics: Potentiation of CNS depression
Food interactions
Alcohol consumption with Prochlorperazine Maleate is unsafe.
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Information regarding use during pregnancy is not available; consult your doctor.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Probably unsafe; may pass into breast milk in small amounts; occasional short-term use for nausea poses little risk to infant.
Pediatric use
Do not use in children under 2 years or <10 kg.
Geriatric use
Elderly patients require lower doses; gradual dose increase (max 75 mg/day).
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Caution in kidney disease; dose adjustment may be needed; consult your doctor.
Hepatic Impairment: Caution in liver disease; dose adjustment may be needed; consult your doctor.
Overdose effects
Overdose: Deep sleep, coma, extrapyramidal symptoms, abnormal involuntary muscle movements, hypotension.
Storage conditions
Store below 30°C; protect from light and moisture; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Prochlorperazine Maleate