Prochlorperazine (Rectal)

Prochlorperazine (proe-klor-PER-a-zeen)

Treats severe nausea and vomiting. Belongs to a class of drugs called phenothiazines.

Brand Name(s):

Compro, Compazine
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to any phenothiazine drug (such as Mellaril®, Prolixin®, Stelazine®, Thorazine®, or Trilafon®).

How to Use This Medicine:

Suppository

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to take and how often.
• Wash your hands before and after using this medicine.
• If the suppository is too soft to handle, cool it in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes, or hold it under cold water for a few minutes while it is still in the wrapper.
• Remove the wrapper from the suppository if one is present.
• Moisten the suppository or the rectal area with water.
• Lie on your side with your lower leg straightened out and your upper leg bent towards your stomach. Spread your buttocks and insert the suppository with your finger into the rectum about 1 inch. Hold your buttocks together for about 1 minute.
• Remain lying down for at least 15 minutes to keep the suppository from coming out.
• Call your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions related to this medicine.

If a dose is missed:

• If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use your medicine and skip the missed dose.
• You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and light.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine.
• Avoid taking drugs that can make you sleepy such as sleeping pills, sedatives, tranquilizers, antihistamines, or narcotic pain killers.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Talk with your doctor before taking if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a seizure disorder, heart, liver, or lung disease, or any other medical problem.
• This medicine may cause drowsiness. If it does, avoid driving a car or operating machinery.
• Prochlorperazine may cause a false reading of some kinds of pregnancy tests.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Skin rash
• Rapid breathing or heartbeat
• Convulsions (seizures)
• Spasms of neck, face or back
• Muscle twitching or jerking
• Unexplained fever, severe muscle stiffness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Drowsiness or dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Sensitivity to sunlight
• Changes in vision such as difficulty focusing

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.