Brand
name: STEMETIL (Prochlorperazine, Compazine)
Pronounced: pro-klor-PEAR-ah-zine
Why is STEMETIL (Prochlorperazine, Compazine) prescribed?
STEMETIL (Prochlorperazine, Compazine) is used to control severe nausea and vomiting. It
is also used to treat symptoms of the mental disorder schizophrenia,
and is occasionally prescribed for anxiety.
Most important fact about STEMETIL (Prochlorperazine, Compazine)
without prescriptions
STEMETIL (Prochlorperazine, Compazine) may cause tardive dyskinesia--involuntary muscle
spasms and twitches in the face and body. This condition may be permanent.
It appears to be most common among the elderly, especially women. Ask
your doctor for information about this possible risk.
How should you take STEMETIL (Prochlorperazine, Compazine)?
Never take more STEMETIL (Prochlorperazine, Compazine) than prescribed. It can increase
the risk of serious side effects.
If you are using the suppository form of STEMETIL (Prochlorperazine, Compazine) and find
it is too soft to insert, you can chill it in the refrigerator for
about 30 minutes or run cold water over it before removing the wrapper.
To insert a suppository, first remove the wrapper and moisten the
suppository with cold water. Then lie down on your side and use a finger
to push the suppository well up into the rectum.
If you miss a dose STEMETIL (Prochlorperazine, Compazine)
Take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time
for the next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular
schedule. Never try to "catch up" by doubling the dose.
Storage instructions:
Store at room temperature. Protect from heat and light.
STEMETIL (Prochlorperazine, Compazine) side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue taking STEMETIL (Prochlorperazine, Compazine).
* Side effects may include:
Blurred vision, dizziness, drowsiness, jaundice, low blood pressure, menstrual
irregularities, neuroleptic malignant syndrome (see "Special warnings
about this medication"), skin reactions
Why should STEMETIL (Prochlorperazine, Compazine) not be prescribed?
Do not take STEMETIL (Prochlorperazine, Compazine) if you are sensitive to or have ever
had an allergic reaction to STEMETIL (Prochlorperazine, Compazine) or other phenothiazine
drugs such as Thorazine, Prolixin, Triavil, Mellaril, or Stelazine.
STEMETIL (Prochlorperazine, Compazine) should not be given to children who are undergoing
surgery.
Special warnings about STEMETIL (Prochlorperazine, Compazine)
Never take large amounts of alcohol, barbiturates, or narcotics when
taking STEMETIL (Prochlorperazine, Compazine). Serious problems can result.
STEMETIL (Prochlorperazine, Compazine) should be used with caution if you are being treated
for a brain tumor, intestinal blockage, heart disease, breast cancer,
seizures, glaucoma, or an abnormal bone marrow or blood condition such
as leukemia. Also use caution if you're exposed to pesticides or extreme
heat.
If you suddenly stop taking STEMETIL (Prochlorperazine, Compazine), you may experience a
change in appetite, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and tremors. Therapy
should be discontinued only under a doctor's supervision.
Due to its ability to prevent vomiting, STEMETIL (Prochlorperazine, Compazine) can mask
symptoms of an overdose of other drugs. It could also mask symptoms
of brain tumor, intestinal blockage, and the neurological condition
known as Reye's syndrome.
STEMETIL (Prochlorperazine, Compazine) should be used cautiously in children suffering from
dehydration or an acute illness such as chickenpox, measles, or other
infection. The drug should be avoided altogether in children and adolescents
who have symptoms that could indicate Reye's syndrome, including persistent
or recurrent vomiting, listlessness, irritability, combativeness, and
disorientation.
STEMETIL (Prochlorperazine, Compazine) can cause a potentially fatal group of symptoms called
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS). Symptoms include extremely high
body temperature, rigid muscles, mental changes, irregular pulse or
blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, excessive sweating, and changes in
heart rhythm. Alert your doctor immediately if these symptoms develop.
STEMETIL (Prochlorperazine, Compazine) therapy will need to be discontinued.
This drug may impair your ability to drive a car or operate potentially
dangerous machinery. Do not participate in any activities that require
full alertness if you are unsure about your ability.
While taking STEMETIL (Prochlorperazine, Compazine), try to stay out of the sun. Use sun
block and wear protective clothing. Your eyes may become more sensitive
to sunlight, too, so keep sunglasses handy.
STEMETIL (Prochlorperazine, Compazine) interferes with your ability to shed extra heat.
Be cautious in hot weather.
People taking STEMETIL (Prochlorperazine, Compazine) for a prolonged period should see their
doctor for regular evaluations, since side effects can get worse over
time.
STEMETIL (Prochlorperazine, Compazine) may cause false-positive phenylketonuria (PKU) tests.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking STEMETIL (Prochlorperazine, Compazine)
If STEMETIL (Prochlorperazine, Compazine) is taken with certain other drugs, the effects
of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially
important to check with your doctor before combining STEMETIL (Prochlorperazine, Compazine)
with the following:
Antiseizure drugs such as Dilantin and Tegretol
Anticoagulants such as Coumadin
Guanethidine (Ismelin)
Lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith)
Narcotic painkillers such as Demerol and Tylenol with Codeine
Other central nervous system depressants such as Xanax, Valium, Seconal,
Halcion
Propranolol (Inderal)
Thiazide diuretics such as Dyazide
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
STEMETIL (Prochlorperazine, Compazine) is not usually recommended for pregnant women. However,
your doctor may prescribe it for severe nausea and vomiting if the
potential benefits of the drug outweigh the potential risks. STEMETIL (Prochlorperazine, Compazine)
appears in breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. If STEMETIL (Prochlorperazine, Compazine)
is essential to your health, your doctor may recommend that you stop
breastfeeding until your treatment is finished.
Recommended dosage for STEMETIL (Prochlorperazine, Compazine)
ADULTS
Overdosage
An overdose of STEMETIL (Prochlorperazine, Compazine) can be fatal. If you suspect an overdose,
seek medical help immediately.
