Prochlorperazine

 
What is Prochlorperazine and why is it prescribed?
Prochlorperazine is used to control severe nausea and vomiting. Prochlorperazine is also used to treat symptoms of the mental disorder schizophrenia, and is occasionally prescribed for anxiety. Prochlorperazine may cause tardive dyskinesia. 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 Prochlorperazine?
Follow your doctors directions for taking Prochlorperazine. Never take more Prochlorperazine than prescribed. It can increase the risk of serious side effects. If you are using the suppository form of Prochlorperazine 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 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. Store Prochlorperazine at room temperature. Protect it from heat and light.

Are there any Prochlorperazine side effects?
Prochlorperazine side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Prochlorperazine side effects may include abnormal muscle rigidity, abnormal secretion of milk, abnormal sugar in urine, abnormalities of posture and movement, agitation, anemia, appetite changes, asthma, blurred vision, breast development in males, chewing movements, constipation, convulsions, difficulty swallowing, discolored skin tone, dizziness, drooling, drowsiness, dry mouth, ejaculation problems, exaggerated reflexes, fever, fluid retention, head arched backward, headache, heart attack, heels bent back on legs, high or low blood sugar, hives, impotence, inability to urinate, increased psychotic symptoms, increased weight, infection, insomnia, intestinal obstruction, involuntary movements of arms, hands, legs, and feet, involuntary movements of face, tongue, and jaw, irregular movements, jerky movements, jitteriness, light sensitivity, low blood pressure, mask-like face, menstrual irregularities, narrowed or dilated pupils, nasal congestion, nausea, pain in the shoulder and neck area, painful muscle spasm, parkinsonism-like symptoms, persistent, painful erections, pill-rolling motion, protruding tongue, puckering of the mouth, puffing of the cheeks, rigid arms, feet, head, and muscles, rotation of eyeballs or state of fixed gaze, shock, shuffling gait, skin peeling, rash and inflammation, sore throat, mouth, and gums, spasms in back, feet and ankles, jaw, and neck, swelling and itching skin, swelling in throat, tremors, and yellowed eyes and skin.

What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Prochlorperazine?
If Prochlorperazine is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Prochlorperazine with 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), or Thiazide diuretics (such as Dyazide).

Are there any special warnings about Prochlorperazine?
Never take large amounts of alcohol, barbiturates, or narcotics when taking Prochlorperazine. Serious problems can result. If you suddenly stop taking Prochlorperazine, you may experience a change in appetite, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and tremors. Follow your doctor's instructions closely when discontinuing this drug. Make sure the doctor knows if you are being treated for a brain tumor, intestinal blockage, heart disease, glaucoma, or an abnormal blood condition such as leukemia, or if you are exposed to extreme heat or pesticides. Prochlorperazine 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 Prochlorperazine, 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. Prochlorperazine interferes with your ability to shed extra heat. Be cautious in hot weather. Prochlorperazine may cause false-positive pregnancy tests.
 

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