Prochlorperazine

For control of severe nausea and vomiting. For the treatment of schizophrenia. Prochlorperazine is effective for the short-term treatment of generalized non-psychotic anxiety. However, prochlorperazine is not the first drug to be used in therapy for most patients with non-psychotic anxiety, because certain risks associated with its use are not shared by common alternative treatments (e.g., benzodiazepines). …

• ADULTS (For children’s dosage and administration, see below.) Dosage should be increased more gradually in debilitated or emaciated patients
• Elderly Patients: In general, dosages in the lower range are sufficient for most
• Elderly patients
• Since they appear to be more susceptible to hypotension and neuromuscular reac­tions, such patients should be observed closely
• Dosage should be tailored to the individual, response carefully moni­tored and dosage adjusted accordingly
• Dosage should be increased more gradually in elderly patients. 1.To Control Severe Nausea and Vomiting: Adjust dosage to the response of the individual
• Begin with the lowest recommended dosage
• Oral Dosage-Tablets: Usually one 5mg or 10mg tablet 3 or 4 times daily
• Daily dosages above 40 mgs should be used only in resistant cases. 2.In Adult Psychiatric Disorders: Adjust dosage to the response of the individual and according to the severity of the condition
• Begin with the lowest recom­mended dose
• Although response ordinarily is seen within a day or 2, longer treatment is usually required before maximal improvement is seen
• Oral Dosage: Non-Psychotic Anxiety--Usual dosage is 5 mg 3 or4 times daily
• Do not administer in doses of more than 20mg per day or for longer than 12 weeks
• Psychotic Disorders including Schizophrenia -- In relatively mild conditions , as seen in private psychiatric practice or in out patient clinics, dosage is 5 or 10 mg 3 or 4 times daily

• Do not use in patients with known hypersensitivity to phenothiazines
• Do not use in comatose states or in the presence of large amounts of central nervous system depressants (alcohol, barbiturates, narcotics, etc.)
• Do not use
• In pediatric surgery
• Do not use
• In pediatric patients under 2 years of age or under 20 lbs
• Do not use in children for conditions for which dosage has not been established

Increased Mortality in Elderly Patients with Dementia-Related Psychosis Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with antipsychotic drugs are at an increased risk of death. Prochlorperazine maleate is not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis (see BOXED WARNING ). The extrapyramidal symptoms which can occur secondary to prochlorperazine may be confused with the central nervous system signs of an undiagnosed primary disease responsible for the vomiting, e.g., Reye’s syndrome or other encephalopathy. …

Drowsiness, dizziness, amenorrhea, blurred vision, skin reactions and hypotension may occur. Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) has been reported in association with antipsychotic drugs (see WARNINGS ). Cholestatic jaundice has occurred. If fever with grippe-like symptoms occurs, appropriate liver studies should be conducted. If tests indicate an abnormality, stop treatment. There have been a few observations of fatty changes in the livers of patients who have died while receiving the drug. No causal relationship has been established. Leukopenia and agranulocytosis have occurred. Warn patients to report the sudden appearance of sore throat or other signs of infection. …

(See also ADVERSE REACTIONS . ) SYMPTOMS --Primarily involvement of the extrapyramidal mechanism producing some of the dystonic reactions described above. Symptoms of central nervous system depression to the point of somnolence or coma. Agitation and restlessness may also occur. Other possible manifestations include convulsions, EKG changes and cardiac arrhythmias, fever and autonomic reactions such as hypotension, dry mouth and ileus. TREATMENT--It is important to determine other medications taken by the patient since multiple-dose therapy is common in overdosage situations. …

STORAGE Store at 20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F) [See USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Protect from light. Dispense in a tight, light-resistant container. * norepinephrine bitartrate, Abbott Laboratories. …

Take it when you remember, unless it is nearly time for the next dose. Then skip the missed one. Never take two doses at once to make up for it. Check your leaflet, as some medicines are different.