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Prochlorperazine

About prochlorperazine

Prochlorperazine is an anti-sickness medicine. It can help stop you feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting).

You can take prochlorperazine to treat:

  • morning sickness
  • feelings of dizziness (vertigo)
  • travel sickness
  • feelings of sickness due to migraines
  • sickness caused by general anaesthetics after surgery, cancer treatment or taking other medicines
  • problems with balance such as Ménière's disease

Prochlorperazine may occasionally be used to treat some forms of anxiety.

It's available as tablets and a liquid that you swallow. It can also be given as an injection, but this is usually done in hospital.

Prochlorperazine tablets and liquid are available on prescription. You can also buy tablets in a pharmacy without a prescription to treat nausea and vomiting, but only if you've been previously diagnosed with migraines.

Who can and cannot take prochlorperazine

Prochlorperazine can be taken by most adults and children aged 1 year and over.

Prochlorperazine is not suitable for some people. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you:

  • have had an allergic reaction to prochlorperazine or any other medicines in the past
  • have high blood pressure due to a tumour near the kidney (phaeochromocytoma)
  • have glaucoma
  • have a history of blood clots or may be at higher risk of developing a clot
  • have Crohn's disease, diverticulitis, hernia or colon cancer, or any other condition that can lead to a blockage in your bowel
  • have liver problems
  • have epilepsy or any condition that causes fits or seizures
  • have high blood pressure or heart failure

How and when to take prochlorperazine

If you or your child have been prescribed prochlorperazine, follow your doctor's instructions about how and when to take it.

Prochlorperazine tablets come as:

  • standard tablets that you swallow whole with a drink of water
  • tablets that dissolve between your upper lip and gum (buccal tablets)

Standard tablets and liquid can be taken with or without food.

Buccal tablets work best if they're taken after meals. This gives them more time to dissolve.

The dose varies depending on what you are taking prochlorperazine for, but it is usually taken 2 to 3 times a day.

The dose for children aged 1 to 17 years is based on their weight.

What if I forget to take it?

For travel sickness, take it as soon as you remember.

For anything else, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.

Never take 2 doses at the same time.

What if I take too much?

Taking too much prochlorperazine can be dangerous.

  • you take too much prochlorperazine

Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111

If you need advice for a child under the age of 5 years, call 111.

If you need to go to A&E, do not drive yourself. Get someone else to drive you or call for an ambulance.

Take the prochlorperazine packet, or the leaflet inside it, plus any remaining medicine with you.

Side effects

Like all medicines, prochlorperazine can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

These common side effects happen in more than 1 in 100 people. They're usually mild and go away by themselves.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if these side effects bother you or do not go away:

  • feeling sleepy or drowsy
  • blurred vision
  • dry mouth
  • headaches
  • stuffy nose

Serious side effects

Serious side effects are rare and happen in less than 1 in 10,000 people.

Tell your doctor straight away if you get:

  • muscle stiffness or shaking, or uncontrollable face or tongue movements
  • a sudden high temperature or an infection
  • sore breasts in both men and women
  • yellowing skin or the whites of your eyes turn yellow – these can be signs of liver problems
  • a fast or irregular heartbeat (your heart feels like it's pounding)

Serious allergic reaction

In rare cases, it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to prochlorperazine.

  • you get a skin rash that may include itchy, red, swollen, blistered or peeling skin
  • you're wheezing
  • you get tightness in the chest or throat
  • you have trouble breathing or talking
  • your mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat start swelling

You could be having a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital.

These are not all the side effects of prochlorperazine. For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicine packet.

You can report any suspected side effect to the UK safety scheme.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Your doctor may prescribe prochlorperazine for morning sickness.

There's no evidence that prochlorperazine will harm your baby, but for safety it's best to take it for the shortest possible time.

Prochlorperazine and breastfeeding

Prochlorperazine passes into breast milk in small amounts. Talk to your doctor, as other medicines might be better while you're breastfeeding.

If your baby was premature, had a low birthweight or is not feeding as usual, speak to your doctor before taking any anti-sickness medicine.

If you take prochlorperazine while breastfeeding and notice your baby is sleeping more than usual or is behaving differently, talk to your health visitor or doctor as soon as possible.

  • trying to get pregnant
  • pregnant
  • breastfeeding

Cautions with other medicines

Some medicines and prochlorperazine do not work well together. This can increase the chance of having side effects.

Tell your pharmacist or doctor if you're taking any medicine that:

  • makes you sleepy or drowsy
  • gives you a dry mouth
  • can affect your heart – taking prochlorperazine might make these side effects worse

It's usually best to only take one type of medicine for feeling or being sick.

If prochlorperazine does not work for you, speak to your doctor and they may suggest a different medicine for you.

Mixing prochlorperazine with herbal remedies or supplements

Some herbal remedies can make your side effects worse. Speak to your pharmacist before taking any herbal supplements.

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you're taking any other medicines, including herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.

Related links

Feeling sick (nausea) — Link to Related Condition

Vertigo — Link to Related Condition

Ménière's disease — Link to Related Condition

HealthUnlocked: prochlorperazine forum — Link to Useful Resource

Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists: nausea and vomiting information — Link to Useful Resource

HealthUnlocked contains information from NHS Digital, licensed under the current version of the Open Government Licence

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57 public posts

vertigo from neck pain/Anxiety was prescribed Prochlorperazine

Hi, has anyone ever been prescribed Prochlorperazine for Vertigo. I am nervous of medications and read horrendous reviews on it ?
Hi, has anyone ever been prescribed Prochlorperazine for Vertigo. I am nervous of medications and read horrendous reviews on it ?
Daisy1820 profile image
Daisy1820
in Anxiety and Depression Support
4 months ago

Preliminary report on Psilocybin trip?

I am nauseous most of the time, from chemo etc, and have just dealt with it but decided to take one of the prochlorperazine pills that was prescribed to be sure I did not puke the mushrooms. Maybe this was a mistake. I can not find anything about interactions online but ???
I am nauseous most of the time, from chemo etc, and have just dealt with it but decided to take one of the prochlorperazine pills that was prescribed to be sure I did not puke the mushrooms. Maybe this was a mistake. I can not find anything about interactions online but ???
spencoid2 profile image
spencoid2
in Advanced Prostate Cancer
3 months ago

CMA fines firms over £35m for illegal arrangement for NHS drug

The product is prochlorperazine 3mg dissolvable or “buccal” tablets. [i] Pharmaceuticals: suspected anti-competitive agreements The CMA is investigating alleged anti-competitive agreements in the pharmaceutical sector under Chapter I CA98 (case reference: 50511-2).
The product is prochlorperazine 3mg dissolvable or “buccal” tablets. [i] Pharmaceuticals: suspected anti-competitive agreements The CMA is investigating alleged anti-competitive agreements in the pharmaceutical sector under Chapter I CA98 (case reference: 50511-2).
helvella profile image
helvella
Thyroid UKin Thyroid UK
12 months ago
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Endo , mirena or post covid issues? Any advice!

I'm taking prochlorperazine and mebeverine but it doesn't seem to make a blind bit of difference. Doctors don't seem to know what's caused it and have referred me to gastro, though they just keep telling me it's more than likely just endometriosis.
I'm taking prochlorperazine and mebeverine but it doesn't seem to make a blind bit of difference. Doctors don't seem to know what's caused it and have referred me to gastro, though they just keep telling me it's more than likely just endometriosis.
Billielaurenxo profile image
Billielaurenxo
in Endometriosis UK
10 months ago

What are the worst drugs for Parkinson’s disease patients?

These drugs include Prochlorperazine (Compazine), Promethazine (Phenergan), and Metoclopramide (Reglan). They should be avoided. Also, drugs that deplete dopamine such as reserpine and tetrabenazine may worsen Parkinson’s disease and parkinsonism and should be avoided in most cases.
These drugs include Prochlorperazine (Compazine), Promethazine (Phenergan), and Metoclopramide (Reglan). They should be avoided. Also, drugs that deplete dopamine such as reserpine and tetrabenazine may worsen Parkinson’s disease and parkinsonism and should be avoided in most cases.
Kia17 profile image
Kia17
in Cure Parkinson's
1 year ago

Prochloperazine for Menieres/Anxiety attacks

Hi all My question is on - Prochlorperazine - just been prescribed a low dose of this (2mg) by my GP - for menieres/vertigo and panic attacks - as betahistine from ENT dept made me feel unwell/caused strange reactions. I have another ENT appointment for on 26th Aug.
Hi all My question is on - Prochlorperazine - just been prescribed a low dose of this (2mg) by my GP - for menieres/vertigo and panic attacks - as betahistine from ENT dept made me feel unwell/caused strange reactions. I have another ENT appointment for on 26th Aug.
Hidden profile image
Hidden
in British Tinnitus Association
2 years ago

Nausea medication

Hi - My father has been in prochlorperazine maleate 5mg 3 times/day to help with nausea, so he can eat. Lately, the med don't seem to work as well. Is there any other medications out there we could ask the doctor about that could help him with nausea and overall eat better? Thank you
Hi - My father has been in prochlorperazine maleate 5mg 3 times/day to help with nausea, so he can eat. Lately, the med don't seem to work as well. Is there any other medications out there we could ask the doctor about that could help him with nausea and overall eat better? Thank you
ahjab profile image
ahjab
in Advanced Prostate Cancer
1 year ago

Nature-throid

I thought it was down to the prochlorperazine I was taking but am now wondering whether its actually down to the nature-throid. It puts me in a difficult position as I cannot take levothyroxine as the side effects were horrendous.
I thought it was down to the prochlorperazine I was taking but am now wondering whether its actually down to the nature-throid. It puts me in a difficult position as I cannot take levothyroxine as the side effects were horrendous.
Catlover3 profile image
Catlover3
in Thyroid UK
2 years ago

Prochlorperazine

I have just been prescription Prochlorperazine by my Rheumatologist to help with nausea after taking MTX. Does anyone out there have any comments on this medication.
I have just been prescription Prochlorperazine by my Rheumatologist to help with nausea after taking MTX. Does anyone out there have any comments on this medication.
Moonjean profile image
Moonjean
in NRAS
2 years ago

Are these symptoms typical 2 weeks post op?

I have been given prochlorperazine which does not help. My GP has previously suggested it could be the general anesthetic and codeine. But I assume the last of the general anesthetic has left my body. And the last time I took codeine was 9 days post op. My second question...
I have been given prochlorperazine which does not help. My GP has previously suggested it could be the general anesthetic and codeine. But I assume the last of the general anesthetic has left my body. And the last time I took codeine was 9 days post op. My second question...
hunnypot93 profile image
hunnypot93
in Healthy Happy Woman
2 years ago

Results

I have just had test results back from Medichecks they are as follows:- TSH 5.54 (0.27-4.2) Free T3 4.73 (3.1-6.8) Free T4 10 (12-22) I have been feeling dreadful lately due to vertigo and have had to take prochlorperazine every day due to the extreme nausea and feeling really off balance.
I have just had test results back from Medichecks they are as follows:- TSH 5.54 (0.27-4.2) Free T3 4.73 (3.1-6.8) Free T4 10 (12-22) I have been feeling dreadful lately due to vertigo and have had to take prochlorperazine every day due to the extreme nausea and feeling really off balance.
Catlover3 profile image
Catlover3
in Thyroid UK
2 years ago

Antipsychotic drugs and thyroid

My GP, fully aware that I’m hypothyroid, has prescribed Prochlorperazine Maleate 5mg tablets for dizziness and nausea. The prescription is x3 a day but I’ve found that just taking one when I actually feel dizzy and sick works very well - so I would probably take on average about 1x5mg a week.
My GP, fully aware that I’m hypothyroid, has prescribed Prochlorperazine Maleate 5mg tablets for dizziness and nausea. The prescription is x3 a day but I’ve found that just taking one when I actually feel dizzy and sick works very well - so I would probably take on average about 1x5mg a week.
Bearo profile image
Bearo
in Thyroid UK
2 years ago

To the future

so like 6 months later I got back on to my gp and I’ve told here I’m getting blurry/dizzy spells which is another layer of anxiety on top of the other stuff ( I thought perhaps I just needed glasses but eye test was ok) feels like goin cross eyed anyway she’s put it down to vertigo so I was taking prochlorperazine
so like 6 months later I got back on to my gp and I’ve told here I’m getting blurry/dizzy spells which is another layer of anxiety on top of the other stuff ( I thought perhaps I just needed glasses but eye test was ok) feels like goin cross eyed anyway she’s put it down to vertigo so I was taking prochlorperazine
Gaz30 profile image
Gaz30
in Anxiety and Depression Support
2 years ago

Nausea in the evenings

My GP tried me on lansoprazole but that didn't make any difference either and prochlorperazine for a while - although she stressed this was not a longterm solution.
My GP tried me on lansoprazole but that didn't make any difference either and prochlorperazine for a while - although she stressed this was not a longterm solution.
Magog profile image
Magog
in IBS Network
2 years ago

Cannabis and Cancer interesting reading for sure :)

Patients received either THC or Prochlorperazine. The researchers measured the severity of the side effects and recorded patient preference. At the end of the study, the researchers noted THC and Prochlorperazine were equally beneficial for reducing the side effects of chemotherapy.
Patients received either THC or Prochlorperazine. The researchers measured the severity of the side effects and recorded patient preference. At the end of the study, the researchers noted THC and Prochlorperazine were equally beneficial for reducing the side effects of chemotherapy.
alangeorge profile image
alangeorge
in Advanced Prostate Cancer
3 years ago

7 weeks 5 days and can't keep anything down!

Been given cyclizine hydrocortisone first which i couldnt keep down so now they trying me on prochlorperazine which I've been on for two days (today is my third). Managed to eat and drink ok yesterday but today i cant keep anything including fluids down! I don't know what to do.
Been given cyclizine hydrocortisone first which i couldnt keep down so now they trying me on prochlorperazine which I've been on for two days (today is my third). Managed to eat and drink ok yesterday but today i cant keep anything including fluids down! I don't know what to do.
BL95 profile image
BL95
in British Pregnancy Advisory Service
3 years ago

Prescription or try gluten free ?

He diagnosed vertigo and gave me a prescription for Stemetil - Prochlorperazine is a prescription drug classified as an anti-nausea and anti-vomiting medication, as well as an antipsychotic agent and it carries a black box warning.
He diagnosed vertigo and gave me a prescription for Stemetil - Prochlorperazine is a prescription drug classified as an anti-nausea and anti-vomiting medication, as well as an antipsychotic agent and it carries a black box warning.
mountainice profile image
mountainice
in Thyroid UK
3 years ago

Cycle One Done - This has been the toughest week!

They are called Prochlorperazine. These tablets are the only thing that has helped me through the week. The emergency doctor actually instructed my GP to prepare an immediate prescription for me following morning as he was only able to give me 8 tablets and I now have this.
They are called Prochlorperazine. These tablets are the only thing that has helped me through the week. The emergency doctor actually instructed my GP to prepare an immediate prescription for me following morning as he was only able to give me 8 tablets and I now have this.
SunshineAhead profile image
SunshineAhead
in The Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation
3 years ago

prochlorperazine

I’ve been prescribed this at 17 weeks pregnant for sickness / anxiety. Reading it can effect a baby in late pregnancy... So why have they given me them!
I’ve been prescribed this at 17 weeks pregnant for sickness / anxiety. Reading it can effect a baby in late pregnancy... So why have they given me them!
Kate345 profile image
Kate345
in NCT
4 years ago

Why does my uterus lining hate me!? I've got to stop the FET this cycle...I'm starting to feel like I can't even get passed Go!

Funny turns happened again Monday so I visited my G.P, who prescribed me Prochlorperazine and said "it's either viral or vertigo" and sent me on my way.
Funny turns happened again Monday so I visited my G.P, who prescribed me Prochlorperazine and said "it's either viral or vertigo" and sent me on my way.
JadeH92 profile image
JadeH92
in Fertility Network UK
4 years ago
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