Compazine and Pregnancy

At this point, no extensive studies have been conducted on Compazine and pregnancy. Although the full risks of using the drug while pregnant are not known, clinical experience suggests that occasional short-term use of the medicine during pregnancy poses little risk. If you are taking Compazine and pregnancy occurs, talk with your healthcare provider.

 

Is Compazine Safe During Pregnancy?

Compazine® (prochlorperazine maleate) may not be safe for women who are pregnant. This is based on animal studies and clinical experience using Compazine in pregnant women.
 

Compazine and Pregnancy Category C

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) uses a pregnancy category system to classify the possible risks to a fetus when a specific medicine is taken during pregnancy. Pregnancy Category C is given to medicines that have not been studied in pregnant humans but do appear to cause harm to the fetus in animal studies. Also, medicines that have not been studied in any pregnant women or animals are automatically given a Pregnancy Category C rating.
 
No large, adequate studies have been conducted on the effects of using Compazine during pregnancy. Clinical experience suggests that occasional short-term Compazine use probably poses little risk. However, the full risks are not known.
 
A pregnancy Category C medicine may be given to a pregnant woman if the healthcare provider believes that the benefits to the pregnant woman outweigh any possible risks to the unborn child.
 

Recommendations for Compazine and Pregnancy

If you are taking Compazine and pregnancy occurs (or you are thinking of becoming pregnant), let your healthcare provider know.
 Your healthcare provider will consider both the benefits and risks of using Compazine during pregnancy before making a recommendation for your particular situation.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;