Compazine

Compazine is a prescription medicine that is used for treating anxiety, schizophrenia, and severe nausea or vomiting. By blocking or lessening the effects of dopamine in the brain, the medication can help improve these conditions. Compazine comes in various forms, including tablets, rectal suppositories, and injections. Some of the most common side effects reported with Compazine include blurred vision, drowsiness, dizziness, and a dry mouth.

 

What Is Compazine?

Part of a group of drugs called phenothiazines, Compazine® (prochlorperazine maleate) is a prescription medicine that has been licensed to treat the following conditions:
 

Who Makes Compazine?

Compazine was originally manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. Although brand-name Compazine is no longer being made, generic Compazine is still available. Generic Compazine is made by several different companies.
 
(Click Compazine Uses for more information on what Compazine is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

How Does Compazine Work?

Compazine belongs to a group of medications called phenothiazines. When used to treat schizophrenia, it is known as a typical (or first-generation) antipsychotic medication. It is not entirely known exactly how Compazine works. However, it is known that the drug blocks or lessens the effects of dopamine, a chemical in the brain. Dopamine may be elevated in people with schizophrenia or anxiety. Compazine is not a cure for schizophrenia or anxiety; it only helps to control symptoms of these conditions (see Symptoms of Schizophrenia or Anxiety Symptoms).
 
Since dopamine can activate the part of the brain that controls nausea and vomiting, Compazine can treat severe nausea and vomiting by lessening the effects of dopamine in the brain.
 

When and How to Take Compazine

Some general considerations for when and how to take Compazine include:
 
  • Compazine comes in tablet and rectal suppository forms. It is also available in an injectable form.
     
  • Compazine suppositories can be especially useful for people with very severe nausea and vomiting who have difficulty swallowing (or "keeping down") a tablet.
     
  • Do not take Compazine rectal suppositories by mouth. Be sure to remove the foil or plastic packaging before inserting rectally.
     
  • It does not matter if you take Compazine tablets with or without food.
     
  • If you take Compazine on a daily basis, you should take it at the same times each day to maintain even levels of the drug in your blood.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be used as prescribed. Compazine will not work if you stop using it.
     

Dosing With Compazine

The dose of Compazine that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • The medical condition being treated
  • Your age and weight (for children)
  • The form of Compazine (tablet, suppository, or injection)
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be currently taking.
     
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Compazine Dosage for more information about dosing for Compazine.)
 

Side Effects of Compazine

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with Compazine. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well. When Compazine side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Common side effects of Compazine include but are not limited to:
 
(Click Compazine Side Effects to learn about specific side effects of Compazine, including some of the more serious side effects that you should report to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions With Compazine

Compazine can potentially interact with a number of other medicines.
 
(Click Compazine Drug Interactions for more information about Compazine and other medicines.)
 

Compazine: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Compazine if you have:
 
Also let your healthcare provider know if you:
 
You should also make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Compazine Warnings and Precautions for more information on this topic, including information on who should not take Compazine.)
 

Overdose With Compazine

People who take too much Compazine may have overdose symptoms that could include:
 
  • Unusual body movements
  • Drowsiness
  • Coma
  • Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
  • Low blood pressure (hypotension)
  • A dry mouth
  • Intestinal blockage.
     
If you happen to overdose on Compazine, seek medical attention immediately.
 
(Click Compazine Overdose for more information.)
 

Compazine: Storage Methods

Compazine tablets and suppositories should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Compazine tablets should be stored in an airtight container, and Compazine suppositories should be kept in their original packaging until just before use.
 
Keep Compazine and all other medications out of the reach of children.
 

Compazine: What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

Although Compazine is often taken only when needed (such as for nausea or vomiting), some people take it regularly. If you do not take your Compazine as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double your dose of Compazine.
 

Compazine: Strengths

Generic Compazine tablets are available in the following strengths:
 
At one point, Compazine syrup and extended-release Compazine capsules were available, but they are no longer being made.
 
Generic Compazine suppositories are available in one strength -- prochlorperazine 25 mg suppositories.
 

Compazine Generic

Currently, only generic Compazine is available for sale.
 
(Click Generic Compazine for more information.)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;