What is the frequency of administration for Prochlorperazine (Compazine)?

From the Guidelines

Compazine (prochlorperazine) can be given 3-4 times daily for nausea and vomiting, with a dose of 5-10 mg orally, intramuscularly, or intravenously, as recommended by the most recent and highest quality study 1. The frequency of administration is crucial in managing nausea and vomiting effectively.

• The dose and frequency may vary depending on the patient's condition, age, and other factors.
• For example, elderly patients or those with liver impairment may require lower doses, typically starting at half the standard dose.
• Treatment duration should be limited to the shortest period necessary to control symptoms, usually not exceeding a few days for acute nausea and vomiting.
• Compazine works by blocking dopamine receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone of the brain, which helps prevent nausea and vomiting.
• Side effects may include drowsiness, dizziness, and extrapyramidal symptoms (movement disorders), so patients should be monitored closely.
• Avoid using in children under 2 years or in patients with Parkinson's disease, and use cautiously in patients taking other central nervous system depressants, as supported by studies 1. Key considerations for the use of Compazine include:
• Monitoring for side effects and adjusting the dose as needed
• Using the lowest effective dose to minimize the risk of adverse effects
• Considering alternative treatments or adjunctive therapies for patients with refractory nausea and vomiting, as discussed in studies 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

TO CONTROL SEVERE NAUSEA AND VOMITING Adjust dosage to the response of the individual. Begin with lowest recommended dosage IM Dosage Initially 5 mg to 10 mg (1 to 2 mL) injected deeply into the upper, outer quadrant of the buttock. If necessary, repeat every 3 or 4 hours. IN ADULT PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS ... If necessary, however, repeat the initial dose every 2 to 4 hours (or, in resistant cases, every hour) to gain control of the patient

The frequency of administration for prochlorperazine (Compazine) is as follows:

• For severe nausea and vomiting: every 3 or 4 hours
• For adult psychiatric disorders: every 2 to 4 hours, or every hour in resistant cases 2 3

From the Research

Frequency of Compazine Administration

• The frequency of administering Compazine (prochlorperazine) is not explicitly stated in the provided studies 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.
• However, the studies suggest that prochlorperazine can be effective in relieving symptoms of nausea and vomiting when administered intravenously at a dose of 10 mg 4 or orally at a dose of 10 or 15 mg/day 5.
• The studies do not provide a specific frequency for administering Compazine, but they do indicate that it can be used as needed to control nausea and vomiting.

Dosage and Administration

• The dosage of Compazine used in the studies ranged from 10 mg intravenously 4 to 10 or 15 mg/day orally 5.
• The frequency of administration is not specified, but it is likely that the medication would be administered as needed to control symptoms.

Side Effects and Contraindications

• The studies mention that prochlorperazine can cause extrapyramidal symptoms, such as akathisia 5, and other side effects like sleepiness 4.
• The frequency of administering Compazine may need to be adjusted based on the individual patient's response to the medication and the presence of any side effects.