What is the use of Prochlorperazine (Compazine) 10 mg?

From the Guidelines

Prochlorperazine 10 mg is used to treat nausea and vomiting, with a recommended dosage of 5-10 mg orally 3-4 times daily for adults. The medication works as an antiemetic and antipsychotic, primarily due to its central antidopaminergic mechanism in the area postrema of the brain 1. According to the most recent guidelines, prochlorperazine is listed as a treatment option for nausea and vomiting, with a recommended dose of 5-10 mg qid 1.

Key Points to Consider

• The standard dosage for prochlorperazine varies by indication, with 5-10 mg orally 3-4 times daily recommended for nausea and vomiting 1.
• Side effects can include drowsiness, dizziness, and extrapyramidal symptoms (movement disorders) 1.
• Patients should be aware that prochlorperazine may cause drowsiness, affecting their ability to drive or operate machinery.
• If experiencing concerning side effects or if the medication isn't effectively treating symptoms, patients should consult their healthcare provider.

Relevant Evidence

• A study published in 2022 lists prochlorperazine as a treatment option for nausea and vomiting, with a recommended dose of 5-10 mg qid 1.
• Another study published in 2005 recommends prochlorperazine 10-20 mg, 3-4 times daily, for the prevention of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting 1.
• However, the most recent and highest-quality study 1 is prioritized for its recommendation on prochlorperazine dosage.

Clinical Considerations

• Prochlorperazine should be taken as prescribed by a healthcare provider.
• Patients should verify the correct medication name with their healthcare provider to ensure the information is applicable to their situation.
• The medication's potential to cause drowsiness and affect daily activities should be considered when prescribing or taking prochlorperazine.

From the FDA Drug Label

INDICATIONS AND USAGE Prochlorperazine 25 mg suppositories are indicated in the control of severe nausea and vomiting in adults. The use of Prochlorperazine is for the control of severe nausea and vomiting in adults.

• The indicated dose in the provided label is 25 mg suppositories, but the question asks about 10 mg, which is not directly addressed in the label.
• Since the label does not directly address the use of 10 mg of Prochlorperazine, no conclusion can be drawn about this specific dose 2.

From the Research

Use of Prochlorperazine (Compazine) 10 mg

• Prochlorperazine is used as an antiemetic agent to treat nausea and vomiting in adults 3, 4, 5, 6
• It is commonly prescribed in the emergency department for patients with gastritis or gastroenteritis 3, 6
• The typical dose of prochlorperazine is 10 mg, which can be administered orally or intravenously 4, 5, 6
• Prochlorperazine has been shown to be effective in treating nausea and vomiting, with some studies suggesting it is more effective than other antiemetic agents such as promethazine 6
• However, prochlorperazine can cause extrapyramidal symptoms, such as akathisia, which can occur in up to 14% of patients 4
• Patients taking prochlorperazine should be monitored for these symptoms, and alternative antiemetic agents such as ondansetron may be considered if symptoms occur 3, 7

Comparison to Other Antiemetic Agents

• Prochlorperazine has been compared to other antiemetic agents, including ondansetron and promethazine, in several studies 3, 5, 6
• One study found that prochlorperazine was more effective than promethazine in relieving symptoms of nausea and vomiting 6
• Another study found that prochlorperazine and ondansetron were equally effective in treating vomiting, but prochlorperazine was more effective in controlling nausea 5
• However, ondansetron may be preferred over prochlorperazine due to its lower risk of extrapyramidal symptoms 3, 7

Side Effects and Monitoring

• Prochlorperazine can cause several side effects, including extrapyramidal symptoms, sedation, and headache 4, 5
• Patients taking prochlorperazine should be monitored for these symptoms, and the dose should be adjusted or an alternative antiemetic agent should be considered if symptoms occur 3, 7
• The risk of extrapyramidal symptoms can be reduced by decreasing the infusion rate of prochlorperazine or by administering it orally instead of intravenously 4