From the Guidelines
Oral Compazine (prochlorperazine) is primarily indicated for the treatment of nausea and vomiting associated with various conditions, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and certain gastrointestinal disorders, with a recommended dose of 5-10 mg taken 3-4 times daily, as supported by the most recent evidence from 1.
Indications for Use
- Nausea and vomiting associated with surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and certain gastrointestinal disorders
- Severe nausea and vomiting in pregnancy when other treatments have failed
- Psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia and anxiety, though this is less common in current practice
Dosage and Administration
- Typical adult oral dose: 5-10 mg taken 3-4 times daily
- Maximum daily dose: 40 mg
- Dosing should be individualized based on patient response and condition severity
Mechanism of Action
- Blocks dopamine receptors in the brain's chemoreceptor trigger zone and vomiting center, effectively reducing nausea signals
Side Effects and Precautions
- May cause drowsiness, dizziness, and extrapyramidal symptoms (movement disorders)
- Patients should avoid alcohol while taking it
- Those with liver disease, seizure disorders, or certain heart conditions should use this medication with caution
- Contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to phenothiazines
Evidence-Based Recommendations
- The most recent evidence from 1 supports the use of oral Compazine for the treatment of nausea and vomiting associated with various conditions
- Other studies, such as 1, 1, and 1, also provide evidence for the use of Compazine in various clinical settings, but the most recent and highest quality study is 1