Compazine (Prochlorperazine)

COMPAZINE in suppository form comes in 25 milligram (mg) doses that can be taken twice a day. Tablets come in 5 and 10 mg formulas with a recommended dose of 10 to 40 mg a day.

While adults can take tablets three or four times a day, children's doses are usually given one to three times a day.

COMPAZINE should not be given to children younger than two years or weighing less than 20 pounds.

Common Side Effects of COMPAZINE

Side effects reported by those on COMPAZINE include:

•Drowsiness

•Difficulty falling or staying asleep

•Dizziness

•Increased appetite, weight gain

•Dry mouth

•Blurred vision

•Decreased sexual ability in men

If these symptoms seem severe or persist, tell your doctor.

Severe Side Effects of COMPAZINE

If you have any of these side effects, contact your doctor right away, as they can be serious:

•Fever

•Confusion

•Fast, irregular heartbeat

•Stiffness in muscles

•Sweating

•Breathing or swallowing problems

•Rash, hives, itching, swelling of eyes, face or other parts

•Yellow skin, eyes

•Erection lasting for hours

COMPAZINE must carry a black-box warning about an increased risk of death when used in elderly patients with psychosis related to dementia.

The medicine is not approved for treating patients with dementia-related psychosis.

Using COMPAZINE increases the risk of a serious movement disorder called tardive dyskinesia. The condition may remit once the drug is stopped.

If you are taking COMPAZINE regularly, you should not stop taking it without first talking to your doctor.

If you have the eye condition glaucoma, be sure to tell your doctor. COMPAZINE may affect intraocular pressure, which can be dangerous.

Pregnancy and COMPAZINE

COMPAZINE is a Pregnancy Category C drug, according to the FDA. That means harm to a woman's fetus cannot be ruled out. If you are pregnant, you should talk to your doctor about the benefits of taking COMPAZINE versus the potential risks to the baby.

The drug may interfere with the results of home pregnancy tests. If you suspect you are pregnant while taking COMPAZINE, see your doctor.

COMPAZINE is excreted in the breast milk of nursing mothers. Ask your doctor if it would be better to stop the drug or stop breastfeeding.

Before staring COMPAZINE, tell your doctor about any prescription, non-prescription, over-the-counter (OTC), illegal and recreational drugs, herbal remedies, nutritional and dietary supplements, and all other drugs and treatments you're taking.

COMPAZINE and Drug Interactions

If you are taking any of the following medications while taking COMPAZINE, your doctor will watch closely to guard against interactions:

•Thiazide diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide) or chlorothiazide (Diuril). These can lower blood pressure too much when taken with COMPAZINE.

•Oral anticoagulants such as warfarin (Coumadin) can work less effectively when taken with COMPAZINE.

•Anticonvulsant medications (anti-epileptic drugs) may need to be dose-adjusted.

COMPAZINE and Alcohol

COMPAZINE may intensify or lengthen the effects of alcohol. Ask your doctor about using alcohol while taking COMPAZINE.