Prochlorperazine Maleate
About
Prochlorperazine Maleate belongs to a class of medications called phenothiazines used to treat nausea, vomiting, and dizziness due to various causes. It is also indicated in the treatment of schizophrenia, mania, vertigo, inner ear problems such as Meniere’s Syndrome or labyrinthitis, and short-term anxiety, in addition to other medicines.
Prochlorperazine Maleate contains Prochlorperazine maleate, which works by inhibiting the effect of the natural chemical in the brain (dopamine), thereby helping treat nausea and vomiting.
In some cases, Prochlorperazine Maleate may cause side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, headache, dry mouth, and hypotension. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Do not take Prochlorperazine Maleate if you are pregnant, might become pregnant, or think you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Prochlorperazine Maleate is not recommended for children below one year or those weighing below 10 kg. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medications to rule out any interaction/side effects.
Uses of Prochlorperazine Maleate
Medicinal Benefits
Prochlorperazine Maleate belongs to a class of medications called phenothiazines used to treat nausea, vomiting, and dizziness due to various causes. It is also indicated in the treatment of schizophrenia, mania, vertigo, inner ear problems such as Meniere’s Syndrome or labyrinthitis, and short-term anxiety, in addition to other medicines. Prochlorperazine Maleate contains Prochlorperazine maleate, which works by inhibiting the effect of the natural chemical in the brain (dopamine).
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Prochlorperazine Maleate
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Hypotension/low blood pressure
- Dry mouth
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Prochlorperazine Maleate if you are allergic to any of its components. Inform your doctor if you have/had heart problems, stroke, thyroid problems, enlarged prostate, blood clot problems, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, epilepsy, depression, phaeochromocytoma (tumour of adrenal glands), myasthenia gravis (muscle problems), glaucoma, agranulocytosis (low white blood cells), low blood levels of potassium, magnesium, or calcium, alcohol problems, diabetes or if you are elderly. Do not take Prochlorperazine Maleate if you are pregnant, planning for pregnancy, think you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Consult your doctor if you experience breathing problems, changes in skin or eye colour, problems with eye-sight, light-headedness or dizziness when you stand or sit up quickly.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor if you are taking sedatives, anticholinergic medicines, anti-depressants (amitriptyline), anticonvulsants (carbamazepine), and drug used to treat Parkinson’s disease (levodopa), antibiotics, antacids, medicines used to control heartbeat (amiodarone, disopyramide, propranolol, quinidine), anti-diabetics, anti-manic agent (lithium), chelator (desferrioxamine).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Let your doctor know if you have/had heart problems, stroke, thyroid problems, enlarged prostate, blood clot problems, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, epilepsy, or depression.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid alcohol consumption as it may worsen the side effects of Prochlorperazine Maleate, leading to serious breathing difficulties.
Pregnancy
unsafeIf you are pregnant, suspect you are pregnant or want to become pregnant, do not take Prochlorperazine Maleate as it may harm your fetus.
Breast Feeding
unsafeDo not take Prochlorperazine Maleate if you are a breastfeeding mother.
Driving
cautionProchlorperazine Maleate may cause sleepiness. Therefore avoid driving or operating machinery if you feel sleepy after taking this medicine.
Liver
consult your doctorIf you have liver problems, consult your doctor before taking Prochlorperazine Maleate.
Kidney
consult your doctorIf you have kidney problems, consult your doctor before taking Prochlorperazine Maleate.
Children
cautionProchlorperazine Maleate is not recommended for children below one year and those weighing below 10kgs. In children above one year, your doctor will decide the dose based on the child’s weight.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
Nausea and vomiting:
- Eat smaller meals more often.
- Drink fluids to stay hydrated.
- Avoid solid foods until the vomiting stops.
- Avoid foods that might cause stomach upset.
- Take ample rest. Avoid any activity immediately after eating.
- Consume plain, light foods such as bread and biscuits.
- Avoid food with strong flavours and fried food.
- Ginger tea might help in proper digestion.
Schizophrenia:
- Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
- Regularly attend therapy sessions.
- Perform meditation and yoga.
- Follow a regular sleep pattern.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Learn about your condition, understand the risk factors and follow the doctor’s treatment plan.
Vertigo:
- Replace regular salt with low-sodium salt, as sodium may aggravate vertigo.
- Avoid sodium-rich foods, such as soy sauce, chips, popcorn, cheese, canned foods, and pickles.
- Limit salt and sugar intake.
- Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly, as it helps improve overall health and boosts self-esteem.
- Perform meditation and yoga. This helps in relieving stress and provides relaxation.
- Follow a regular sleep pattern to improve the amount and quality of sleep you get.
- Avoid smoking, alcohol, and caffeinated drinks.
- Learn relaxation skills as they help in reducing stress.
Special Advise
- Avoid exposure to direct sunlight and use sunscreen as Prochlorperazine Maleate may cause sensitivity to sunlight.
- Your doctor may advise regular tests such as blood tests and ECG whilst on treatment with Prochlorperazine Maleate.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Nausea & Vomiting: Nausea is an uneasy feeling in which the person feels an urge to vomit, whereas vomiting is an uncontrollable reflex that expels the contents of the stomach through the mouth. Nausea and vomiting may occur separately or together. The common causes include motion sickness, emotional stress, indigestion, food poisoning, high fever or overeating.
Schizophrenia: It is a condition in which the person may see, hear or feel things that are not there, believe things that are not true, or feel unusually suspicious or confused. Symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, thought disorders, movement disorders, disorganised thinking, loss of interest, lack of emotions, etc.
Vertigo: Vertigo is a sudden external or internal spinning sensation that causes dizziness. It creates a false sense that you or your surroundings are moving or spinning. Vertigo is not the same as light-headedness, but it might feel similar to motion sickness. Vertigo occurs due to problems in the brain or inner ear. Vertigo symptoms include increased sweating, nausea, vomiting, headache, loss of balance, and the feeling that things are spinning or moving.
FAQs
Prochlorperazine Maleate works by works by blocking the effect of a natural chemical in the brain (dopamine).
Prochlorperazine Maleate may cause sensitivity to sunlight. Therefore, avoiding exposure to direct sunlight and using sunscreen whilst on treatment with Prochlorperazine Maleate is recommended.
Do not let the tablets touch your skin for longer, as it may cause skin redness and contact skin sensitisation (swelling and itching).
