Prochlorperazine

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Prochlorperazine

Interaction

Prochlorperazine

Prochlorperazine is used to treat severe nausea and vomiting. It is also used to treat symptoms of psychosis, such as delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking and speech, and bizarre behavior. Prochlorperazine is in a class of drugs known as phenothiazines.

Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, & Foods

dnicon_Beneficial May Be Beneficial: Depletion or interference—This medication may deplete these substances from the body or interfere with how they work; extra intake may help replenish them.

none

dnicon_Beneficial May Be Beneficial: Side effect reduction and/or prevention—These substances may help reduce the likelihood and/or severity of a potential side effect caused by the medication.

none

dnicon_Beneficial May Be Beneficial: Supportive interaction—These substances may help this medication work better.

none

dnicon_Avoid Avoid: Reduces drug effectiveness—When taking this medication, avoid these substances as they may decrease the medication's absorption and/or activity in the body.

none

dnicon_Avoid Avoid: Adverse interaction—When taking this medication, avoid these substances, as the combination may cause undesirable or dangerous interactions.

Alcohol Consumption

Bacopa
dnicon_Check Check: Explanation needed—When taking this medication, read the article details and discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist before taking these substances.

none


An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

Interactions Details

Interactions with Vitamins

Lithium

Lithium is a mineral that may be present in some supplements and is also used in large amounts to treat mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder. Taking lithium at the same time as phenothiazines may result in drug side effects such as disorientation and unconsciousness.1 Though no studies have investigated whether the small amount of lithium available in supplements might interact with prochlorperazine to cause similar effects, people taking the drug should exercise caution when supplementing with lithium.

Interactions with Herbs

Bacopa

An animal study found that the effects of chlorpromazine, a drug similar to (perphenazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine), were enhanced when a bacopa extract was given along with it.2 Until more is known, people taking medications from this family of drugs (called phenothiazines) should not take bacopa.

Interactions with Foods & Other Compounds

Alcohol

Taking prochlorperazine may increase or prolong the effects of alcohol, such as drowsiness, dizziness, and poor coordination.3 Therefore, people taking prochlorperazine should avoid drinking alcohol, especially when they must stay alert.

Antacids

Many antacid products contain aluminum hydroxide, which reduces the absorption of phenothiazine drugs.4 Though no studies are available that confirm an interaction between prochloroperazine and antacids, people who are using antacids should take them an hour before or two hours after the drug.

Brands

Common brand names:

Compazine, Compro

References

1. Burnham TH, ed. Central Nervous System Agents, Antipsychotic Agents. In Drug Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, 2001, 945–65.

2. Ganguly DK, Malhotra CL. Some behavioral effects of an active fraction from Herpestis monniera Linn. (Brahmi). Indian J Med Res 1967;55:473–82.

3. Sifton DW, et. Physicians’ Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 2986–8.

4. Burnham TH, ed. Central Nervous System Agents, Antipsychotic Agents. In Drug Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, 2001, 945–65.

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