Prochlorperazine

Also indexed as: Buccastem®, Compazine®, Stemetil®

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 behaviour. Prochlorperazine is in a class of drugs known as phenothiazines.

Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, a herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized interactions.

Avoid: Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability—Avoid these supplements when taking this medication since the supplement may decrease the absorption and/or activity of the medication in the body.	Antacids
Avoid: Adverse interaction—Avoid these supplements when taking this medication because taking them together may cause undesirable or dangerous results.	Alcohol Bacopa Lithium (prescription) Lithium (supplements)
Depletion or interference	None known
Side effect reduction/prevention	None known
Supportive interaction	None known

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 with Dietary Supplements

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 and 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 aluminium 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.

References
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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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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or chemist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires March 2007.

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