Compazine

Drug Uses

Compazine is a phenothiazine that blocks a certain chemical (dopamine) in the brain and is used for controlling severe nausea and vomiting and treating schizophrenia in some cases.

How it is taken

Compazine can be taken by mouth with or without food. The best way to use the drug is as recommended by your doctor.

Drug Class & Mechanism

Compazine is a phenothiazine that blocks a certain chemical (dopamine) in the brain

Missed Dosage

If you miss a dose of Compazine then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Storage

Store it at room temperature (between between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in an air tight container protecting it from direct exposure to light, heat and moisture. Keep away from pets and children.
 

Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances, a history of heart disease, central nervous system depression, blood problems, liver problems, low blood pressure, increased pressure in the eye, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, tardive dyskinesia, bone marrow problems, unusual muscle movements, Parkinson disease, a predisposition to glaucoma, Reye syndrome, prostate problems, or seizures, or you have alcoholism.

You must not take if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or you are taking astemizole, cisapride, or terfenadine, you have severe central nervous system depression.

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using and contact your doctor immediately.

Certain drugs can interact with and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking especially any and all of the following.
Anticholinergics (eg, diphenhydramine, oxybutynin, scopolamine) or lithium, because they reduce the effectiveness of the drug.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors (eg, enalapril), anticholinergics (eg, diphenhydramine, oxybutynin, scopolamine), general anesthetics (eg, thiopental), haloperidol, methyldopa, or tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline) because it increases the risk of seizures.

ACE inhibitors (eg, enalapril), anticholinergics (eg, diphenhydramine, oxybutynin, scopolamine), astemizole, cisapride, dofetilide, haloperidol, hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), methyldopa, metrizamide, naltrexone, polypeptide antibiotics (eg, actinomycin), serotonin receptor antagonist antiemetics (eg, ondansetron), terfenadine, tramadol, trazodone, or tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline) because Compazine increases the risk of their side effects.

Bromocriptine, guanethidine, levodopa, or pergolide. Because Compazine reduces their effectiveness. 

Lithium because it may lead to unwanted toxic

Periodic lab tests may be recommended to monitor your health while taking the drug. Ensure that you do not miss any lab tests.

It has been noted that elder patients are more sensitive to the side effects of the drug. They might need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring throughout the treatment.
 

Some of the common side effects of are blurred vision, chills, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, jitteriness, nasal congestion, sleeplessness. Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.

Other severe side effects include severe allergic reactions (rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), agitation, altered mental abilities, including lack of response to your surroundings, changes in breasts, changes in menstrual period, changes in vision, difficulty swallowing, drooling, excessive sweating, fever, inability to move eyes, increased body heat, involuntary movements of tongue, face, mouth, or jaw (e.g., protrusion of tongue, puffing of cheeks, puckering of mouth, chewing movements), irregular or fast heartbeat, mask-like face, muscle stiffness, muscle spasms of face, neck, or back, prolonged or painful erection, restlessness, rigid muscles, shuffling walk, sore throat, tension in legs, tremors, twitching or twisting movements, unusual eye movements, weakness of arms or legs, yellowing of the skin or eyes.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.