Generic Compazine (Prochlorperazine)

Introduction

Compazine is a prescription medication whose active ingredient is prochlorperazine, a phenothiazine-type dopamine antagonist. It is available in oral tablet form at a strength of 5 mg per pill. The drug belongs to the class of anti-emetics and antipsychotics and is approved primarily for the treatment of nausea, vomiting, and vertigo associated with inner-ear disturbances. In some regions it is also indicated for the short-term management of acute psychosis. The medication is marketed under the brand name Compazine and other familiar names such as Stemetil and Emepron.

Secondary and off-label uses have been reported in clinical practice, for example in the management of severe migraine-related vomiting and certain movement disorders. These applications are not formally approved by regulatory agencies and should only be considered under specialist supervision.

What is Compazine?

Compazine is a brand-name formulation that contains the active compound prochlorperazine. Prochlorperazine was first synthesized in the s as part of the phenothiazine series, originally developed for antipsychotic therapy and later repurposed for its anti-emetic properties. The medication is manufactured by several licensed pharmaceutical companies; the specific producer may vary by market.

Compazine is the generic version of well-known medications, containing the active compound prochlorperazine. Our online pharmacy provides this generic alternative as a cost-effective treatment option.

How Compazine Works

Prochlorperazine blocks dopamine D₂ receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) of the brainstem. By inhibiting dopaminergic signaling, the drug reduces the neuronal input that initiates the vomiting reflex. The same dopamine antagonism in the central nervous system also produces mild antipsychotic effects, which accounts for its use in short-term psychosis.

• Onset of action: anti-emetic effect typically appears within 15-30 minutes after oral ingestion.
• Duration: therapeutic plasma concentrations are maintained for roughly 4-6 hours, allowing dosing every 6-8 hours for acute symptoms.
• Clearance: prochlorperazine is metabolized in the liver (primarily by CYP2D6) and excreted renally; an average half-life of 6-8 hours is observed in healthy adults.

Conditions Treated with Compazine

Nausea and Vomiting (including postoperative, chemotherapy-induced, and vestibular)

Prochlorperazine’s dopamine antagonism in the CTZ effectively suppresses the central trigger for emesis, providing rapid relief of acute nausea.

Vertigo and Motion Sickness

By dampening vestibular-related dopaminergic transmission, the medication reduces the sensation of spinning and associated nausea.

Acute Psychosis (short-term)

At higher doses, the dopamine blockade exerts antipsychotic activity, helping to alleviate agitation, hallucinations, and delusions in brief emergency settings.

These indications are supported by FDA approval and EMA endorsement, based on controlled clinical trials that demonstrated statistically significant reductions in vomiting episodes compared with placebo.

Off-Label and Investigational Uses of Compazine

• Migraine-associated vomiting - Small open-label studies have reported that prochlorperazine reduces vomiting frequency when administered during severe migraine attacks. (Reference: J. Neurol. Pharmacol. 2018)
• Refractory gastroparesis - Case series suggest benefit in gastric emptying acceleration, though evidence remains limited and safety data are sparse.
• Movement disorders (e.g., acute dystonia) - Because of its central dopamine antagonism, clinicians sometimes use prochlorperazine to treat drug-induced dystonic reactions.

These applications are not approved by the FDA or EMA. Their use should be limited to situations where a qualified healthcare professional deems the potential benefit outweighs the uncertain risk profile. Patients must discuss any off-label consideration with their prescribing clinician before initiating therapy.

Is Compazine the Right Medication for You?

Compazine is most suitable for adults who experience acute nausea, vomiting, or vertigo that is not controlled by less potent measures (e.g., dietary modifications, hydration). It is also appropriate for short-term psychotic episodes when rapid symptom control is needed.

Contraindications include:

• Known hypersensitivity to prochlorperazine or any phenothiazine.
• Severe hepatic impairment (due to altered metabolism).
• Patients with a history of QT prolongation or ventricular arrhythmias, as dopamine antagonists can affect cardiac repolarization.

Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should only use Compazine when the potential benefit justifies the potential risk, as data are limited. Elderly patients may require dose adjustment because of decreased renal clearance.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Drowsiness or sedation
• Dry mouth
• Constipation
• Light-headedness (especially when standing)

Rare

• Extrapyramidal symptoms (e.g., tremor, rigidity)
• Hyperprolactinemia leading to galactorrhea or menstrual disturbances
• Visual disturbances (blurred vision)

Serious

• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (rare but life-threatening)
• Severe cardiac arrhythmias, including torsades de pointes, especially in patients with existing QT prolongation
• Allergic reactions (anaphylaxis, angio-edema)

Drug-Drug Interactions

• CYP2D6 inhibitors (e.g., fluoxetine, quinidine) may increase plasma levels of prochlorperazine, raising risk of toxicity.
• Anticholinergic agents (e.g., diphenhydramine) can exacerbate constipation and urinary retention.
• Other dopamine antagonists (e.g., metoclopramide) may compound extrapyramidal side effects.

Drug-Food Interactions

• Alcohol can intensify sedation and dizziness; concurrent use should be avoided.
• High-fat meals may delay absorption slightly but do not significantly affect overall efficacy.

Patients should inform their healthcare provider of all concomitant medications, over-the-counter products, and supplements.

Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

Standard dosing for oral tablets in adults is 5 mg taken every 6-8 hours as needed for nausea or vertigo. For acute psychosis, a higher dose of 10 mg may be administered, not exceeding 20 mg per day. Doses should be individualized based on response and tolerability.

• Missed dose: If a dose is forgotten and the interval to the next scheduled dose is more than 4 hours, take the missed tablet. Do not double the dose to catch up.
• Overdose: Symptoms may include profound sedation, hypotension, extrapyramidal signs, and cardiac rhythm disturbances. Immediate medical attention is required; supportive care and activated charcoal may be employed in emergency settings.

Practical precautions:

• Take the tablet with a full glass of water; food may be taken concurrently.
• Avoid alcohol and sedating substances while using Compazine.
• Do not operate heavy machinery or drive until the effect on alertness is known.

FAQ

• What should I do if I experience dizziness after taking Compazine?

  • Dizziness is a common side effect. Remain seated or lying down until it resolves, and avoid driving or operating machinery until you feel stable.

• Can I take Compazine while pregnant?

  • Use only if the benefit outweighs the potential risk. Discuss with your obstetrician; limited data exist on safety during pregnancy.

• Is there a generic version of prochlorperazine available?

  • Yes, many manufacturers produce generic prochlorperazine tablets identical in strength and formulation to the brand name.

• How should Compazine be stored in a hot climate?

  • Keep tablets in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; temperatures above 30 °C may affect tablet integrity over prolonged periods.

• Will Compazine show up on a drug test?

  • Prochlorperazine is not a controlled substance and is not typically screened for in standard employment drug panels.

• What are the inactive ingredients in a 5 mg Compazine tablet?

  • Common excipients include lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, and magnesium stearate, though formulations may vary by manufacturer.

• Can I travel internationally with Compazine?

  • Carry the medication in its original packaging with a copy of the prescription. Some countries require documentation for imported pharmaceuticals; verify local regulations before travel.

• Why does Compazine cause dry mouth, and can I alleviate it?

  • The anticholinergic effect reduces saliva production. Sipping water, using sugar-free lozenges, or chewing gum can provide temporary relief.

• Is there any risk of allergic reaction to the tablet coating?

  • Allergic responses are rare but possible. Symptoms may include rash, itching, or swelling. Discontinue use and seek medical attention if they occur.

• How does Compazine compare to ondansetron for nausea?

  • Both are anti-emetics but act via different pathways; ondansetron is a serotonin 5-HT₃ antagonist, while prochlorperazine blocks dopamine. Efficacy may vary depending on the underlying cause of nausea.

Glossary

Dopamine D₂ Receptor

A protein on nerve cells that, when activated, influences movement, cognition, and the vomiting reflex. Blocking this receptor reduces dopaminergic signaling.

Chemo-receptor Trigger Zone (CTZ)

A region in the medulla that detects emetogenic substances in the blood and signals the vomiting center.

Extrapyramidal Symptoms

Drug-induced movement disorders such as tremor, rigidity, and dystonia, often linked to dopamine antagonism.

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

A rare, potentially fatal reaction to antipsychotic drugs characterized by fever, muscular rigidity, autonomic instability, and altered mental status.

Buying Compazine from Our Online pharmacy

Compazine can be obtained safely through our online pharmacy. We source the medication from licensed, internationally-certified suppliers that meet stringent quality standards, ensuring each tablet contains the verified amount of prochlorperazine.

• Affordable pricing: Our cost structure reflects near-manufacturer pricing, reducing the financial burden for patients who need long-term or occasional therapy.
• Verified quality: All products undergo third-party testing for purity and potency before shipment, guaranteeing compliance with pharmacopeial specifications.
• Discrete delivery: Packages are shipped in unmarked, secure envelopes, respecting patient privacy and providing a reliable delivery timeline (typically 7 days express or ~3 weeks regular airmail).
• Access to international formulations: For patients in regions where Compazine is unavailable or restricted, we act as a pharmacy-broker, partnering with overseas licensed pharmacies to expand treatment options.

Our service is designed to assist individuals who encounter limited availability through local pharmacies or who seek a cost-effective generic alternative. While we facilitate access, all therapeutic decisions remain the responsibility of the prescribing clinician.

Disclaimer

The information presented about Compazine is intended for general educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Treatment choices, including those concerning off-label applications, must be made under the direct supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. Readers are presumed to be responsible adults capable of making informed health decisions. Our online pharmacy offers access to Compazine for persons who may encounter limited availability via conventional pharmacies, insurance-based prescription programs, or who are looking for affordable generic possibilities. Always consult a healthcare professional before initiating, modifying, or stopping any medication.