Before taking prochlorperazine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other phenothiazines (such as chlorpromazine); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: breathing problems (such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease-COPD), blood/immune system disorders (such as bone marrow depression), high pressure in the eye (glaucoma), heart disease (such as irregular heartbeat), liver disease, kidney disease, certain brain disorders (such as Reye's syndrome, seizures), stomach/intestine problems (such as blockage), difficulty urinating (for example, due to enlarged prostate), a certain adrenal gland tumor (pheochromocytoma).
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or blur your vision. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
This medication may make you more sensitive to the sun. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors. Tell your doctor right away if you get sunburned or have skin blisters/redness.
This medication may make you sweat less, making you more likely to get heat stroke. Avoid doing things that may cause you to overheat, such as hard work or exercise in hot weather, or using hot tubs. When the weather is hot, drink a lot of fluids and dress lightly. If you overheat, quickly look for a place to cool down and rest. Get medical help right away if you have a fever that does not go away, mental/mood changes, headache, or dizziness.
Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially uncontrolled movements. They may be at greater risk when they are sick (such as having viral infection, dehydration).
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially low blood pressure, constipation, urinary problems, and nerve/muscle problems.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Babies born to mothers who have used this drug during the last 3 months of pregnancy may rarely develop symptoms including muscle stiffness or shakiness, drowsiness, feeding/breathing difficulties, or constant crying. If you notice any of these symptoms in your newborn anytime during their first month, tell the doctor right away.
It is unknown if prochlorperazine passes into breast milk. However, similar drugs pass into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
