Prochlorperazine
Prochlorperazine is a first-generation antipsychotic medication belonging to the phenothiazine class, primarily used to treat schizophrenia, other psychotic disorders, severe nausea and vomiting, and sometimes anxiety. It works by blocking dopamine D2 receptors in the brain, which helps reduce psychotic symptoms and nausea.
Prochlorperazine is an antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia, severe nausea, and vomiting by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N05AB04
- RxNorm
- 8704
- Generic
- Prochlorperazine
- Class
- atc-n05
- Brands
- Compazine, Compro
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral, rectal
- Forms
- injection, solution, tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 5-10mg 3-4 times daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 6-8 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 2.5mg 1-3 times daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 8-12 hours as needed
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 5mg 1-3 times daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 8-12 hours as needed
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
use only if benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular prenatal monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use near term due to potential effects on newborn
monitor newborn for extrapyramidal symptoms
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedinguse with caution
excreted in breast milk, use only if absolutely necessary
monitor infant for excessive drowsiness
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlyreduce dose, start low
increased sensitivity to sedation and extrapyramidal effects, use lower initial doses
monitor for orthostatic hypotension, sedation, and movement disorders
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children under 2not recommended
not recommended for children under 2 years or weighing less than 10 kg
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
children 2 12weight-based dosing required
use with caution, monitor closely for extrapyramidal symptoms
close monitoring for adverse reactions
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno significant adjustment needed
use with caution, monitor renal function
monitor renal function periodically
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severereduce dose
dose reduction recommended in severe renal impairment
monitor renal function and for adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateuse lower dose
metabolized in liver, use with caution
monitor liver function and for adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severeavoid or use very low dose
avoid in severe hepatic impairment due to significantly impaired metabolism
close monitoring required if used
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Original FDA approval date for Prochlorperazine
Drug class
ATC classification N05AB04
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indications
Mechanism of action
Primary pharmacodynamic action
Treatment of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, severe nausea and vomiting (including chemotherapy-induced and post-operative), vertigo, and occasionally anxiety disorders.
Blocks dopamine D2 receptors in the brain's mesolimbic pathway, reducing dopamine-mediated neurotransmission and alleviating psychotic symptoms. Its antiemetic effect is primarily mediated through blockade of dopamine receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone.
May cause drowsiness, dizziness, extrapyramidal symptoms (such as tardive dyskinesia and parkinsonism), orthostatic hypotension, and anticholinergic effects. Use with caution in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis. May interact with other CNS depressants, anticholinergic drugs, and medications that affect QT interval. Avoid use in patients with known hypersensitivity to phenothiazines.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy