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Apo-Prochlorazine

(prochlorperazine)

In this factsheet:
• How does Apo-Prochlorazine work? What will it do for me?
• How should I use Apo-Prochlorazine?
• What form(s) does Apo-Prochlorazine come in?
• Who should NOT take Apo-Prochlorazine?
• What side effects are possible with Apo-Prochlorazine?
• Are there any other precautions or warnings for Apo-Prochlorazine?
• What other drugs could interact with Apo-Prochlorazine?

DIN (Drug Identification Number)

How does Apo-Prochlorazine work? What will it do for me?

Prochlorperazine belongs to the group of medications known as antipsychotics, and specifically to the family of antipsychotics called phenothiazines. It is used to treat the symptoms of psychotic disorders such as excessive anxiety, tension, confusion, delusions, and agitation. It works by affecting the chemical balance in the brain.

It also can be used to treat or prevent nausea and vomiting caused by the use of certain medications (e.g., cancer treatments) or motion sickness. When used for nausea and vomiting, the doses are much lower than those used for psychotic disorders. Accordingly, there are fewer side effects.

Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.

How should I use Apo-Prochlorazine?

For treatment of psychiatric illness, the initial recommended adult dose of prochloperazine is 10 mg 4 times daily. Your doctor will gradually increase this dose until your symptoms are under control. The doses vary according to the condition being treated.

For treatment of nausea and vomiting, the recommended adult dose of prochlorperazine is usually 5 mg to 10 mg, 3 or 4 times daily.

Children's doses are usually based on weight.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

What form(s) does Apo-Prochlorazine come in?

5 mg
Each orange, round, biconvex, film-coated tablet, engraved with "APO" over "5" on one side, contains prochlorperazine 5 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: carnauba wax, croscarmellose sodium, dextrates, and magnesium stearate; film coating: D&C Yellow No. 10 Lake, FD&C Yellow No. 6 Lake, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, polyethylene glycol, and titanium dioxide.

10 mg
Each orange, round, biconvex, film-coated tablet, engraved with "APO" over "10" on one side, contains prochlorperazine 10 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: carnauba wax, croscarmellose sodium, dextrates, and magnesium stearate; film coating: D&C Yellow No. 10 Lake, FD&C Yellow No. 6 Lake, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, polyethylene glycol, and titanium dioxide.

Who should NOT take Apo-Prochlorazine?

This medication should not be given to or taken by anyone who:

• is allergic to prochloperazine or any ingredients of this medication
• is allergic to any of the phenothiazine-type medications
• is comatose or has a reduced level of consciousness
• is severely depressed
• is taking large doses of central nervous system depressants (barbiturates, alcohol, analgesics, or antihistamines)
• has a medical condition known as pheochromocytoma
• has a severe heart disorder
• has bone marrow depression or other blood disorders
• has brain damage
• has liver damage
• has reduced kidney function

Do not give this medication to children undergoing surgery.

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