prochlorperazine mesilate at a glance
Medicine class
Phenothiazine antiemetic and antipsychotic
Selected injection uses
Nausea and vomiting, schizophrenia and acute mania
Administration
Given by deep intramuscular injection by a healthcare professional
Driving and alcohol
Do not drive if drowsy; alcohol can worsen sedation and other adverse effects
What is prochlorperazine mesilate used for?
The selected UK injection is licensed for:
Treatment of nausea and vomiting.
Schizophrenia, particularly chronic illness.
Acute mania.
How does prochlorperazine mesilate work?
Prochlorperazine blocks dopamine signalling in the brain. This suppresses signalling to the vomiting centre and can reduce symptoms associated with excessive dopaminergic activity.
prochlorperazine mesilate preparations and strengths
Injection
Route: Parenteral
Strengths: 12.5 mg/mL
How to take prochlorperazine mesilate
The selected formulation is given by deep intramuscular injection by a healthcare professional and should not be self-injected. Oral standard tablets are swallowed with water, while buccal tablets are placed between the upper lip and gum; these formulations have separate instructions.
Tell the healthcare professional about allergies, other medicines, and relevant heart, neurological, liver, kidney or blood conditions.
Drowsiness and postural hypotension can occur after injection; follow the clinical team's advice before standing or leaving.
prochlorperazine mesilate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Sleepiness or drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Headache
- Stuffy nose
- Dizziness or a fall in blood pressure when standing
Get urgent medical advice
- Severe allergic reaction, including facial or throat swelling and breathing difficulty
- High temperature, muscle rigidity, altered consciousness or unstable blood pressure
- Muscle spasms, shaking or uncontrollable face, eye or tongue movements
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Unexplained fever or infection suggesting a blood disorder
- Yellow skin or eyes suggesting liver injury
- Symptoms of a blood clot, such as sudden breathlessness or a painful swollen leg
prochlorperazine mesilate in pregnancy
General NHS information says prochlorperazine can be used during pregnancy and available evidence does not indicate congenital harm. However, the selected injection's SmPC advises avoiding it unless expected benefit outweighs potential risk; late-pregnancy exposure may require newborn monitoring. A prescriber or maternity professional should assess its use.
prochlorperazine mesilate while breastfeeding
The selected injection's SmPC advises suspending breastfeeding during treatment. Broader guidance allows cautious use in some situations, with infant monitoring. Discuss the specific formulation with the prescriber or specialist breastfeeding service.
prochlorperazine mesilate interactions
Check all prescribed, pharmacy and herbal products before treatment. Important examples include:
Alcohol, sedatives and other CNS depressants
Can add to drowsiness and may increase respiratory depression.
Medicines that prolong the QT interval
Increase the risk of serious abnormal heart rhythms, particularly with electrolyte disturbance.
Anticholinergic medicines
Can worsen effects such as dry mouth, constipation and impaired temperature regulation.
Common questions about prochlorperazine mesilate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is prochlorperazine mesilate used for?
It is mainly used to control nausea and vomiting. The selected injection is also licensed for schizophrenia and acute mania.
Can prochlorperazine mesilate make me sleepy?
Yes. Do not drive, cycle or operate machinery if it causes sleepiness, blurred vision or an irregular heartbeat.
Can children receive the injection?
No. The selected intramuscular injection is contraindicated in children because of the risk of dystonic reactions.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.