PROCHLORPERAZINE

It is a potent phenothiazine neuroleptic. It is used in vertigo due to Meniere’s syndrome, labyrinthitis & other causes, and for nausea & vomiting from whatever cause. It may also be used for migraine, schizophrena, acute mania & as an adjunct to the short term management of anxiety.

Indications

Vertigo & Meniere’s syndrome, migraine, nausea & vomiting, labyrinthitis. Schizophrenia & other psychotic disorders.

Dosage

5-10 mg 2-3 times a day. Migraine : 20 mg stat followed by 10 mg 2 hrs later. Schizophrenia & other psychotic disorders: 75-100 mg daily in divided doses. Children : 0.25 mg/kg bodywt. 2-3 times a day i.m. route not recommended for children.

Contra-Indications

Pregnancy, lactation.

Special Precautions

liver or renal dysfunction, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, hypothyroidism, phaeochromocytoma, myasthenia gravis, prostrate hypertrophy, narrow angle glaucoma. Paediatrics: Not recommended for children weighing less than 10 kg. Reduce dose in others. Pregnancy: Safety not established. Lactation: Should not be used. Elderly: Reduced dose necessary.

Side Effects

Drowsiness, nasal stuffiness, dry mouth, nsomnia, agitation, jaundice.

Drug Interactions

Potentiation of other CNS depressants including sedative, alcohol, hypnotics, barbiturates, opioids, antihistamines and general anaesthetics. Increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias with terfenadine and astemizole. Additive anticholinergic effects with antihistamines, tricyclic antidepressants and drug used in parkinsonism.