Prochlorperazine Shortage Update: February 2026

If you've been unable to fill your Prochlorperazine prescription, you're not imagining things. Multiple formulations of Prochlorperazine have been affected by drug shortages in recent years, and the situation remains fluid heading into 2026.

This article gives you the latest information on the Prochlorperazine shortage, which forms are affected, and what you can do right now to get the medication you need.

Which Forms of Prochlorperazine Are in Shortage?

Injectable (Prochlorperazine Edisylate)

The injectable form of Prochlorperazine has been on the ASHP drug shortage list for an extended period. This primarily affects hospitals, emergency departments, and infusion centers. The injectable shortage has been ongoing since at least 2015, with multiple periods of limited or no availability.

Oral Tablets (Prochlorperazine Maleate)

Prochlorperazine maleate tablets (5 mg and 10 mg) were added to the ASHP shortage list around late 2022. This form is the most commonly prescribed for outpatient use, so this shortage directly affects patients filling prescriptions at retail pharmacies.

Rectal Suppositories

Suppositories (25 mg) have experienced intermittent supply disruptions. Fewer manufacturers produce this form, making it vulnerable to shortages when demand increases or production issues arise.

What's Causing the Shortage in 2026?

Several factors are driving the Prochlorperazine shortage:

• Limited manufacturers: Only a handful of generic companies produce Prochlorperazine in the U.S. (Jubilant Cadista, Teva, Amneal, and Perrigo for suppositories). The original brand, Compazine, was discontinued years ago.
• Manufacturing disruptions: Production delays at even one facility can significantly impact national supply when there are so few manufacturers.
• Raw material supply: Active pharmaceutical ingredients are often sourced internationally, and supply chain disruptions continue to affect generic drug production.
• Low profit margins: As an inexpensive generic drug, Prochlorperazine generates little profit for manufacturers, reducing the incentive to expand production capacity.
• High demand: Prochlorperazine remains widely used in emergency medicine, oncology, and primary care for nausea management.

For a deeper look at why this medication is hard to find, see our article: Why is Prochlorperazine so hard to find?

What the FDA and ASHP Are Doing

The FDA's Drug Shortage Staff works with manufacturers to identify the root causes of shortages and expedite production when possible. The ASHP maintains real-time shortage tracking and provides clinical guidance for healthcare providers managing patients during shortages.

When a drug like Prochlorperazine goes into shortage, the FDA may:

• Work with manufacturers to increase production
• Expedite reviews of new or additional manufacturing facilities
• Allow temporary importation of the drug from other countries
• Extend expiration dates if testing shows the drug remains safe and effective

How This Affects You

As a patient, the Prochlorperazine shortage may mean:

• Your pharmacy tells you the medication is on backorder
• You have to visit or call multiple pharmacies to find it
• You experience gaps in treatment
• Your doctor may need to switch you to an alternative medication
• Prices may temporarily increase at some pharmacies

What You Can Do Right Now

1. Search for Stock Near You

Use MedFinder to check which pharmacies in your area currently have Prochlorperazine available. This is the fastest way to avoid wasting time calling around. Read our full guide: How to find Prochlorperazine in stock near you.

2. Talk to Your Doctor About Alternatives

If Prochlorperazine is unavailable, your doctor can prescribe a suitable substitute. Options include Ondansetron, Promethazine, Metoclopramide, or Chlorpromazine. See our complete guide: Alternatives to Prochlorperazine.

3. Try Different Pharmacies and Formulations

If tablets are out of stock, suppositories may be available (or vice versa). Independent pharmacies and compounding pharmacies sometimes have better access during shortages.

4. Refill Early and Stay Proactive

Don't wait until you're completely out. Refill a few days early when your insurance allows. Ask your pharmacist to notify you when a shipment arrives.

5. Save Money During the Shortage

Shortage conditions can sometimes drive up cash prices. Use coupon cards from GoodRx, SingleCare, or other programs to keep costs down. Read our guide: How to save money on Prochlorperazine.

When Will the Shortage End?

There is no official end date for the Prochlorperazine shortage. Drug shortages involving generic medications with few manufacturers can last months or even years. The structural issues — limited suppliers, low margins, supply chain vulnerabilities — require long-term solutions.

We'll continue to update this article as new information becomes available. Bookmark this page and check back for the latest.

Stay Informed

You can monitor the shortage through these official resources:

• ASHP Drug Shortage Database
• FDA Drug Shortage Database
• MedFinder — real-time pharmacy stock search

Need help right now? Find Prochlorperazine in stock on MedFinder →