What Is Compazine? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Compazine is a prescription medication that has been used in the United States since the late 1950s. Whether your doctor just prescribed it or you are researching it before an appointment, this guide covers everything a patient needs to know — what Compazine is, what it treats, how to take it, and important safety information for 2026.

What Is Compazine?

Compazine is the brand name for prochlorperazine, a medication in the phenothiazine drug class. Phenothiazines are first-generation (typical) antipsychotic drugs that work primarily by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain. At lower doses, prochlorperazine is used as an antiemetic (anti-nausea medication). At higher doses, it treats psychiatric conditions.

Important: The original brand name Compazine was discontinued years ago. Today, this drug is only available as generic prochlorperazine. The brand name Compro still exists for the 25 mg rectal suppository formulation. You may see the drug referred to as prochlorperazine maleate (tablets) or prochlorperazine edisylate (injectable).

What Is Compazine Used For?

Prochlorperazine has three FDA-approved uses:

Severe nausea and vomiting — This is the most common reason doctors prescribe prochlorperazine. It is effective for nausea caused by surgery, cancer treatment, infections, and other conditions.

Schizophrenia — As a first-generation antipsychotic, prochlorperazine can manage symptoms of schizophrenia. Newer antipsychotics have largely replaced it for this use in most settings, but some patients remain on it.

Short-term non-psychotic anxiety — At lower doses, prochlorperazine can help control generalized anxiety on a short-term basis.

Off-label uses (not FDA-approved but supported by clinical evidence) include:

Acute migraine headaches — Emergency departments commonly administer IV or IM prochlorperazine to treat acute migraines, often combined with diphenhydramine to reduce dystonia risk

Vertigo — Can help reduce dizziness associated with inner ear problems

Persistent hiccups — For hiccups that do not respond to other treatments

Dosage Forms Available

Prochlorperazine is available in three forms:

Oral tablets: 5 mg and 10 mg. Taken 3 to 4 times daily as directed. Can be taken with or without food.

Rectal suppositories: 25 mg (Compro brand or generic). Useful when severe nausea makes it impossible to keep oral medication down. Inserted rectally and absorbed directly.

Injectable solution: 5 mg/mL, given as an intramuscular (IM) or intravenous (IV) injection. Used in hospitals and emergency departments.

How to Take Compazine Tablets

Take with or without food. If stomach upset occurs, taking it with food or milk can help.

Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water.

Take at the same times each day if using it on a regular schedule.

Do not skip doses or take more than prescribed. Do not increase your dose without talking to your doctor.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember — unless it's close to your next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and continue your normal schedule. Do not double up.

Who Should Not Take Compazine?

Children under 2 years old or weighing less than 20 pounds

Patients in a comatose state or severely depressed consciousness

Patients taking large amounts of CNS depressants (alcohol, barbiturates, opioids)

Patients with a known allergy to prochlorperazine or other phenothiazines

Elderly patients with dementia — prochlorperazine should not be used for behavioral problems in this population due to increased mortality risk

How Much Does Compazine Cost in 2026?

Generic prochlorperazine is relatively affordable. Without a coupon, 30 tablets of 10 mg typically cost $30 to $50. With a GoodRx or SingleCare coupon, prices drop to as low as $3 to $9 for a 30-day supply. Most insurance plans cover it at Tier 1 or Tier 2 with copays of $0 to $15. The suppository formulation is significantly more expensive: $150 to $200 without insurance, dropping to $25 to $44 with a coupon.

Because prochlorperazine can be hard to find at some pharmacies due to ongoing supply disruptions, use medfinder.com to locate a pharmacy with it in stock. For more on the shortage, read: Why Is Compazine So Hard to Find in 2026?