What is Prochlorperazine and what is it used for? Learn about its uses, dosage forms, how to take it, and important safety info in this 2026 guide.
Prochlorperazine is a prescription medication that belongs to a class of drugs called phenothiazines. It has been used for decades and was originally sold under the brand names Compazine and Compro. Today, it is available only as a generic medication since the brand versions have been discontinued.
Prochlorperazine works by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain, which gives it several therapeutic effects. It acts as both an antiemetic (anti-nausea medication) and an antipsychotic, making it useful for a range of conditions.
The FDA has approved Prochlorperazine for three main uses:
This is the most common reason doctors prescribe Prochlorperazine. It can help with nausea and vomiting caused by:
As a first-generation antipsychotic, Prochlorperazine is sometimes used to manage schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders. However, newer antipsychotic medications are now more commonly prescribed for these conditions.
Prochlorperazine can be prescribed for non-psychotic anxiety, but only for short-term use — generally no more than 12 weeks. It is not a first-line treatment for anxiety and is typically reserved for cases where other options haven't worked.
Doctors also prescribe Prochlorperazine for conditions not listed on its official FDA label. These off-label uses include:
Prochlorperazine comes in several forms, giving doctors flexibility in how they prescribe it:
Available in 5 mg and 10 mg strengths. Tablets are swallowed whole with water and can be taken with or without food. If the medication upsets your stomach, try taking it with food.
Available in 25 mg strength. Suppositories are useful when nausea and vomiting make it impossible to keep oral medication down. They are inserted rectally and dissolve over time.
Available as a 5 mg/mL solution given as an intramuscular (IM) injection or intravenous (IV) infusion. This form is used in hospitals, emergency rooms, and clinical settings for rapid relief.
Dosage depends on the condition being treated. Here are the typical ranges for adults:
Important: Always take Prochlorperazine exactly as your doctor prescribes. Do not change your dose without talking to your doctor first.
Prochlorperazine is not safe for everyone. It should not be used by people who have:
It should also not be given to:
Tell your doctor if you have any of these conditions before starting Prochlorperazine:
Be sure to review all Prochlorperazine drug interactions with your doctor, especially if you take other medications.
Like all medications, Prochlorperazine can cause side effects. Common ones include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, and blurred vision. More serious side effects include movement disorders (extrapyramidal symptoms), tardive dyskinesia, and in rare cases, neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
For a complete breakdown, read our detailed guide on Prochlorperazine side effects and when to call your doctor.
No. Prochlorperazine is not a controlled substance. This means it doesn't have the same prescribing restrictions as medications like opioids or benzodiazepines. It can be prescribed by any licensed healthcare provider and can even be prescribed through telehealth appointments.
Because it's available as a generic, Prochlorperazine is generally affordable:
Most insurance plans cover Prochlorperazine as a Tier 1 (preferred generic) medication, meaning low copays. Prior authorization is generally not required for oral or rectal forms.
For tips on reducing your costs, read our guide on how to save money on Prochlorperazine.
Yes, Prochlorperazine has experienced recurring supply issues in recent years. The injectable form has had multiple shortage periods since 2015, and tablet shortages emerged around 2022-2023. Manufacturing consolidation and limited suppliers are the main causes.
For the latest information, read our Prochlorperazine shortage update for 2026 and learn how to check if your pharmacy has it in stock. If you can't find it, explore alternative medications.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
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