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Compare Compazine vs. Phenergan

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Prochlorperazine and promethazine (Phenergan) are both used to treat nausea and vomiting, but they have different primary uses and mechanisms. Prochlorperazine also treats schizophrenia and generalized anxiety disorder by blocking dopamine in the brain. It is typically taken 3 to 4 times daily and can cause side effects like drowsiness, dizziness, and blurry vision. Promethazine, on the other hand, is also useful for treating allergy symptoms, motion sickness, and can be used as a sedative before surgery. It’s available in various forms, including tablets, oral solution, rectal suppository, and injection. It starts working within 20 minutes, compared to prochlorperazine which starts working in 30 minutes. Promethazine can cause drowsiness and has a higher risk of breathing problems in children under 2 years old. Both medications are available as low-cost generics.

  • Prochlorperazine
    Promethazine
  • Prochlorperazine
    Promethazine

  • Summary of Compazine vs. Phenergan

    Summary for Phenothiazine
    Prescription only

    Prochlorperazine is used to treat severe nausea and vomiting. It's also used to improve mood, thoughts, and behaviors for people with schizophrenia and anxiety. It's not a first-choice medication because it can cause serious side effects, such as extreme sleepiness, falls, and uncontrolled muscle movements. Prochlorperazine comes as a tablet that's taken by mouth, typically 3 to 4 times daily. The brand name version of prochlorperazine (Compazine) is no longer available.

    Summary for Antihistamine
    Prescription only

    Promethazine is a prescription medication with many uses, such as treatment or prevention of nausea, motion sickness, and allergy symptoms. Promethazine works by blocking several chemicals, including histamine, dopamine, and acetylcholine. It comes as tablets, an oral solution, rectal suppositories, and an injection. The dose of promethazine and how often you take it depends on your age and what medical condition you're taking it to treat. But it shouldn't be given to children younger than 2 years of age since it can cause serious breathing problems. Common side effects include sleepiness and dizziness.

  • Indications of Compazine vs. Phenergan

    Indications for
    •Severe nausea and vomiting
    •Schizophrenia
    •Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
    Indications for
    •Runny nose, watery eyes, and other symptoms of allergies
    •Runny or stuffy nose that isn't caused by allergies
    •Rash, swelling, anaphylaxis, and other symptoms of an allergic reaction
    •Dermographism
    •Treatment or prevention of nausea and vomiting before and after surgery
    •Treatment or prevention of motion sickness
    •Treatment of pain along with other pain medications after surgery
    •Help to relax your body and produce a light sleep, particularly before a procedure

  • Pros and Cons of Compazine vs. Phenergan

    Pros and Const for Phenothiazine
    Pros
    •Available as a generic medication
    •Available as an oral tablet or suppository for treating nausea and vomiting
    •Typically starts working in 30 minutes and effects last up to 4 hours
    Cons
    •Many serious and sometimes possibly permanent side effects, such as uncontrolled muscle movements
    •Can't be used in children under 2 years old or under 20 pounds due to higher risk of serious side effects
    •Not recommended for use in pregnancy or during breastfeeding
    Pros and Const for Antihistamine
    Pros
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    •Available in different formulations, such as a tablet, syrup, and injection
    •Starts working within 20 minutes
    Cons
    •Can't be taken by children under 2 years old because risk of serious breathing problem
    •Higher risk of side effects in older adults
    •Can cause sleepiness

  • Common Side Effects of Compazine vs. Phenergan

    Common Side Effects for
    •Drowsiness
    •Dizziness
    •Absent menstrual periods
    •Blurry vision
    •Low blood pressure
    Common Side Effects for
    •Feeling drowsy or tired
    •Dizziness
    •Confusion
    •Dry mouth
    •Nervousness
    •Blurry vision

    The following side effects are those additionally reported with promethazine injection at the injection site:

    •Burning
    •Pain
    •Rash
    •Swelling

  • Warnings of Compazine vs. Phenergan

    Common Side Effects for
    •Higher risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis
    •Difficulty controlling muscle movements (tardive dyskinesia)
    •Other conditions with uncontrolled muscle movements (dystonia, Parkinsonian symptoms, and restlessness)
    •Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
    •Cover up more serious health problems
    •Higher risk of infections
    •Higher risk of falls
    •Liver problems
    •Seizures
    •High prolactin levels
    •Difficulty maintaining normal body temperature
    Common Side Effects for
    •Potentially life-threatening slow breathing (respiratory depression)
    •Serious tissue injury (Injection only)
    •Excessive sleepiness
    •Worsening of certain health problems
    •Seizures
    •Higher risk of infection (from low white blood cell count)
    •Risk of serious nerve problems (neuroleptic malignant syndrome)
    •Uncontrollable body movements

  • Prices with our coupons for Compazine vs. Phenergan

    Learn more about Prochlorperazine
    Learn more about Promethazine

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