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Compare Compazine vs. Reglan

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

Key takeaways

Prochlorperazine and metoclopramide (Reglan) are both used to treat nausea and vomiting, but they have some key differences. Prochlorperazine is also used to treat schizophrenia and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), while metoclopramide is also used for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and diabetic gastroparesis. Even though metoclopramide is used for nausea and vomiting caused by pregnancy or chemotherapy, it’s used off-label for this indication. Prochlorperazine is taken 3 to 4 times daily and comes as an oral tablet or suppository, whereas metoclopramide is taken 4 times daily and comes in various forms, including tablets, liquid, and nasal spray. Both medications can cause serious side effects like tardive dyskinesia, but metoclopramide also has a black box warning for this condition. Additionally, metoclopramide interacts with many medications and is not recommended for people with Parkinson's disease, seizures, or stomach blockages. It also can’t be used in children for more than 12 weeks because of a higher risk of serious side effects. Prochlorperazine, on the other hand, is not recommended for use in children under 2 years old or during pregnancy. Both medications can cause drowsiness and should be used with caution.

Prochlorperazine
Metoclopramide (Reglan)
Prochlorperazine
Metoclopramide (Reglan)
Summary of Compazine vs. Reglan
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 Dopamine antagonist
Prescription only
Metoclopramide (Reglan) is FDA-approved to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), as well as gastroparesis in people with diabetes. Providers might also prescribe it off-label for morning sickness during pregnancy and nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. But metoclopramide (Reglan) isn’t a first-choice medication for these conditions because it has a black box warning for a serious side effect called tardive dyskinesia. Metoclopramide (Reglan) can interact with some commonly prescribed medications, such as risperidone (Risperdal) and quetiapine (Seroquel).
Indications of Compazine vs. Reglan
Indications for

•Severe nausea and vomiting

•Schizophrenia

•Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

Indications for

•Delayed stomach-emptying caused by diabetes (diabetic gastroparesis)

•Severe acid reflux (gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD) when other medications haven’t worked
Pros and Cons of Compazine vs. Reglan
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 Dopamine antagonist
Pros

•Available as a lower-cost generic medication

•Available in many forms including tablet, fast-melting tablet, liquid, nasal spray, and injection

•Typically starts to work in 30 minutes to 1 hour

•A possible option during pregnancy

Cons

•Shouldn’t be used in children or for more than 12 weeks because of a higher risk of serious side effects

•Needs to be taken multiple times a day

•Interacts with a lot of medications such as antipsychotics, antidepressants, and opioids

•Can't be used if you have Parkinson's disease, seizures, or stomach blockages or bleeds
Common Side Effects of Compazine vs. Reglan
Common Side Effects for

•Drowsiness

•Dizziness

•Absent menstrual periods

•Blurry vision

•Low blood pressure

Common Side Effects for

•Restlessness (10%)

•Drowsiness (10%)

•Lack of energy (10%)

•Tiredness (10%)
Warnings of Compazine vs. Reglan
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

•Difficulty controlling muscle movements (tardive dyskinesia)

•Other conditions with uncontrolled muscle movements (dystonia, Parkinsonian symptoms, and restlessness)

•Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)

•Depression and suicidal thoughts and behavior

•High blood pressure

•Swelling in arms, legs, or around the belly

•High prolactin levels
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Compare Compazine vs. Reglan

Key takeaways

Summary of Compazine vs. Reglan

Indications of Compazine vs. Reglan

Pros and Cons of Compazine vs. Reglan

Common Side Effects of Compazine vs. Reglan

Warnings of Compazine vs. Reglan

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