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Compare Compazine vs. Thorazine

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

Key takeaways

Prochlorperazine and chlorpromazine are both antipsychotic medications used for nausea and vomiting and schizophrenia, but they have different uses and side effects. Prochlorperazine is also used to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), while chlorpromazine is used for a wider range of conditions, including pre-surgery anxiety, bipolar disorder, and severe behavioral issues in children. Chlorpromazine is available in more forms (oral, intramuscular, and intravenous) compared to prochlorperazine, which is available as an oral tablet, injection, and suppository. Prochlorperazine is typically taken 3 to 4 times daily, while chlorpromazine's dosing varies from 2 to 4 times a day depending on the condition being treated. Both medications can cause serious side effects like neuroleptic malignant syndrome and should be avoided in older adults with dementia-related psychosis due to a higher risk of death.

  • Prochlorperazine
    Chlorpromazine
  • Prochlorperazine
    Chlorpromazine

  • Summary of Compazine vs. Thorazine

    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 First Generation (Typical) Antipsychotic
    Prescription only

    Chlorpromazine is an antipsychotic medication that has many different uses. It's usually given as an oral medication, but in severe cases it can be given as an injection by your provider.

  • Indications of Compazine vs. Thorazine

    Indications for
    •Severe nausea and vomiting
    •Schizophrenia
    •Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
    Indications for
    •Management of psychotic disorders
    •Schizophrenia
    •Nausea and vomiting
    •Restlessness and anxiety before surgery
    •Acute intermittent porphyria
    •Tetanus
    •Manic episodes of bipolar disorder
    •Hiccups that won't go away
    •Severe behavioral issues in children 1 to 12 years old (e.g., aggressive behavior, frustration, explosive or hyperexcitable behavior)

  • Pros and Cons of Compazine vs. Thorazine

    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 First Generation (Typical) Antipsychotic
    Pros
    •Available as a tablet and injection
    •Dose can be easily adjusted based on how you respond to the medication
    •Can be used in young children 6 months and older
    •Available in 5 different strengths
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Higher risk of death when used in older adults with dementia-related psychosis
    •Generally not recommended for use in pregnancy
    •Can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped suddenly
    •Needs to be taken multiple times a day
    •Can cause weight gain and tiredness

  • Common Side Effects of Compazine vs. Thorazine

    Common Side Effects for
    •Drowsiness
    •Dizziness
    •Absent menstrual periods
    •Blurry vision
    •Low blood pressure
    Common Side Effects for
    •Drowsiness
    •Uncontrollable muscle movements (e.g., neck spasms, difficulty swallowing and breathing, sticking your tongue out)
    •Dry mouth
    •Stuffy nose
    •Nausea
    •Constipation
    •Bladder problems

  • Warnings of Compazine vs. Thorazine

    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
    •Higher risk of death in people age 65 and older with dementia
    •Difficulty controlling movements
    •Neuroleptic malignant syndrome
    •Changes in blood cell counts
    •High prolactin levels

  • Prices with our coupons for Compazine vs. Thorazine

    Learn more about Prochlorperazine
    Learn more about Chlorpromazine

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