Compare Phenergan vs. Compro
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Promethazine (Phenergan) and prochlorperazine (Compro) are both prescription medications used to treat nausea and vomiting, but they have some key differences. Promethazine is an antihistamine that also blocks dopamine and acetylcholine, making it useful for treating allergies, motion sickness, and as a sedative before surgery. It comes in various forms, including tablets, syrup, and injections. On the other hand, prochlorperazine is a phenothiazine that primarily blocks dopamine and is available as a rectal suppository. It is not a first-choice medication due to its serious side effects, such as uncontrolled muscle movements and extreme sleepiness. Promethazine can be used in children over 2 years old, while prochlorperazine is not recommended for children under 2 years old or under 20 pounds. Additionally, promethazine is available as a lower-cost generic, whereas prochlorperazine is also available in a generic form but might be less convenient due to its rectal administration.
- PromethazineProchlorperazine (Compro)
- PromethazineProchlorperazine (Compro)
Summary of Phenergan vs. Compro
Summary for AntihistaminePrescription onlyPromethazine 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.
Summary for PhenothiazinePrescription onlyProchlorperazine (Compro) rectal suppository is a typical antipsychotic. It's FDA-approved to treat severe nausea and vomiting in adults. But prochlorperazine (Compro) isn't a first-choice antiemetic because it can cause serious side effects, such as extreme sleepiness and uncontrolled muscle movements. While prochlorperazine (Compro) is a good option for people who can't take medications by mouth, some people might find it unpleasant or difficult to use because it needs to be inserted into the rectum, typically twice daily. Prochlorperazine (Compro) comes as a brand-name and generic medication.
Indications of Phenergan vs. Compro
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•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 procedureIndications for•Severe nausea and vomitingPros and Cons of Phenergan vs. Compro
Pros and Const for AntihistaminePros•Available as a lower-cost generic•Available in different formulations, such as a tablet, syrup, and injection•Starts working within 20 minutesCons•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 sleepinessPros and Const for PhenothiazinePros•Good option for people who have a hard time swallowing pills•Available as a generic medication•More convenient storage compared to some other suppositories because it doesn't need to be refrigeratedCons•Might be hard for some people to insert the suppository•Not recommended for use in children•Might cause rare but permanent side effects, such as uncontrolled muscle movementsCommon Side Effects of Phenergan vs. Compro
Common Side Effects for•Feeling drowsy or tired•Dizziness•Confusion•Dry mouth•Nervousness•Blurry visionThe following side effects are those additionally reported with promethazine injection at the injection site:
•Burning•Pain•Rash•SwellingCommon Side Effects for•Drowsiness•Dizziness•Absent menstrual periods•Blurry vision•Low blood pressureWarnings of Phenergan vs. Compro
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 movementsCommon 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 temperaturePrices with our coupons for Phenergan vs. Compro
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