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Prochlorperazine Coupon - Prochlorperazine 25mg suppository

prochlorperazine

Generic Compro
Used for Anxiety, Nausea, Schizophrenia
Used for Anxiety, Nausea, Schizophrenia

Prochlorperazine (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.

Last reviewed on August 25, 2024
basics-icon

What is Prochlorperazine (Compro)?

What is Prochlorperazine (Compro) used for?

How Prochlorperazine (Compro) works

Prochlorperazine (Compro) is an anti-nausea (antiemetic) medication that's classified as a typical antipsychotic based on how it works in the body. Prochlorperazine (Compro) mainly works by blocking dopamine, a chemical made by your brain that affects many parts of the body. When prochlorperazine (Compro) blocks dopamine in the brain, it eases nausea and vomiting.

Are you looking for information on prochlorperazine tablets instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsCompro
Drug ClassPhenothiazine
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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What are the side effects of Prochlorperazine (Compro)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Drowsiness
  • Dizziness
  • Absent menstrual periods
  • Blurry vision
  • Low blood pressure

Other Side Effects

  • Restlessness
  • Trouble controlling body movements

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Uncontrolled muscle movements (tardive dyskinesia): sticking out your tongue, puffing out your cheeks, puckering your mouth, lip smacking, chewing, shaking in your arms and legs
  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): very high fever, stiff muscles, problem thinking clearly, very fast or uneven heartbeat, sweating
  • Seizures

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Phenothiazines can sometimes cause serious unwanted effects. Tardive dyskinesia or tardive dystonia (muscle movement disorders) may occur and may not go away after you stop using the medicine. Signs of tardive dyskinesia or tardive dystonia include worm-like movements of the tongue, or other uncontrolled movements of the mouth, tongue, cheeks, jaw, body, arms, or legs. Another possible serious unwanted effect is the neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). Signs and symptoms of NMS include severe muscle stiffness, fever, fast heartbeat, difficult breathing, increased sweating, and loss of bladder control. You and your doctor should discuss the good this medicine will do as well as the risks of taking it.

Stop taking this medicine and get emergency help immediately if any of the following effects occur:

Rare

Symptoms of neuroleptic malignant syndrome

Confusion (severe) or coma

difficult or fast breathing

drooling

fast heartbeat

high or low (irregular) blood pressure

increased sweating

loss of bladder control

muscle stiffness (severe)

trembling or shaking

trouble in speaking or swallowing

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Inability to move eyes

increased blinking or spasms of eyelid

lip smacking or puckering

muscle spasms of face, neck, body, arms, or legs causing unusual postures or unusual expressions on face

puffing of cheeks

rapid or worm-like movements of tongue

sticking out of tongue

tic-like or twitching movements

trouble in breathing, speaking, or swallowing

uncontrolled chewing movements

uncontrolled movements of arms or legs

uncontrolled twisting movements of neck, trunk, arms, or leg

Rare

Irregular or slow heart rate

recurrent fainting

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Blurred vision, change in color vision, or difficulty in seeing at night

fainting

loss of balance control

mask-like face

restlessness or need to keep moving

shuffling walk

stiffness of arms or legs

trembling and shaking of hands and fingers

Less common

Difficulty in urinating

skin rash

sunburn (severe)

Rare

Abdominal or stomach pains

aching muscles and joints

agitation, bizarre dreams, excitement, or trouble in sleeping

bleeding or bruising (unusual

chest pain

clumsiness

confusion (mild)

constipation (severe)

convulsions (seizures)

dark urine

fever and chills

hair loss

headaches

hot, dry skin or lack of sweating

itchy skin (severe)

muscle weakness

nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

pain in joints

prolonged, painful, inappropriate erection of the penis

redness of hands

shivering

skin discoloration (tan or blue-gray)

sore throat and fever

sores in mouth

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual tiredness or weakness

yellow eyes or skin

Phenothiazines may cause your urine to be dark. In most cases, this is not a sign of a serious problem. However, if your urine does become dark, discuss it with your doctor.

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Constipation (mild)

decreased sweating

dizziness

drowsiness

dryness of mouth

nasal congestion

Less common

Changes in menstrual period

decreased sexual ability

increased sensitivity of eyes to light

rough or “fuzzy” tongue

secretion of milk (unusual)

swelling or pain in breasts

watering of mouth

weight gain (unusual)

After you stop using this medicine, your body may need time to adjust. The length of time this takes depends on the amount of medicine you were using and how long you used it. During this time, check with your doctor if you notice dizziness, nausea and vomiting, stomach pain, trembling of the fingers and hands, or any of the following signs of tardive dyskinesia or tardive dystonia:

Inability to move eyes

lip smacking or puckering

muscle spasms of face, neck, body, arms, or legs, causing unusual body positions or unusual expressions on face

puffing of cheeks

rapid or worm-like movements of tongue

sticking out of tongue

tic-like or twitching movements

trouble in breathing, speaking, or swallowing

uncontrolled chewing movements

uncontrolled twisting or other movements of neck, trunk, arms, or legs

Although not all of the side effects listed above have been reported for all of the phenothiazines, they have been reported for at least one of them. However, since all of the phenothiazines are very similar, any of the above side effects may occur with any of these medicines.

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Prochlorperazine (Compro)

thumbs-up

Pros

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 refrigerated

thumbs-down

Cons

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 movements

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Prochlorperazine (Compro)

pharmacist
  • Store the prochlorperazine (Compro) suppository at room temperature in a dry place to prevent it from melting.

    • Don't remove the wrapper on the prochlorperazine (Compro) suppository until you're ready to use it. Touching the medication with your hands might melt the medication.

      • If you're able, try to go to the bathroom before using the prochlorperazine (Compro) suppository. If you have a bowel movement too soon after inserting the suppository, your body might not absorb all the medication so it might not work as well.

        • To keep your fingers clean, you can wash your hands and use latex gloves or finger cots when you insert prochlorperazine (Compro). These can be purchased at the pharmacy if you don't have them at home.

          • If needed, you can use a water-based lubricant, such as K-Y Jelly, to help you insert prochlorperazine (Compro) suppository. If you don't have a water-based lubricant, you can use cool tap water to lubricate the rectal area.

            • It's recommended that you insert prochlorperazine (Compro) suppository about 1 inch into the rectum. Try to push the suppository past the rectal sphincter, the muscular opening of the rectum, or the suppository might fall out.

              • Stop prochlorperazine (Compro) and contact your healthcare team right away if you begin to have unusual, uncontrolled, or repetitive movements of the eyes, tongue, face, arm, or legs. These might be signs of tardive dyskinesia, which can become permanent.

                • If you’re pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, discuss with your obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) to see if prochlorperazine (Compro) is still a good option for you. This medication typically isn't used in pregnancy because of possible harm to the baby, but it's sometimes prescribed for severe nausea and vomiting if the benefit outweighs the risk.

                  faqs

                  Frequently asked questions about Prochlorperazine (Compro)

                  Is prochlorperazine (Compro) a controlled substance?
                  No, prochlorperazine (Compro) isn't a controlled substance. It isn't known to cause physical and mental dependence.
                  How long does prochlorperazine (Compro) take to work?
                  Prochlorperazine (Compro) rectal suppository typically starts to relieve nausea or vomiting about an hour after a dose.
                  How long does prochlorperazine (Compro) stay in your system?
                  There's not enough research to know how long prochlorperazine (Compro) rectal suppository stays in your system after a dose. But based on studies of prochlorperazine oral tablets, it takes about 1-2 days for most of this medication to leave your system after a single oral dose. This time frame is estimated based on the half-life of prochlorperazine oral tablets. It's unclear whether it'll take a similar amount of time for most of prochlorperazine (Compro) rectal suppository to leave your system after a dose. Talk with your healthcare team if you have questions about how long prochlorperazine (Compro) stays in your body.
                  Does prochlorperazine (Compro) make you sleepy?
                  Yes, drowsiness is one of the more common side effects of prochlorperazine (Compro). You're more likely to experience this side effect when you first start taking this medication. So it's important to avoid driving or doing other activities that need a lot of focus until you know how this medication makes you feel. If you continue to feel sleepy from taking prochlorperazine (Compro), talk with your healthcare team. They can try to ease this side effect by adjusting your dose or the time(s) that you take your medication, or they can talk with you about other options to treat nausea and vomiting.
                  Does prochlorperazine (Compro) cause constipation?
                  Constipation isn't a common side effect of prochlorperazine (Compro) rectal suppository. But there's a chance that you can experience constipation from this medication. That's because based on how prochlorperazine (Compro) works, it can act like an anticholinergic medication. And constipation is a side effect of anticholinergic medications. Talk with your healthcare team if you're concerned about constipation. They can recommend ways to prevent or ease constipation, such as by drinking more water to stay hydrated and by adding more fiber to your diet through eating foods such as vegetables, whole grains, and nuts.
                  Can prochlorperazine (Compro) cause anxiety?
                  People typically don't report anxiety as a side effect from prochlorperazine (Compro) suppository. In fact, oral prochlorperazine tablet is FDA-approved to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) short-term, though it's not a first-choice medication for this condition. If you notice you're feeling more anxious after starting prochlorperazine (Compro), talk with your healthcare team. They can help you figure out what might be causing those symptoms.
                  How long does prochlorperazine (Compro) side effects last?
                  How long the side effects of prochlorperazine (Compro) last can differ depending on what symptoms you're experiencing. For example, you're more likely to experience dizziness when you first start this medication, but this side effect can ease over time. But prochlorperazine (Compro) can also cause rare side effects, like uncontrolled muscle movements, that can last as long as you're taking this medication. Rarely, prochlorperazine (Compro) can cause a serious movement-related side effect called tardive dyskinesia that can be permanent. Talk with your healthcare team if you have questions about any particular side effect.
                  Can I use prochlorperazine (Compro) for morning sickness in pregnancy?
                  Prochlorperazine (Compro) isn't recommended for morning sickness because it hasn't been well-studied during pregnancy. Babies born to mothers who took similar medications during the 3rd trimester of pregnancy have developed uncontrolled muscle movement or withdrawal symptoms at birth, such as vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty sleeping. Your obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN) might consider prochlorperazine (Compro) as a possible option for your morning sickness if it's severe and no other medications worked, and if the benefits of trying prochlorperazine (Compro) outweigh the risks of harm.
                  What's the difference between prochlorperazine oral tablets and prochlorperazine (Compro) suppositories?
                  Prochlorperazine (Compro) suppository and prochlorperazine oral tablet contain the same active medication. But there are some differences between them. One difference is what they're FDA-approved to treat. Both prochlorperazine (Compro) suppository and oral tablet are FDA-approved to control nausea and vomiting. But prochlorperazine oral tablet can also be prescribed for schizophrenia and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Another difference is how you take the medications. The tablet is taken by mouth, typically 3 to 4 times a day. But the suppository is inserted into the rectum, usually twice a day. The suppository is a possible option for people who have a hard time swallowing tablets, but some people might find it unpleasant or difficult to use. Talk to your healthcare team to see what form of prochlorperazine is best for you.
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                  warings-icon

                  What are the risks and warnings for Prochlorperazine (Compro)?

                  Prochlorperazine (Compro) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                  risk-warning

                  Higher risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis

                  • Risk factors: Older adults with dementia-related psychosis

                    People over the age of 65 who also have dementia sometimes have some of the symptoms of schizophrenia, like hallucinations and delusions. This is called dementia-related psychosis, and it should not be treated with prochlorperazine (Compro). If prochlorperazine (Compro) is used for dementia-related psychosis, it can cause death. Let your healthcare team know if you or your loved one has dementia before starting prochlorperazine (Compro).

                    risk-warning

                    Difficulty controlling muscle movements (tardive dyskinesia)

                    • Risk factors: Older adults | Female and 65 years or older | Higher than recommended doses of prochlorperazine (Compro) | Taking prochlorperazine (Compro) for a long time

                      Prochlorperazine (Compro) can cause uncontrolled and possibly permanent muscle movements in the tongue, face, mouth, lips, neck, hands, arms, legs, and feet (tardive dyskinesia). To lower your risk of tardive dyskinesia, take the lowest dose possible for the shortest period of time for your symptoms. Stop taking prochlorperazine (Compro) and talk to your healthcare team right away if you notice any unusual movements you can't control.

                      risk-warning

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

                      • Risk factors: Younger adults | Children who have an active infection or are dehydrated | Males | Higher than recommended doses of prochlorperazine (Compro)

                        Prochlorperazine (Compro) can cause other uncontrolled muscle movements in addition to tardive dyskinesia, such as repeated stiffening and twisting of muscles, tremors, jitteriness, pacing, and foot tapping. Symptoms might occur as early as within the first few days of taking prochlorperazine (Compro) and they typically go away when you stop the medication. Talk with your healthcare team right away if you experience these symptoms, you might need to lower your dose of prochlorperazine (Compro) or switch to a different medication.

                        risk-warning

                        Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)

                        • Risk factors: Taking antipsychotic drugs | Higher than recommended doses of prochlorperazine (Compro)

                          Prochlorperazine (Compro) can cause neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), which is a rare but serious condition that can lead to death. Symptoms include a very high fever, stiff muscles, problems thinking clearly, very fast or uneven heartbeat, and sweating. Stop taking prochlorperazine (Compro) and get medical attention right away if you experience these symptoms. Be careful using prochlorperazine (Compro) if you're also on other medications that might cause NMS, such as antipsychotics.

                          risk-warning

                          Cover up more serious health problems

                          Prochlorperazine (Compro) can cover up more serious health problems. It eases nausea and vomiting, which covers up conditions such as drug overdose or poisoning. It might cause side effects such as sleepiness, confusion, and difficulty controlling muscle movements, which can be confused with conditions such as brain damage, brain tumor, or Reye's syndrome (a rare, but serious condition seen in children and teens recovering from viral infections). Children and teenagers who might have Reye’s syndrome should not use this medication.

                          risk-warning

                          Higher risk of infections

                          • Risk factors: History of low white blood cell counts | Older adults | Taking other medications that lower white blood cell counts

                            Prochlorperazine (Compro) can cause low white blood cell counts, which might lead to serious infection and in some cases, death. You might need to get lab work done regularly to make sure your white blood cell count is healthy. Talk to your healthcare team right away if you experience symptoms of an infection, such as fever, weakness, or sore throat, while you're taking this medication.

                            risk-warning

                            Higher risk of falls

                            • Risk factors: History of low blood pressure | Taking medications that lower blood pressure

                              Prochlorperazine (Compro) can cause low blood pressure, which might lead to fainting and falling. If you need to stand up or sit up, do so slowly. Talk to your healthcare provider if you continue to experience dizziness while taking prochlorperazine (Compro).

                              risk-warning

                              Liver problems

                              Prochlorperazine (Compro) might cause serious liver problems. Talk to your healthcare provider right away if you experience symptoms such as fever, chills, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, clay-colored stool, and dark urine.

                              risk-warning

                              Seizures

                              • Risk factors: History of seizures

                                Taking prochlorperazine (Compro) puts you at higher risk for seizures. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have a history of seizures because your dose of seizure medications might need to be adjusted. Be careful driving, swimming, or participating in other potentially dangerous activities in which sudden loss of consciousness could cause serious harm.

                                risk-warning

                                High prolactin levels

                                Prochlorperazine (Compro) can cause prolactin hormone levels in your blood to go up. High prolactin levels can lead to symptoms such as milky substances being released from the nipple, enlarged breasts, and absent or irregular menstrual periods. Talk to your healthcare provider if you experience or have any concerns about these symptoms.

                                risk-warning

                                Difficulty maintaining normal body temperature

                                • Risk factors: Extreme heat

                                  Prochlorperazine (Compro) might make it hard for your body to maintain a normal body temperature. Be careful if you are traveling to a place that is very hot.

                                  dosage

                                  Prochlorperazine (Compro) dosage forms

                                  The average cost for 12 suppositories of 25mg of Prochlorperazine (Compro) is $33.33 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 77.99% off the average retail price of $151.41.
                                  suppository
                                  Suppository
                                  DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                                  25mg12 suppositories$33.33$2.78

                                  Typical dosing for Prochlorperazine (Compro)

                                  • Adults: Your healthcare team will help you choose the lowest dose needed to treat your symptoms. The typical dose is to unwrap and insert 25 mg suppository into the rectum twice daily.

                                  Your dose might be lower if you're an older adult, not able to move around, or at risk for certain health conditions, like low blood pressure.

                                  interactions

                                  Interactions between Prochlorperazine (Compro) and other drugs

                                  Prochlorperazine (Compro) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Prochlorperazine (Compro). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                                  Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking any of these medicines, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

                                  Using medicines in this class with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with a medication in this class or change some of the other medicines you take.

                                  Using medicines in this class with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                                  drug-cost

                                  How much does Prochlorperazine (Compro) cost?

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                                  contraindications-icon

                                  Prochlorperazine (Compro) contraindications

                                  Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Prochlorperazine (Compro) will not be safe for you to take.
                                  • Coma

                                  • Drinking large amounts alcohol

                                  • Taking high doses of medications that can cause extreme sleepiness, such as opioids and seizure medications

                                  • Surgery (for children)

                                  • Children under 2 years old or under 20 pounds

                                  alternatives

                                  What are alternatives to Prochlorperazine (Compro)?

                                  There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Prochlorperazine (Compro). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                                  Prochlorperazine (Compro)
                                  Used for:
                                  $6.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                                  Used for:
                                  • Severe nausea and vomiting

                                  • Schizophrenia

                                  • Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)

                                  $15.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                                  Used 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

                                  $9.99 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                                  latest news

                                  What is the latest news about Prochlorperazine (Compro)?

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                                  Prochlorperazine (Compro) images

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                                  References

                                  Best studies we found

                                  Chokhawala, K., et al. (2023). Antipsychotic medications. StatPearls.

                                  Cosette Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2023). Prochlorperazine suppository [package insert]. DailyMed.

                                  Galbally, M., et al. (2014). Antipsychotic drugs in pregnancy: A review of their maternal and fetal effects. Therapeutic Advances in Drug Safety.

                                  View All References (5)

                                  Isah, A. O., et al. (1991). Clinical pharmacology of prochlorperazine in healthy young males. British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.

                                  Jennings, L. K., et al. (2023). Hyperemesis gravidarum. StatPearls.

                                  National Cancer Institute. (n.d.). Prochlorperazine.

                                  SafeMedication. (n.d.). How to use rectal suppositories.

                                  Smith, H. S., et al. (2012). Dopamine receptor antagonists. Annals of Palliative Medicine.

                                  GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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