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Overview: Rectal prochlorperazine is used to manage severe nausea and vomiting. It belongs to a group of medicines called antiemetics. Common side effects include blurred vision, constipation, dizziness, and drowsiness. Serious side effects may include uncontrolled movements, blood disorders, and low blood pressure upon standing.

Uses

What is rectal prochlorperazine used for?

Rectal prochlorperazine is commonly used to manage severe nausea and vomiting.

Rectal prochlorperazine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does rectal prochlorperazine work (mechanism of action)?

Rectal prochlorperazine belongs to a group of medicines called antiemetics. It blocks some areas in the brain where the natural chemical, dopamine, works. This lowers the effect of dopamine in the body. Dopamine can trigger vomiting.

How is rectal prochlorperazine supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Compro

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 25 mg rectal suppositories

Prochlorperazine is also available in other forms. See Prochlorperazine for more information.

How should I store rectal prochlorperazine?

Rectal prochlorperazine should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Do not remove the suppository from its wrapper until you are ready to use it.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of rectal prochlorperazine?

The most common side effects of rectal prochlorperazine are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Blurred vision
  • Constipation
  • Dizziness
  • Drowsiness
  • Inability to empty your bladder
  • Low blood pressure (see below)
  • Restlessness (see below)

There may be other side effects of rectal prochlorperazine that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of rectal prochlorperazine?

While less common, the most serious side effects of rectal prochlorperazine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Rectal prochlorperazine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using rectal prochlorperazine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Parkinson-like Symptoms. Rectal prochlorperazine may cause involuntary movement problems, including shakiness, stiffness, or jerkiness. It can also cause drooling, falling, or walking or balance problems. These are called Parkinson-like symptoms, or parkinsonism. Call your healthcare provider right away if you develop any Parkinson-like symptoms.

Uncontrolled Movements. Rectal prochlorperazine can cause some people to have movements that they cannot control. This condition, called tardive dyskinesia (TD), can cause jerky movements of your face, tongue, or body. TD can be permanent. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any symptoms of TD.

  • Tongue sticking out
  • Lip smacking or puckering
  • Grimacing
  • Rapid eye blinking
  • Jerking or twisting motion of the arms, legs, or trunk

Restlessness. Rectal prochlorperazine may cause restlessness, jitteriness, agitation, or possibly trouble sleeping. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have these symptoms. 

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS). Antipsychotic medicines, like rectal prochlorperazine, can cause a rare but serious condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome. NMS can lead to death. Stop using rectal prochlorperazine and call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • High fever
  • Muscle stiffness or rigidity, where it is hard to move
  • Changes in your breathing or heart rate
  • Increased sweating
  • Confusion

Blood Disorders. Rectal prochlorperazine can cause blood disorders, such as agranulocytosis, low neutrophil levels (neutropenia), and low white blood cell levels (leukopenia). Keep all appointments to have your blood checked. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of blood disorders.

  • Fever, chills, or sweats
  • Sore throat, cough, or shortness of breath
  • Frequent infection
  • Unusual weakness or tiredness
  • Sores in your mouth or throat
  • Swollen lymph nodes

High Prolactin Level (Hyperprolactinemia). Rectal prochlorperazine may cause an increased level of the hormone prolactin in your blood. Increased levels of prolactin could lead to fertility or bone problems. Contact your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Vaginal dryness
  • Irregular or no periods
  • Production of breastmilk when not pregnant or nursing
  • Inability to get or keep an erection
  • Enlarged breast size (gynecomastia)
  • Decreased muscle and body hair

Low Blood Pressure Upon Standing (Orthostatic Hypotension) and Falls. Rectal prochlorperazine may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing up. To help prevent this, be careful not to get up too quickly. If you feel faint or dizzy, sit or lie down right away until the dizziness stops, then take your time getting up again. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of orthostatic hypotension.

  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Blurred vision
  • Confusion
  • Feeling weak or tired

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when using rectal prochlorperazine. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, or body aches
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light-colored poop
  • Dark-colored urine (pee)
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Immune System Reactions. Rectal prochlorperazine can cause inflammation of your liver, blood vessels, or lymph vessels, and can cause symptoms that look like a condition called lupus. Stop using rectal prochlorperazine and call your healthcare provider right away if you develop any of the following symptoms.

  • Rash
  • Joint pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness

Eye Effects. Rectal prochlorperazine may have effects on your eyes, such as deposits on the cornea and lens. This may be more likely if you use higher doses of rectal prochlorperazine, or if you use rectal prochlorperazine for a longer period of time. Your healthcare provider may recommend that you have your eyes examined regularly while using rectal prochlorperazine. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have eye discomfort or changes in your vision.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use rectal prochlorperazine?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use rectal prochlorperazine.

  • Prochlorperazine
  • Compazine
  • Compro
  • Any other medicine known as a phenothiazine
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific rectal prochlorperazine products they stock.

Decreased Awareness. Rectal prochlorperazine should not be used by people who are in a coma or who have decreased consciousness.

Certain Children. Rectal prochlorperazine should not be used in certain children, such as those under two years old or who weigh less than 20 pounds. 

What should I know about rectal prochlorperazine before using it?

Do not use rectal prochlorperazine unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share rectal prochlorperazine with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep rectal prochlorperazine out of the reach of children.

People 65 and older can be at greater risk for some side effects from rectal prochlorperazine. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

Rectal prochlorperazine can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how rectal prochlorperazine affects you.

Rectal prochlorperazine can make your skin more sensitive to light from the sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. This is called photosensitivity. Exposure to this light can cause severe sunburns, blisters, and swelling. If you need to be in sunlight, wear sunscreen, a hat, and clothing that covers your skin.

Do not stop using rectal prochlorperazine without talking to your healthcare provider. Stopping too quickly may cause serious side effects. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Shaking
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness

Rectal prochlorperazine may cause false-positive results on a pregnancy test. This means the test may say you are pregnant when you are not pregnant. If you have a positive pregnancy test when using rectal prochlorperazine, talk to your healthcare provider about how to confirm whether or not you are really pregnant. 

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using rectal prochlorperazine?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if rectal prochlorperazine is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Psychosis Related to Dementia. There is a higher risk of death in older adults who use rectal prochlorperazine or another antipsychotic and have psychosis related to dementia. Rectal prochlorperazine is not approved to treat dementia-related psychosis.

Other Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

  • Adrenal gland tumor
  • Blocked bowels
  • Brain tumor
  • Breast cancer
  • Exposure to extreme heat or insecticides
  • Glaucoma
  • Heart disease or an abnormal heart rhythm
  • Inability to empty your bladder
  • Low blood cell levels
  • Low blood pressure
  • Seizures or convulsions
  • Reye’s syndrome
  • History of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)
  • History of alcohol misuse
  • Planned surgery

Other Medicines and Supplements. Rectal prochlorperazine may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using rectal prochlorperazine, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how rectal prochlorperazine could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Using rectal prochlorperazine during the third trimester of pregnancy could cause a newborn baby to have symptoms such as agitation, breathing problems, or trouble feeding. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use rectal prochlorperazine while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Rectal prochlorperazine passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does rectal prochlorperazine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using rectal prochlorperazine.

  • Any other medicine that causes dizziness and sleepiness, such as prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, and medicines for anxiety
  • An anticholinergic medicine, which includes antihistamines and medicines commonly used for overactive bladder, Parkinson’s disease, or stomach problems
  • A barbiturate, such as phenobarbital, butalbital, or primidone, which is a medicine that may be used to treat insomnia, migraines, or seizures
  • Any medicine for seizures, such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, or phenobarbital
  • An opioid, such as oxycodone, morphine, codeine, or fentanyl, which is a medicine used to treat certain types of pain
  • A blood thinner, which is a medicine used to treat or prevent blood clots
  • A thiazide diuretic, such as chlorthalidone or hydrochlorothiazide, also called a water pill, which is a medicine used to reduce edema (fluid retention) and blood pressure
  • A medicine for high blood pressure
  • Propranolol, which is a medicine that may be used for certain heart conditions or to reduce blood pressure
  • Lithium, which is a medicine for certain mental health conditions
  • An alpha-blocker, such as terazosin, doxazosin, alfuzosin, or prazosin, which is a medicine that may be used for high blood pressure and/or difficulty peeing due to an enlarged prostate

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with rectal prochlorperazine. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much rectal prochlorperazine?

If you or someone else has used too much rectal prochlorperazine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of rectal prochlorperazine?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only use the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.