Prochlorperazine - Uses, Side Effects, and More

What are the most common side effects of prochlorperazine?

The most common side effects of 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 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 prochlorperazine?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Prochlorperazine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using 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. 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. 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. 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 prochlorperazine, can cause a rare but serious condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome. NMS can lead to death. Stop using 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. 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). 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. 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 taking 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. Prochlorperazine can cause inflammation of your liver, blood vessels, or lymph vessels, and can cause symptoms that look like a condition called lupus. Stop taking 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. Prochlorperazine may have effects on your eyes, such as deposits on the cornea and lens. This may be more likely if you take higher doses of prochlorperazine, or if you take prochlorperazine for a longer period of time. Your healthcare provider may recommend that you have your eyes examined regularly while taking prochlorperazine. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have eye discomfort or changes in your vision.