Patient leaflet - Prochlorperazine tablets BP 5 mg
1 What Prochlorperazine Tablets are and what they are used for
Prochlorperazine Tablets contain the active substance prochlorperazine maleate. They
belong to a group of medicines called phenothiazine antipsychotics. It works by blocking
the effects of a chemical in the brain. They may be used to treat:
- balance problems or dizziness (vertigo) due to ear diseases (such as Meniere’s syndrome
or labyrinthitis), or due to other causes
- feeling sick (nausea) and being sick (vomiting) from any cause including during a
migraine
- mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia and over-active behaviour or thoughts (mania)
- anxiety in the short-term, when used in addition to other medicines.
2 What you need to know before you take Prochlorperazine Tablets
Do not take Prochlorperazine Tablets if:
- You are allergic (hypersensitive) to prochlorperazine maleate, other phenothiazine
medicines such as chlorpromazine, or any of the other ingredients of this medicine
(listed in section 6). Signs of an allergic reaction include: a rash, swallowing or breathing
problems, swelling of your lips, face, throat or tongue.
Warnings and precautions
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Prochlorperazine Tablets if:
- you have heart problems or a family history of heart problems
- you have ever had a stroke
- you have liver or kidney problems
- you have thyroid problems
- you have an enlarged prostate gland. This means you may have problems when passing
water (urine)
- you or someone else in your family has a history of blood clots, as medicines like these
have been associated with formation of blood clots
- you have Parkinson’s disease
- you have dementia
- you have epilepsy or have ever had fits (seizures)
- you have depression
- you have a tumour on your adrenal gland called ‘phaeochromocytoma’
- you have a type of muscle weakness called ‘myasthenia gravis’
- you have or have ever had glaucoma (signs include painful eyes with blurred vision)
- you have or have ever had a low number of white blood cells (agranulocytosis). This
would lead you to get infections more easily than usual
- you have low blood levels of potassium, calcium and magnesium. Your doctor may
perform blood tests to check on these
- you are not eating properly or are very under-weight
- you have a history of alcohol problems
you are elderly (65 years of age or older)
- you are diabetic or have high levels of sugar in your blood (hyperglycaemia). Your doctor may want to monitor you more closely.
If you are not sure if any of the above apply to you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Prochlorperazine Tablets.
Tests
Your doctor may do regular tests while you are taking this medicine. These might include blood tests and an ECG to check your heart is working properly.
Children
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Prochlorperazine Tablets. This is because children may develop unusual face and body movements (dystonic reactions). Other medicines and Prochlorperazine Tablets
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. This includes medicines you buy without a prescription, including herbal medicines. This is because Prochlorperazine Tablets can affect the way some other medicines work. Also, some medicines can affect the way Prochlorperazine Tablets work. In particular, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
- medicines used to help you sleep (sedatives, barbiturates)
- other medicines used to calm emotional and mental conditions
- medicines used for depression, including amitriptyline
- medicines used for Parkinson’s disease such as levodopa
- medicines used for fits (epilepsy) such as carbamazepine
- medicines used to control your heartbeat such as amiodarone, disopyramide, propranolol or quinidine
- medicines used for high blood pressure such as doxazosin, terazosin, guanethidine or clonidine
- medicines used for diabetes
- medicines used for cancer (cytotoxics)
- medicines used for infections (antibiotics)
- medicines used for indigestion and heartburn (antacids)
- anticholinergic medicines – includes some medicines used for irritable bowel syndrome, asthma or incontinence
- amphetamines – used for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
- adrenaline – used for life threatening allergic reactions
- desferrioxamine – used when you have too much iron in your blood
- lithium – used for some types of mental illness.
Prochlorperazine Tablets with alcohol
Do not drink alcohol while you are taking Prochlorperazine Tablets. This is because alcohol can add to the effects of Prochlorperazine Tablets and can cause serious breathing difficulties.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding
Do not take Prochlorperazine Tablets if:
- you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby
- you are breast-feeding or planning to breast-feed.
The following symptoms may occur in newborn babies of mothers that have taken Prochlorperazine Tablets in the last trimester (last three months of their pregnancy): shaking, muscle stiffness and/or weakness, sleepiness, agitation, breathing problems, and difficulty in feeding. If your baby develops any of these symptoms, you may need to contact your doctor.
If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine.
Driving and using machines
You may feel sleepy after taking this medicine. If this happens, do not drive or use any tools or machines.
Prochlorperazine Tablets contain lactose
If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicinal product.
3 How to take Prochlorperazine Tablets
Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.
Date Sent:
Technologist:
Technically Approved
Prochlorperazine, Tablets, 5mg, 28 & 84 Pack, UK
R.Paul
01.12.2022
approved for print/date
Date sent:
Date received:
Item number:
Originator:
Origination Date:
Revision Date:
Revised By:
Supplier:
3.
4.
5.
6.
Prochlorperazine 5mg Tablet PIL - UK
Black Profile
BBBB6231
RH
04-01-23
18-01-23
RH
Accord Barnstaple
na
na
Version 8
15.11.2022
51017646 BBBB6231
Taking this medicine
- Take this medicine by mouth.
- Do not give to children under 1 year of age or who weigh less than 10kg.
- You should not let the Tablets touch your skin for very long, as you may get skin redness, swelling and itching (contact skin sensitisation).
- If you feel the effect of your medicine is too weak or too strong, do not change the dose yourself, but ask your doctor.
The recommended dose is:
Adults
Treatment of balance problems or dizziness (vertigo):
- The usual dose is 5mg three times each day.
- This may be increased to a total daily dose of 30mg each day.
- After several weeks of treatment, your doctor may decide to gradually lower your daily dose to 5-10mg each day.
Stopping you feeling sick or being sick:
- The usual dose is 5mg or 10mg.
- This may be taken two or three times each day.
Treatment of feeling sick or being sick:
- To begin with you will usually take 20mg.
- This may be followed by 10mg two hours later.
Treatment of schizophrenia and overactive behaviour or thoughts (mania):
- The starting dose is usually 12.5mg twice each day for seven days.
- Your doctor may increase your dose up to a total daily dose of 75-100mg each day.
- After several weeks of treatment, your doctor may then lower your dose to a total daily dose of 25-50mg each day.
Short-term treatment of anxiety:
- The starting dose will be 15-20mg each day in divided doses.
- Your doctor may then increase your dose to a total daily dose of 40mg each day.
Elderly
- Your doctor may prescribe a lower dose.
- You should be careful during very hot or very cold weather to make sure that you do not get too hot or too cold.
Use in children (over 1 year of age and weighing more than 10kg)
Stopping your child feeling sick or being sick:
- Your doctor will decide the dose according to your child’s weight.
- A dose of 0.25mg for each kilogram of your child’s weight is usually given.
- This dose may be given two or three times a day.
If you take more Prochlorperazine Tablets than you should
If you take more Prochlorperazine Tablets than you should, tell a doctor or go to a hospital casualty department straight away. Take the medicine pack with you. This is so the doctor knows what you have taken. Taking too much Prochlorperazine may cause symptoms such as feeling sleepy or dizzy, increased or rapid heartbeat, feeling very cold and confused, writhing movements, feeling restless, stiffness or shaking. You may lose consciousness.
If you forget to take Prochlorperazine Tablets
If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. If you stop taking Prochlorperazine Tablets
Keep taking Prochlorperazine Tablets until your doctor tells you to stop. Do not stop taking Prochlorperazine Tablets just because you feel better. If you stop, your illness may come back and you may have other effects such as feeling or being sick or difficulty sleeping. Your doctor will gradually stop your medicine to prevent these effects happening.
Exposure to sunlight
Prochlorperazine Tablets can cause your skin to be more sensitive to sunlight. You should avoid exposure to direct sunlight while taking this medicine.
If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
4 Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
Stop taking Prochlorperazine Tablets and see a doctor or go to a hospital straight away if you:
- have an allergic reaction. This can occur immediately after drug administration and may be life-threatening. The signs may include: a rash, swallowing or breathing problems, swelling of your lips, face, throat or tongue
- have an unusually pale complexion, sweating, high temperature, fast heartbeat, stiff muscles, fast breathing and feel confused, drowsy or agitated. These could be signs of a serious side effect called ‘neuroleptic malignant syndrome’
have frequent infections such as fever, sore throat or mouth ulcers. These could be signs of a blood problem called leucopenia
- may get infections more easily than usual. This could be because of a blood disorder (agranulocytosis)
- have yellowing of your skin or eyes (jaundice). These could be signs of liver problems
- have very fast, uneven or forceful heartbeats (palpitations) and experience breathing problems such as wheezing, shortness of breath, tightness in the chest and chest pain
- have blood clots in the veins, especially in the legs (symptoms include swelling, pain and redness in the leg), which may travel through blood vessels to the lungs causing chest pain and difficulty in breathing. If you notice any of these symptoms seek medical advice immediately
- have rigid or stiff muscles, trembling or shaking, unusual eye movements (including rolling of the eyes), difficulty moving, or loss of muscle power.
Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you have any of the following side effects:
- Breathing problems
- Changes in your skin or eye colour after taking Prochlorperazine Tablets for a long period of time
- Problems with your eyesight after taking Prochlorperazine Tablets for a long period of time
- Feeling dizzy, lightheaded or faint when you stand or sit up quickly (due to low blood pressure)
- You have fits (convulsions)
- Feeling tired, weak, confused and have muscles that ache, are stiff or do not work well. This may be due to low sodium levels in your blood (hyponatraemia)
- Feeling unwell, confused and/or weak, feeling sick (nausea), loss of appetite, feeling irritable. This could be something called a syndrome of inappropriate anti-diuretic hormone secretion (SIADH)
- Passing large amounts of urine, excessive thirst and having a dry mouth or skin. You may be more likely to get infections, such as thrush. This could be due to too much sugar in your blood (hyperglycaemia).
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects get serious or lasts longer than a few days
- Abnormal production of breast milk in men and women
- Breast enlargement in men
- Loss of menstrual periods
- Difficulty in getting or maintaining an erection (impotence)
- Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
- Feeling restless or agitated
- Dry mouth
- Your skin being more sensitive to the sun than usual
- Stuffy nose
- Skin rashes
- Skin redness, swelling and itching from touching the medicine.
As with other phenothiazine medicines, there have been very rare reports of sudden death with Prochlorperazine Tablets. These are possibly caused by heart problems.
In elderly people with dementia, a small increase in the number of deaths has been reported for patients taking antipsychotics compared with those not receiving antipsychotics.
Reporting of side effects
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
5 How to store Prochlorperazine Tablets
- Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.
- Store below 25°C in a dry place, protected from light, and in the original packaging.
- Do not take this medicine after the expiry date stated on the label/carton/bottle. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
- Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help to protect the environment.
6 Contents of the pack and other information
What Prochlorperazine Tablets contain
- The active substance (the ingredient that makes the tablet work) is 5mg of prochlorperazine maleate.
- The other ingredients are lactose monohydrate, magnesium stearate, maize starch, microcrystalline cellulose (E460).
What Prochlorperazine Tablets look like and contents of the pack
Prochlorperazine Tablets are white to off-white, circular, flat bevelled-edge uncoated tablets impressed ‘C’ on one face and the identifying letters ‘Z’ and ‘P’ on either side of a central division line on the reverse.
Pack sizes are 28 and 84 tablets
Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer
Accord, Barnstaple, EX32 8NS, UK
This leaflet was last revised in January 2023
Continued top of next column