Also indexed as: Compazine
Prochlorperazine is used to treat severe nausea and vomiting. It is also used to treat
symptoms of psychosis, such as delusions, hallucinations, disorganized thinking and speech,
and bizarre behavior. Prochlorperazine is in a class of drugs known as phenothiazines.
Summary of
Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, an herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem
contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized
interactions.
Avoid: Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability—Avoid these supplements
when taking this medication since the supplement may decrease the absorption and/or activity
of the medication in the body. |
Antacids
|
|
Avoid: Adverse interaction—Avoid these supplements when taking this
medication because taking them together may cause undesirable or dangerous results. |
Alcohol
Bacopa
Lithium (prescription)
Lithium (supplements)
|
| Depletion or interference |
None known
|
| Side effect reduction/prevention |
None known
|
| Supportive interaction |
None known
|
An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the
interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific
evidence.
Interactions with Dietary Supplements
Lithium
Lithium is a mineral that may be present in some supplements and is also used in large amounts
to treat mood disorders, such as bipolar disorder. Taking lithium at the same time as
phenothiazines may result in drug side effects such as disorientation and
unconsciousness.1 Though no studies have investigated whether the small amount of
lithium available in supplements might interact with prochlorperazine to cause similar
effects, people taking the drug should exercise caution when supplementing with lithium.
Interactions with Herbs
Bacopa
An animal study found that the effects of chlorpromazine, a drug similar to (perphenazine,
prochlorperazine, thioridazine), were enhanced when a bacopa extract was given along with
it.2 Until more is known, people taking medications from this family of drugs
(called phenothiazines) should not take bacopa.
Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds
Alcohol
Taking prochlorperazine may increase or prolong the effects of alcohol, such as drowsiness,
dizziness, and poor coordination.3 Therefore, people taking prochlorperazine should
avoid drinking alcohol, especially when they must stay alert.
Antacids
Many antacid products contain aluminum
hydroxide, which reduces the absorption of phenothiazine drugs.4 Though no
studies are available that confirm an interaction between prochloroperazine and antacids,
people who are using antacids should take them an hour before or two hours after the drug.
References:1. Burnham TH, ed. Central Nervous System Agents, Antipsychotic Agents.
In Drug Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, 2001,
945–65.
2. Ganguly DK, Malhotra CL. Some behavioral effects of an active fraction
from Herpestis monniera Linn. (Brahmi). Indian J Med Res 1967;55:473–82.
3. Sifton DW, et. Physicians’ Desk Reference. Montvale,
NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 2986–8.
4. Burnham TH, ed. Central Nervous System Agents, Antipsychotic Agents.
In Drug Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, 2001,
945–65.