Prochlorperazine

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
(for details about the summarized interactions, read the full article)

Avoid 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 Avoid: Adverse interaction—Avoid these supplements when taking this medication because taking them together may cause undesirable or dangerous results.

Alcohol

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 Foods and Other Compounds

Alcohol
Taking prochlorperazine may increase or prolong the effects of alcohol, such as drowsiness, dizziness, and poor coordination.2 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.3 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. Sifton DW, et. Physicians’ Desk Reference. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 2986–8.

3. Burnham TH, ed. Central Nervous System Agents, Antipsychotic Agents. In Drug Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, 2001, 945–65.