Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on May 8, 2022.
Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with atypical antipsychotic drugs are at an increased risk of death compared with placebo. Although the causes of death in clinical trials were varied, most deaths appeared to be either cardiovascular (eg, heart failure, sudden death) or infectious (eg, pneumonia) in nature. Observational studies suggest that, similar to atypical antipsychotic drugs, treatment with conventional antipsychotic drugs may increase mortality. It is unclear from these studies to what extent the mortality findings may be attributed to the antipsychotic drug as opposed to patient characteristics. Prochlorperazine maleate is not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis .
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Compazine
Available Dosage Forms:
- Tablet
Therapeutic Class: Antiemetic
Pharmacologic Class: Prochlorperazine
Chemical Class: Prochlorperazine
Uses for prochlorperazine
Prochlorperazine is used to treat nervous, emotional, and mental conditions (eg, schizophrenia) and non-psychotic anxiety. It is also used to control severe nausea and vomiting. Prochlorperazine should not be used to treat behavioral problems in older adult patients who have dementia.
Prochlorperazine is available only with your doctor's prescription.
Before using prochlorperazine
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For prochlorperazine, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to prochlorperazine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of prochlorperazine in children 2 years of age an..
