Compazine is a well-established prescription medicine used to prevent and treat severe nausea and vomiting, including that associated with migraine, surgery, chemotherapy, and certain illnesses. It also has antipsychotic properties and may be used as adjunctive therapy in schizophrenia. Its active ingredient, prochlorperazine, belongs to the phenothiazine class and works mainly by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain’s chemoreceptor trigger zone. Compazine is available as oral tablets, rectal suppositories, and injectable formulations. Because it can cause drowsiness and movement-related side effects, it must be used under medical supervision, especially in children, older adults, and people with heart, neurological, or liver conditions.
Compazine is primarily used to control severe nausea and vomiting. Clinicians prescribe it for postoperative nausea, migraine-associated nausea, gastrointestinal infections that cause intractable vomiting, and nausea induced by chemotherapy or radiation. By antagonizing dopamine (D2) receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone, it dampens the brain’s emetic signals, helping patients keep down fluids and medications and preventing dehydration and electrolyte disturbances.
Beyond its antiemetic role, Compazine has antipsychotic effects and may be used as adjunct therapy in schizophrenia when patients need additional symptom control, particularly for agitation, hallucinations, or thought disturbances. It is not a first-line antipsychotic for chronic management today, but retains utility in acute settings due to its rapid symptom-calming potential. Clinicians also use rectal and injectable forms when oral intake is not possible, making Compazine versatile in emergency and perioperative care.
Dosing is individualized. For adults with nausea and vomiting, typical oral doses range from 5–10 mg three to four times daily, adjusted to the lowest effective amount. Rectal suppositories (commonly 25 mg) may be used twice daily when oral dosing is not feasible. In acute care, intramuscular or intravenous administration can offer faster relief under continuous monitoring. Do not exceed clinician-recommended maximum daily doses, and avoid abrupt changes without medical guidance.
For schizophrenia or acute agitation, oral dosing usually begins at 5–10 mg three to four times daily, titrated cautiously based on response and tolerability. Older adults generally need lower starting doses due to greater sensitivity to side effects such as orthostatic hypotension and extrapyramidal symptoms. Pediatric dosing, when deemed necessary, is weight-based and limited to specific age/weight thresholds; many young children should not receive Compazine. Always follow the medication guide and your healthcare professional’s instructions.
Compazine can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired judgment. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you, and do not combine with alcohol or recreational sedatives. Because phenothiazines may prolong the QT interval and affect heart rhythm, people with known arrhythmias, congenital long QT, or electrolyte abnormalities need careful evaluation and correction of risk factors before use.
Tell your clinician about any history of movement disorders, Parkinson’s disease, seizures, liver disease, low white blood cell counts, glaucoma, urinary retention, or severe asthma. Compazine may lower the seizure threshold and can trigger extrapyramidal symptoms (restlessness, rigidity, tremor), particularly at higher doses or when combined with other dopamine antagonists. In older adults with dementia-related psychosis, antipsychotics are associated with increased mortality; use is generally not recommended for this population.
During pregnancy, use only if benefits outweigh risks; late-pregnancy exposure to antipsychotics may cause neonatal withdrawal or extrapyramidal symptoms. If breastfeeding, discuss potential infant sedation or feeding difficulties with your provider. Limit sun exposure and use sunscreen—phenothiazines can increase photosensitivity. Stand up slowly to minimize lightheadedness, and stay hydrated when ill to reduce the risk of low blood pressure.
Do not use Compazine if you have a known hypersensitivity to prochlorperazine or other phenothiazines. It is contraindicated in severe central nervous system depression (e.g., coma), in the presence of large amounts of alcohol, or with significant bone marrow suppression. Patients with recent use of high-dose sedatives or opioids may be at higher risk of respiratory depression and should not receive Compazine outside supervised medical settings.
Compazine is generally contraindicated or avoided in children below certain age and weight limits due to an elevated risk of respiratory or extrapyramidal adverse events; clinicians follow strict pediatric criteria. It should not be used in patients with severe uncontrolled seizure disorders, narrow-angle glaucoma, or pheochromocytoma. Those with significant cardiovascular disease, prolonged QT, or a history of torsades de pointes require alternative antiemetic strategies or cardiology input before any consideration of use.
Common side effects include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, and mild hypotension. Many patients also experience mild restlessness or fatigue. These often improve as your body adjusts. Take care with activities requiring alertness, stay hydrated, and discuss supportive measures with your clinician if symptoms persist.
Serious adverse effects can occur and require prompt medical attention: extrapyramidal symptoms (muscle stiffness, tremor, akathisia), dystonic reactions (painful muscle contractions, neck/jaw spasms), tardive dyskinesia (involuntary movements that may be irreversible), neuroleptic malignant syndrome (fever, rigidity, confusion, autonomic instability), seizures, jaundice or liver injury, agranulocytosis (fever, sore throat, infections), and arrhythmias due to QT prolongation. Photosensitivity reactions and skin rashes may occur. If you develop high fever, severe muscle stiffness, confusion, palpitations, fainting, or uncontrollable movements, stop the medication and seek emergency care immediately.
Compazine’s sedative effects can be amplified by alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, sleep aids, antihistamines, and other central nervous system depressants, increasing the risk of oversedation and breathing problems. Combining with other dopamine-blocking agents (for example, metoclopramide or certain antipsychotics) raises the likelihood of movement disorders. It can counteract the effects of levodopa and some Parkinson’s medications; avoid coadministration unless a specialist directs otherwise.
Caution is required with drugs that prolong the QT interval (such as certain antiarrhythmics, macrolide antibiotics, fluoroquinolones, and some antifungals). Phenothiazines can potentiate hypotension from antihypertensives and may diminish the effect of agents like guanethidine. Lithium coadministration may increase neurotoxicity risk. Enzyme inhibitors affecting CYP2D6 or CYP3A4 may alter Compazine levels. Always provide a full list of prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and supplements to your healthcare team, including antiemetics, antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and herbal products like St. John’s wort or kava.
If you miss a scheduled oral or rectal dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is close to the time of your next dose. If it is near the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular timetable. Do not double up to “catch up,” as this increases the risk of side effects without improving efficacy.
For as-needed use (for example, migraine-related nausea), your clinician may advise taking a dose at symptom onset and repeating at intervals if needed, within a maximum daily limit. If you frequently need additional doses or your symptoms are breaking through, contact your provider to reassess your regimen rather than self-escalating.
Overdose symptoms may include profound drowsiness, agitation, severe dizziness, seizures, irregular heartbeat, extreme hypotension, respiratory depression, muscle rigidity, and hyperthermia consistent with neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Children are especially vulnerable to toxic effects. If an overdose is suspected, call emergency services immediately.
In the United States, contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or visit poisonhelp.org for real-time guidance while awaiting medical care. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by professionals. Bring medication containers to the emergency department to assist clinicians in rapid assessment and treatment, which may include cardiac monitoring, airway support, IV fluids, and management of extrapyramidal symptoms.
Store Compazine tablets and suppositories at room temperature, ideally 68–77°F (20–25°C), away from moisture, heat, and direct light. Keep in the original container with the label intact. Do not store in the bathroom, and avoid excessive heat that can degrade the medication.
Keep all medicines out of reach of children and pets. Dispose of expired or unused Compazine according to local guidelines or via take-back programs—do not flush unless instructed. For injectable forms, healthcare facilities follow strict cold-chain and handling procedures; patients should not attempt to store or administer injectables at home unless specifically trained and approved by their clinician.
In the United States, Compazine (prochlorperazine) is a prescription medication. By law, retail pharmacies dispense it only with a valid order from a licensed prescriber. There is no over-the-counter version. However, patients who do not currently have a written prescription can still obtain timely, lawful access through clinical evaluation pathways. Hospitals and rehabilitation centers can assess your condition on-site and, when appropriate, provide or administer medications under physician orders or standing protocols.
HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Tallahassee offers a legal and structured solution for acquiring Compazine without arriving with a formal prescription in hand. Through hospital-based evaluation, a qualified clinician can determine whether Compazine is appropriate, issue the necessary medical order, and coordinate dispensing via the hospital pharmacy or supervised administration. This ensures compliance with federal and state regulations while prioritizing patient safety, proper dosing, and monitoring for side effects.
This pathway is not a shortcut around medical oversight; it is a comprehensive access model that integrates assessment, prescribing, and pharmacy services in one setting. Availability may vary based on your clinical status and program criteria. Contact HealthSouth Rehabilitation Hospital of Tallahassee in advance to confirm current intake procedures, insurance coverage or self-pay options, and any documentation you should bring. If Compazine is not appropriate for your situation, clinicians can recommend safer alternatives and supportive care tailored to your needs.
For individuals seeking continuity after discharge, the hospital can coordinate follow-up prescriptions with your primary care provider or specialist and advise on refills at community pharmacies. Avoid purchasing “no-prescription” Compazine from unverified online vendors—counterfeit or substandard products pose serious health risks. Using a hospital-based, legally compliant process protects you with professional oversight, verified supply chains, and immediate help if adverse effects occur.
1 Compazine is the brand name for prochlorperazine, a phenothiazine medicine used primarily to treat severe nausea and vomiting, including migraine-associated nausea, postoperative nausea, and nausea related to certain treatments. It also has antipsychotic properties, but in modern practice it is mostly used as an antiemetic.
2 Compazine blocks dopamine D2 receptors in the brain, particularly in the chemoreceptor trigger zone that initiates nausea and vomiting. This dopamine antagonism reduces the sensation of nausea and helps prevent vomiting.
3 Compazine treats severe nausea and vomiting from migraines, gastroenteritis, postoperative causes, and some medications. It may be used as part of chemotherapy-related nausea regimens. Historically used for psychotic disorders, it is now mainly used short term for nausea.
4 Onset depends on the form: oral tablets often start working within 30 to 60 minutes; rectal suppositories may work within 60 minutes; injections in medical settings can work within minutes. Effects typically last 3 to 6 hours, sometimes longer with suppositories.
5 Compazine is available as oral tablets, rectal suppositories, and injections given by healthcare professionals. Adult oral doses for nausea commonly range from 5 to 10 mg taken several times daily, with a usual maximum of 40 mg/day. Suppositories are often 25 mg up to twice daily. Dosing must be individualized by a clinician.
6 Common effects include drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, dry mouth, constipation, and low blood pressure when standing. Some people experience restlessness or agitation (akathisia). Avoid driving or alcohol until you know how it affects you.
7 Seek urgent care for severe muscle stiffness or spasms, difficulty moving, tremor, fever, confusion, very fast heartbeat, fainting, uncontrolled eye or neck movements, jaundice, rash, or swelling of the face/tongue. Rare but serious risks include neuroleptic malignant syndrome, seizures, blood dyscrasias, and tardive dyskinesia with longer-term use.
8 Avoid in children under 2 years old or under 9 kg, in patients with coma or severe CNS depression, and in those with known hypersensitivity to phenothiazines. Use caution with Parkinson’s disease, dementia-related psychosis, glaucoma, seizure disorders, significant liver disease, heart rhythm problems, or a history of movement disorders.
9 Yes. Sedation is common, especially early on or at higher doses. Alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, and other sedatives can intensify drowsiness and breathing suppression. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know your response.
10 Compazine can interact with alcohol and CNS depressants, anticholinergics, dopaminergic drugs (such as levodopa), other dopamine antagonists (like metoclopramide), and drugs that prolong the QT interval (certain antiarrhythmics, macrolide antibiotics, some antipsychotics). Certain antidepressants that inhibit CYP2D6 (like fluoxetine and paroxetine) may increase side effects. Always review your full medication list with a clinician.
11 Use in pregnancy only if benefits outweigh risks. There is long clinical experience, but no robust controlled trials; late-pregnancy exposure to antipsychotics can cause transient neonatal symptoms. Discuss alternatives like doxylamine-pyridoxine or ondansetron with your obstetric provider based on the cause and severity of nausea.
12 Prochlorperazine can pass into breast milk. Potential infant effects include sedation or feeding difficulty. Weigh benefits and risks with your clinician; consider monitoring the infant or using alternative antiemetics if appropriate.
13 Yes. Compazine is commonly used in emergency and clinic settings for migraine-associated nausea and vomiting, and it may also reduce migraine pain. It is often paired with diphenhydramine to lower the risk of restlessness or dystonia.
14 No, Compazine is not addictive. However, abrupt discontinuation after longer use may lead to rebound symptoms or withdrawal-like effects in rare cases. Follow your prescriber’s taper guidance if used for extended periods.
15 If you’re using it as needed for nausea, take it when symptoms occur and skip if you feel well. If on a schedule and you miss a dose, take it when remembered unless it’s close to the next dose. Do not double up. Overdose can cause severe drowsiness, abnormal heart rhythms, seizures, and movement reactions; seek emergency care.
16 It is not recommended for children under 2 years old or under 9 kg. In older children and adolescents, it may be used cautiously for severe nausea under medical supervision, with weight-based dosing and close monitoring for movement side effects.
17 Wash hands, remove the wrapper, and insert gently into the rectum pointed end first. If it’s too soft, chill it briefly. Avoid bowel movements for 1 hour to allow absorption. Suppositories can be helpful if vomiting prevents swallowing pills.
18 Eat small, bland meals; sip clear fluids; avoid strong odors and fatty foods; rest in a quiet, dim room; use ginger or acupressure bands if safe for you. These measures can complement Compazine’s antiemetic effect.
19 Both are phenothiazine antiemetics and effective for nausea and vomiting. Compazine (prochlorperazine) is often favored for migraine-related nausea; promethazine (Phenergan) is commonly used for motion-related or postoperative nausea. Choice depends on cause of nausea, sedation tolerance, and patient factors.
20 Promethazine tends to be more sedating due to stronger antihistamine activity. Compazine is sedating too, but comparatively less so for many patients. If staying alert is a priority, clinicians often prefer Compazine or a non-sedating option like ondansetron.
21 Both dopamine antagonists work for migraine nausea, and both can reduce headache pain. Emergency departments commonly use either 10 mg IV/IM. Metoclopramide also promotes gut motility, which can help gastric stasis in migraine. Compazine may have a slightly higher risk of akathisia in some studies; clinicians often co-administer diphenhydramine with either drug.
22 For chemotherapy or postoperative nausea, ondansetron (a 5-HT3 antagonist) is often first-line due to strong efficacy and lower risk of movement disorders. Compazine remains useful, particularly when nausea is dopamine-mediated or when ondansetron alone is insufficient. Some regimens combine them for different mechanisms.
23 Both are phenothiazines; chlorpromazine (Thorazine) is more sedating and more likely to cause low blood pressure and anticholinergic effects. Compazine generally has stronger antiemetic potency with less hypotension, so it is preferred for nausea in many settings.
24 Perphenazine is a higher-potency phenothiazine with a greater likelihood of extrapyramidal symptoms at antipsychotic doses. For antiemetic use, Compazine is more commonly selected; both can cause movement side effects, especially with higher or repeated dosing.
25 Both are phenothiazines with dopamine blockade. Trifluoperazine is used mainly for psychosis and anxiety in some regions, not routinely for nausea. Compazine has more established antiemetic dosing forms (including suppositories), making it the practical choice for nausea.
26 Both can be effective for severe nausea in emergency settings. Droperidol (a butyrophenone) works quickly but carries a boxed warning for QT prolongation and requires cardiac monitoring in many institutions. Compazine has a longer safety record in general use; choice depends on institutional protocols and patient cardiac risk.
27 Haloperidol, another dopamine antagonist, is sometimes used off-label for refractory nausea, including palliative care. It may be effective at low doses but has a higher risk of EPS at antipsychotic doses. Compazine is typically tried first for general nausea, reserving haloperidol for select cases.
28 For pregnancy-related nausea, first-line options are typically doxylamine-pyridoxine and lifestyle measures. If those fail, promethazine has more obstetric use historically. Compazine may be considered when benefits outweigh risks. The choice should be individualized by an obstetric clinician.
29 Metoclopramide is usually preferred because it has prokinetic effects that improve gastric emptying, directly addressing gastroparesis. Compazine can reduce nausea but does not improve motility. Both carry EPS risk, so duration and dosing should be limited and monitored.
30 Prochlorperazine is the active drug; the salt form (maleate in tablets, edisylate in injections) affects formulation, not clinical effect. Tablets and suppositories are for outpatient use; injections are for supervised settings when rapid control is needed.
31 Promethazine generally works better for motion sickness due to its strong antihistamine and anticholinergic effects. Compazine can help with nausea but is not the usual first choice for motion-related symptoms.
32 If vomiting prevents you from keeping pills down, the rectal suppository is a practical alternative and often lasts longer. If you can swallow and need flexibility in dosing, oral tablets are convenient. Your clinician can advise based on symptom severity and timing.
33 For headache prevention, tricyclics like amitriptyline are used rather than phenothiazine combinations. For acute nausea during headaches, Compazine is more commonly used than perphenazine due to established dosing and availability. Preventive therapy should be tailored by a clinician.
34 Both can prolong the QT interval, but ondansetron’s risk is well-characterized and dose-related, particularly IV. Phenothiazines like Compazine can also affect QT, especially with other risk factors. The safer option depends on your baseline ECG, electrolytes, and concomitant medications; clinicians often monitor when risks are present.
35 Older adults are sensitive to anticholinergic effects, orthostatic hypotension, and sedation. Promethazine is more anticholinergic and sedating; Compazine may be better tolerated for some, but both require caution, lower starting doses, and fall-risk monitoring.