Prochlorperazine
Also known as: Compazine, Compro, Prochlor, Prorazin, Stemetil, Tementil
> **Important Safety Note:** Observe your pet closely for at least one hour following dosing. Keep them in a safe, quiet environment as this medication can cause drowsiness and unsteadiness. * **Dry Mouth:** Your pet may experience a dry mouth (often seen as lip smacking). This can be relieved by applying small amounts of water to your pet's tongue for 10-15 minutes. * **Urine Color Change:** This medication may harmlessly discolor the urine to a pink or red-brown color; this is normal and not a cause for concern. * **When to Call the Vet:** Protracted vomiting and diarrhea can be serious. Contact your veterinarian if clinical signs are not alleviated. **Seek immediate veterinary care** if your animal exhibits abnormal behavior, becomes rigid, or displays other abnormal body movements or tremors.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- As an antiemetic
- As an antiemetic
- As an antiemetic
- All uses (motion sickness, emesis)
- All uses (motion sickness, emesis)
- As an antiemetic
- As an antiemetic
- As an antiemetic
- All uses (motion sickness, emesis)
- All uses (motion sickness, emesis)
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Sedation
- Hypotension
- Muscle fasciculations and tremors (extrapyramidal signs)
- Prolactin release
- Depression
- Extrapyramidal reactions (rigidity, tremors, weakness, restlessness)
Cautions & contraindications
- Hypovolemia or dehydration
- Shock
- Tetanus
- Strychnine intoxication
- Hepatic dysfunction (use with caution)
- Cardiac disease (use with caution)
- Animals may require lower dosages of general anesthetics following phenothiazine administration. Use cautiously and at smaller doses in animals with hepatic dysfunction, cardiac disease, or general debilitation. Because of hypotensive effects, it is relatively contraindicated in patients with hypovolemia, dehydration, or shock. May exacerbate depression in patients with pre-existing CNS depression. Do not use for tetanus or strychnine intoxication due to extrapyramidal effects. Use with caution in very young or debilitated animals.
Drug interactions
- Antacids: May cause reduced GI absorption of oral phenothiazines
- Antidiarrheal mixtures (e.g., Kaolin/pectin, bismuth subsalicylate): May cause reduced GI absorption of oral phenothiazines
- CNS Depressant Agents (barbiturates, narcotics, anesthetics): May cause additive CNS depression if used with phenothiazines
- Dopamine: Phenothiazines may decrease pressor effects
- Epinephrine: Phenothiazines block alpha-adrenergic receptors; concomitant epinephrine can lead to unopposed beta-activity causing vasodilation and increased cardiac rate (epinephrine reversal)
- Metoclopramide: Phenothiazines may potentiate the extrapyramidal effects of metoclopramide
- Opiates: May enhance the hypotensive effects of the phenothiazines; dosages of prochlorperazine may need to be reduced
- Organophosphate Agents: Phenothiazines should not be given within one month of worming with these agents as their effects may be potentiated
- Paraquat: Toxicity of the herbicide paraquat may be increased by prochlorperazine
- Phenytoin: Metabolism may be decreased if given concurrently with phenothiazines
Frequently asked questions
What is Prochlorperazine used for in pets?
> **Important Safety Note:** Observe your pet closely for at least one hour following dosing. Keep them in a safe, quiet environment as this medication can cause drowsiness and unsteadiness. * **Dry Mouth:** Your pet may experience a dry mouth (often seen as lip smacking). This can be relieved by applying small amounts of water to your pet's tongue for 10-15 minutes. * **Urine Color Change:** This medication may harmlessly discolor the urine to a pink or red-brown color; this is normal and not a cause for concern. * **When to Call the Vet:** Protracted vomiting and diarrhea can be serious. Contact your veterinarian if clinical signs are not alleviated. **Seek immediate veterinary care** if your animal exhibits abnormal behavior, becomes rigid, or displays other abnormal body movements or tremors.
Is Prochlorperazine safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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