Warning

Compro (generic name: prochlorperazine) is an antipsychotic and antiemetic medication often used to treat severe nausea, schizophrenia, and anxiety. However, it comes with several risks and side effects:

• Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS): These include symptoms like tremors, rigidity, and involuntary movements similar to Parkinson’s disease.
• Sedation: Drowsiness or fatigue can occur, impacting daily activities.
• Anticholinergic Effects: These can include dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, and urinary retention.
• Weight Gain and Metabolic Changes: Some users may experience weight gain and changes in blood sugar or cholesterol levels.
• Tardive Dyskinesia: This is a serious, often irreversible condition characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements, usually occurring after long-term use.
• Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS): A rare but serious condition that can cause high fever, muscle rigidity, and altered mental status, requiring immediate medical attention.

It’s important to use Compro under the guidance of a healthcare provider, who can monitor for these potential side effects and adjust treatment as necessary.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Compro, which is a brand name for generic prochlorperazine, is a medication primarily used to manage nausea and vomiting. It’s also sometimes prescribed to help control severe anxiety or certain types of psychotic disorders. Here’s a bit more detail on its uses:

• Nausea and Vomiting: Prochlorperazine is often prescribed to alleviate severe nausea and vomiting, including those associated with chemotherapy or surgery.
• Psychotic Disorders: It can be used to treat symptoms of psychotic disorders, such as schizophrenia, though this is less common today with the availability of newer antipsychotic medications.
• Severe Anxiety: Sometimes, it’s used to help manage severe anxiety when other treatments are not effective.

How should this medicine be used?

Here’s how to use Compro (prochlorperazine) in tablet and suppository forms:

Tablets:

• Dosage: Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding the dosage. Typical doses can vary depending on the condition being treated.
• Administration:
  • Swallow Tablets Whole: Take the tablet with a full glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet as it can affect how the medication is released and absorbed.
  • Timing: It can be taken with or without food, but consistent timing is important. If it upsets your stomach, taking it with food might help.
• Missed Dose: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and do not double up to make up for a missed dose.
• Storage: Store tablets at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Keep them out of reach of children.

Suppositories:

• Dosage: Use the suppository as directed by your healthcare provider. Dosage might differ from that of the tablets.
• Administration:
  • Preparation: Wash your hands before and after handling the suppository.
  • Insertion:
    • Unwrap the Suppository: Remove any foil or wrapper.
    • Position Yourself: Lie on your side with your lower leg straight and upper leg bent forward for easier insertion. Alternatively, you can insert it while standing with one foot elevated on a chair or stool.
    • Insert Gently: Insert the suppository into the rectum with the pointed end first. Push it in about 1 inch (2.5 cm) or as directed by your provider.
    • Remain Still: Stay in the position for a few minutes to help ensure the suppository remains in place and starts to dissolve.
• Missed Dose: If you miss a dose and it’s not close to the time for your next dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose, do not double up.
• Storage: Store suppositories in the refrigerator or at room temperature as directed, and keep them in their original packaging to avoid melting.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions for both forms of the medication, and consult them if you have any questions or concerns.

Other uses for this medicine

• Migraine Management: It may be prescribed to control severe nausea and vomiting associated with migraines.
• Preoperative Sedation: Sometimes used to help with anxiety and sedation before surgery, particularly in combination with other medications.

What special precautions should I follow?

Special Precautions for Compro:

• Allergies: Inform your healthcare provider if you have a known allergy to prochlorperazine or any other medications.
• Parkinson’s Disease: Avoid using if you have Parkinson’s disease, as it can worsen symptoms.
• Liver or Kidney Issues: Prochlorperazine can affect liver and kidney function, so dosage adjustments may be necessary.
• Heart Conditions: If you have heart problems or a history of heart disease, consult your doctor as prochlorperazine can impact heart function.
• Seizures: Be cautious if you have a history of seizures, as this medication can lower the seizure threshold.
• Other Medications: Inform your healthcare provider about all other medications you’re taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements, to avoid interactions. Prochlorperazine can interact with drugs that affect the central nervous system, such as other antipsychotics, antidepressants, and sedatives.
• Alcohol: Avoid alcohol as it can enhance the sedative effects of prochlorperazine and increase the risk of side effects.
• Pregnancy: It’s generally advised to avoid use during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary, as it can potentially harm the fetus. Consult your healthcare provider if you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
• Breastfeeding: Prochlorperazine can pass into breast milk and might affect a nursing infant. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
• Elderly Patients: Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of prochlorperazine, particularly the risk of extrapyramidal symptoms and sedation. They may require careful monitoring and dose adjustments.
• Tardive Dyskinesia: Long-term use of prochlorperazine can lead to tardive dyskinesia, a condition characterized by involuntary muscle movements. Report any unusual movements or symptoms to your healthcare provider immediately.
• Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS): Although rare, this potentially life-threatening condition can occur with prochlorperazine. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as high fever, severe muscle stiffness, confusion, or sweating.

Always adhere to your healthcare provider’s guidance and report any new or worsening symptoms promptly.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

• Avoid Alcohol: As mentioned, alcohol can exacerbate the sedative effects of prochlorperazine and increase the risk of side effects.
• Monitor Fluid Intake: In some cases, managing fluid intake might be necessary, especially if you experience dry mouth or have conditions that affect fluid balance. Follow your doctor’s guidance on this.
• Dietary Considerations: There are no specific dietary restrictions associated with prochlorperazine, but maintaining a balanced diet can help manage any side effects such as constipation. Consult your doctor or a dietitian if you have specific dietary concerns.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

• For Tablets: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double up on doses to make up for a missed one.
• For Suppositories: If you miss a dose and it’s not close to the next dose time, use it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not insert more than one suppository to compensate for the missed dose.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Compro is a brand name for the drug prochlorperazine, which is often used to treat severe nausea and vomiting, as well as certain mental health conditions like schizophrenia. Like many medications, it can cause side effects, including:

• Drowsiness or Sedation: One of the most common effects, as prochlorperazine can be quite sedating.
• Dizziness or Lightheadedness: This can occur, especially when standing up quickly.
• Dry Mouth: A common anticholinergic effect.
• Constipation or Difficulty Urinating: Again, related to its anticholinergic properties.
• Blurred Vision: Can happen due to its effects on the eyes.
• Weight Gain: Some people might experience changes in appetite or metabolism.
• Tremors or Shaking: This is related to its effect on the central nervous system.
• Muscle Stiffness or Rigidity: May be similar to symptoms seen in Parkinson’s disease.
• Restlessness or Agitation: Paradoxically, some people might feel more agitated or restless.
• Skin Rash: Allergic reactions can manifest as skin issues.
• Extrapyramidal Symptoms: Such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia, which are symptoms similar to those seen in Parkinson’s disease.

In rare cases, it might cause more serious effects like tardive dyskinesia (a condition characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements) or neuroleptic malignant syndrome (a potentially life-threatening condition marked by severe muscle rigidity, fever, and altered mental status). If you experience severe or unusual symptoms, it’s crucial to contact a healthcare provider right away.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and Disposal:

Storage:

• Temperature: Store Compro at room temperature, away from excessive heat and moisture. Generally, this means keeping it at temperatures between 68°F and 77°F (20°C to 25°C).
• Container: Keep the medication in its original container, tightly closed, and out of reach of children and pets.
• Avoid Light: Some medications are sensitive to light, so keeping them in a dark place (or the original container) can help maintain their effectiveness.

Disposal:

• Drug Take-Back Programs: The best way to dispose of unused or expired medications is through drug take-back programs. Many pharmacies and community centers offer these services.
• FDA Guidelines: If a take-back program isn’t available, the FDA has guidelines for disposing of medications in the household trash. This typically involves mixing the medication with an undesirable substance (like used coffee grounds or kitty litter) in a sealed plastic bag before throwing it away. However, Compro does not have specific disposal instructions that differ from general guidelines, so follow these basic practices.
• Flushing: Only flush medications down the toilet if the label or patient information specifically instructs you to do so. This is usually reserved for medications that pose a significant risk if ingested by others.

In case of emergency/overdose

• Symptoms of Overdose: Symptoms may include severe drowsiness, confusion, seizures, irregular heartbeat, muscle rigidity, or difficulty breathing.
• Immediate Action: If an overdose is suspected, seek emergency medical help immediately. Call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency room.
• Poison Control: You can also contact the Poison Control Center for guidance. In the U.S., this can be reached at 1-800-222-1222.

What other information should I know?

• Regular Monitoring: Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider are essential to monitor for side effects and adjust the dosage if needed.
• Drug Interactions: Be aware of potential interactions with other medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Inform your healthcare provider of all substances you are taking.
• Adherence to Prescriptions: Take Compro exactly as prescribed. Do not adjust the dosage or stop taking it without consulting your healthcare provider, as this can affect treatment outcomes.
• Medical History: Inform your healthcare provider about your complete medical history, including any conditions that might affect how you respond to the medication.
• Behavioral Changes: Monitor any changes in mood, behavior, or physical health, and report these to your healthcare provider promptly.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure the safe and effective use of Compro and manage any potential issues that may arise.