Drug Groups

approved

Description

A phenothiazine antipsychotic used principally in the treatment of nausea; vomiting; and vertigo. It is more likely than chlorpromazine to cause extrapyramidal disorders. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 30th ed, p612)

Indication

For the symptomatic management of psychotic disorders, short term management of nonpsychotic anxiety in patients with generalized anxiety disorder, and for the control of severe nausea and vomiting of various causes.

Pharmacology

Prochlorperazine is a piperazine phenothiazine related to high-potency neuroleptics such as perphenazine. It shares many of the actions and adverse effects of the antipsychotics.

Toxicity

Symptoms of central nervous system depression to the point of somnolence or coma. Agitation and restlessness may also occur. Other possible manifestations include convulsions, EKG changes and cardiac arrhythmias, fever and autonomic reactions such as hypotension, dry mouth and ileus; LD₅₀=400mg/kg (orally in mice)

Affected Organisms

Biotransformation

Hepatic. Undergoes metabolism in the gastric mucosa and on first pass through the liver, CYP2D6 and/or CYP3A4.

Absorption

Rapidly absorbed following oral administration

Half Life

6 to 8 hours

Protein Binding

91-99%

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