Stemetil

Action and Clinical
Prochlorperazine is a piperazine phenothiazine derivative with antipsychotic, antiemetic and weak sedative activity.:
Prochlorperazine has actions similar to those of other phenothiazine derivatives but appears to be less sedating and to have a weak propensity for causing hypotension or potentiating the effects of CNS depressants and anesthetics. However, it produces a high incidence of extrapyramidal reactions.
Prochlorperazine is well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Onset of action following oral administration is 30 to 40 minutes; 60 minutes for suppositories and 10 to 20 minutes after i.m. administration. Duration of action for all routes is 3 to 4 hours. Prochlorperazine distributes to most body tissues with high concentrations being distributed into liver and spleen. Prochlorperazine enters the enterohepatic circulation and is excreted chiefly in the feces.

Indications And Clinical Uses :
In the management of manifestations of psychotic disorders such as agitation, confusion, delusion, tension and anxiety.
It is also effective in controlling nausea and vomiting due to stimulation of the chemoreceptor trigger zone.
In selected patients, prochlorperazine may be of value for the relief of excessive anxiety, accompanied by severe tension and agitation, associated with psychoneurotic or somatic conditions.


Children: The drug should not be used in children under 2 years unless potentially lifesaving.
Occupational Hazards: The use of this drug may impair the mental and physical abilities required for the performance of potentially hazardous tasks, such as driving a car or operating machinery.

Potentiation of the effects of alcohol may also occur.

Pregnancy: Safety during pregnancy has not been established. Therefore, it is recommended that the drug be given to pregnant patients only when, in the judgment of the physician, the potential benefit to the patient outweighs the possible risk to the fetus.