Prochlorperazine

Course Summary

Prochlorperazine is a phenothiazine with antiemetic effect and psychoactive properties. It has been widely used for many years in the prevention and relief of nausea, vomiting, vestibular and psychiatric disorders. The drug has  well-known affinity for dopamine receptors, and muscarinic-cholinergic, histamine H1 and a-adrenoceptors. Prochlorperazine has been described as having slow absorption and a low bioavailability following oral dosing. Some researchers have evaluated the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of prochlorperazine after intravenous and oral dosing to determine the difference between the two dosing regimens. Adverse reactions to prochlorperazine generally occur with chronic dosing, such as Parkinsonism. Few published studies exist that compare prochlorperazine with other common antiemetic drugs in the treatment of specific disorders. Clinicians are recommended to choose a drug based upon the clinical scenario and patient preference related to drug administration and safety.