Ametil

Indications

Prochlorperazine is used to treat severe nausea and vomiting, and dizziness and spinning feelings (vertigo) caused by inner ear problems such as Meniere's disease. Doctors may also use it for some mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, and for short-term relief of severe anxiety.

How It Works

It blocks dopamine, a chemical messenger, in the part of the brain that triggers vomiting. This reduces nausea and vomiting. Its effect on brain chemicals also explains its use in some mental health conditions.

Dosage and Administration

• Adults, nausea and vomiting: usually 5 to 10 mg two or three times a day.
• Adults, vertigo: usually 5 mg three times a day, which the doctor may adjust.
• Mental health conditions, children, and injections: as prescribed.

Take by mouth with water. Use for the shortest time needed. Older people usually need lower doses.

Interactions

Alcohol, sleeping pills, strong painkillers, antihistamines and other sedating medicines increase drowsiness. It can reduce the effect of Levodopa and other Parkinson's medicines. Taking it with other medicines that affect heart rhythm (such as some antibiotics, antidepressants or Amiodarone) can raise the risk of an irregular heartbeat. Tell your doctor about all your medicines.

Contraindications

• Allergy to prochlorperazine or similar medicines (phenothiazines).
• Severe drowsiness or reduced consciousness, or bone marrow problems.
• Children under the age set in the product leaflet, unless a specialist prescribes it.

Side Effects

Common: drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, blurred vision and constipation. It can cause restlessness, stiffness, shaking or unusual muscle movements of the face, eyes, tongue or neck, especially in young people and older adults.

Get urgent medical help for high fever with stiff muscles, sweating and confusion; sudden muscle spasm of the neck, jaw or eyes; fainting or a fast or irregular heartbeat; yellow skin or eyes; signs of infection like fever and sore throat; or swelling of the face or difficulty breathing.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Avoid in pregnancy unless the doctor decides it is needed, especially near the end of pregnancy, as the baby may have side effects after birth. It passes into breast milk in small amounts; ask the doctor before using it while breastfeeding.

Precautions and Warnings

It can make you drowsy: do not drive or use machines if affected, and avoid alcohol. Use with caution in older people, especially those with dementia, and in people with heart disease, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, glaucoma, enlarged prostate, liver or kidney problems. Avoid strong sunlight, as it can make the skin sensitive.

Overdose

Too much can cause deep sleepiness, low blood pressure, muscle spasms, irregular heartbeat and seizures. Seek emergency medical help.

Therapeutic Class

Phenothiazine anti-emetic and antipsychotic.

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.