Prochlorperazine: Clinical Utility and Risks for Antiemetic and Psychiatric Treatment

Course overview

Prochlorperazine is a medication belonging to the class of typical antipsychotics, primarily prescribed to alleviate severe nausea, vomiting (including chemotherapy-induced nausea), and symptoms of anxiety and agitation in certain medical situations. It is also occasionally used to treat acute migraine headaches and, to a limited extent, manage symptoms of psychotic disorders like schizophrenia. Prochlorperazine is within the phenothiazine class of antipsychotic medications and functions by blocking the effects of dopamine in the brain, helping to control the targeted symptoms. It has a 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. 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 and for use in children. Clinicians are recommended to choose a drug based on the clinical scenario and patient preference related to drug administration and safety.