Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Sandoz Prochlorperazine.
Abnormal heart rhythms: Sandoz Prochlorperazine can cause abnormal heart rhythms. Certain medications (e.g., Sotalol, quinidine, thioridazine, Chlorpromazine, Pimozide, moxifloxacin, Mefloquine, pentamidine, arsenic trioxide, probucol, Tacrolimus) can increase the risk of a type of abnormal heart rhythm called QT prolongation, and should not be used in combination with prochlorpromazine.
You are more at risk for this type of abnormal heart rhythm and its complications if you:
- are female
- are older than 65 years of age
- have a family history of sudden cardiac death
- have a history of heart disease or abnormal heart rhythms
- have a slow heart rate
- have congenital prolongation of the QT interval
- have Diabetes
- have had a Stroke
- have low potassium, magnesium, or calcium levels
- have nutritional deficiencies
Alcohol: The effects of alcohol may be increased by the use of Sandoz Prochlorperazine.
Behaviour changes: Although prochlorperazine is intended to have a calming effect on thought processes, occasionally it can cause agitation, anxiety, or increased psychotic behaviours.
If you experience these side effects or notice them in a family member who is taking Sandoz Prochlorperazine, contact your doctor immediately. You should be closely monitored by your doctor for emotional and behaviour changes while taking Sandoz Prochlorperazine.
Blood Clots: Sandoz Prochlorperazine may increase the chance of blood clot formation, causing reduction of blood flow to organs or the extremities.
If you have a history of clotting you may be at increased risk of experiencing blood clot-related problems such as Heart Attack, stroke, or clots in the deep veins of your leg. Discuss with your doctor how Sandoz Prochlorperazine may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Sandoz Prochlorperazine, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you experience symptoms such as sharp pain and swelling in the leg, difficulty breathing, chest pain, blurred vision or difficulty speaking, contact your doctor immediately.
Blood counts: Sandoz Prochlorperazine can decrease the number of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell that helps fight infection), red blood cells (which carry oxygen), and platelets (which help your blood to clot). Your doctor will do blood tests to monitor this. If you notice any signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills, or sore throat) or unusual bleeding or bruising, contact your doctor immediately.
Body temperature: Prochlorperazine affects the body's natural mechanisms for keeping body temperature within a normal range. People who exercise vigorously, are exposed to extreme heat, are dehydrated, or are taking anticholinergic medications (e.g., Benztropine, Oxybutynin) are more at risk. Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you feel very hot and are unable to cool.
Exposure to extreme heat or being in heat for a long period of time can result in severe overheating that can be fatal.
Constipation: Prochlorperazine slows down the speed that things travel through the digestive system causing constipation. If constipation develops, talk to your doctor as soon as possible. Constipation that is allowed to continue can become a serious problem.
Depression: Prochlorperazine may cause depression or make the symptoms of depression worse. If you have depression or a history of depression, discuss with your doctor how Sandoz Prochlorperazine may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Sandoz Prochlorperazine, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
If you experience symptoms of depression such as poor concentration, changes in weight, changes in sleep, decreased interest in activities, or notice them in a family member who is taking Sandoz Prochlorperazine, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Diabetes: Prochlorperazine may cause an increase in blood sugar levels and glucose tolerance may change. You may find it necessary to monitor your blood sugar more frequently while using Sandoz Prochlorperazine.
If you have diabetes or are at risk for developing diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Sandoz Prochlorperazine may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Sandoz Prochlorperazine, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you develop signs of high blood sugar, such as a fruity odour to the breath, increased thirst, hunger, and increased need to urinate overnight.
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Sandoz Prochlorperazine may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or perform other potentially hazardous tasks until you have determined how Sandoz Prochlorperazine affects you.
Glaucoma: Sandoz Prochlorperazine may make the symptoms of glaucoma worse. If you have glaucoma, discuss with your doctor how Sandoz Prochlorperazine may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Sandoz Prochlorperazine, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Liver function: People taking Sandoz Prochlorperazine may have changes in liver function that produce abnormal liver test results. Your doctor will recommend regular liver tests while you are taking Sandoz Prochlorperazine. If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor immediately.
Movement disorders: Prochlorperazine, like other antipsychotic medications can cause difficulty with daily movements. If you notice a fine tremor, difficulty moving muscles, unusual stiffness and trouble starting to move, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): Prochlorperazine, like other antipsychotic medications, can cause a potentially fatal syndrome known as neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). Get immediate medical attention if you notice symptoms of NMS such as high fever, muscle stiffness, confusion or loss of consciousness, sweating, racing or irregular heartbeat, or fainting.
Pesticides: People who take prochlorperazine are cautioned against exposure to certain types of insecticides, called organophosphorous insecticides.
Prostate problems: Prochlorperazine may make the symptoms of prostate problems worse. If you have a history of prostate problems, discuss with your doctor how Sandoz Prochlorperazine may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Sandoz Prochlorperazine, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Seizures: The frequency of seizures may increase if you have a seizure disorder and are taking prochlorperazine. If you have a history of Epilepsy or medical conditions that increase your risk of seizures, discuss with your doctor how Sandoz Prochlorperazine may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Sandoz Prochlorperazine, and whether any special monitoring is needed.
Stopping the medication: If Sandoz Prochlorperazine is stopped suddenly, you may experience withdrawal symptoms similar to the unwanted movements described in the section "Tardive Dyskinesia." If you have been taking Sandoz Prochlorperazine for a while, it should be stopped gradually as directed by your doctor.
Tardive Dyskinesia (TD): Prochlorperazine, like some other antipsychotic medications may cause tardive dyskinesia (TD) to develop. TD is a potentially irreversible syndrome of involuntary, repetitive movements of the face and tongue muscles. Although TD appears most commonly in seniors, especially women, it is impossible to predict who will develop TD. The risk of developing TD increases with higher doses and long-term treatment. If you experience muscle twitching or abnormal movements of the face or tongue, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Pregnancy: The safe use of Sandoz Prochlorperazine during pregnancy has not been established. Sandoz Prochlorperazine should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Sandoz Prochlorperazine, contact your doctor immediately.
Babies born to mothers who take Sandoz Prochlorperazine during the last 3 months of pregnancy may experience withdrawal symptoms including agitation, trouble feeding and poor muscle tone.
Breast-feeding: Sandoz Prochlorperazine passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking prochlorperazine, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: Children with an illness involving fever or dehydration seem to be much more susceptible than adults to reactions involving the muscles. In these cases, prochlorperazine should be used under close supervision and at low doses.
Prochlorperazine should not be given to children under 2 years of age or weighing less than 9 kg, unless it is considered potentially lifesaving.
Seniors: Those over 55 years of age may be more likely to experience adverse effects from Sandoz Prochlorperazine. Seniors with dementia-related psychosis who are treated with antipsychotics are at an increased risk of death.
