Prochlorperazine

Prochlorperazine is a medication used to relieve sickness. It can help with nausea, labyrinthitis, Ménière’s disease, and vertigo, also known as BPPV.

Labyrinthitis is when a part of the inner ear, known as the labyrinth, becomes inflamed. Sometimes, the eighth cranial nerve, called the vestibulocochlear nerve, can also be affected. Common symptoms include feeling dizzy (vertigo), nausea, ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and hearing problems. It's usually due to a bacterial or viral infection, so you'll need treatment for the infection, along with Prochlorperazine to help with the nausea and dizziness.

Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo, or BPPV, is often referred to as vertigo. It's when you feel as though you're moving or the room is spinning, even though everything is still. While there are other reasons you might experience vertigo, BPPV is the most frequent cause. You might need to take an antihistamine along with anti-sickness medication. Have a chat with our clinicians, and they can suggest the best treatment for you.

Ménière’s disease is a condition affecting the inner ear that can cause symptoms like nausea and vertigo. It might make you lose your balance entirely, leading to falls.

Prochlorperazine helps by stopping dopamine from sending signals of nausea to your brain. Dopamine is a hormone, often called a chemical messenger, produced by your body to transmit messages between nerve cells.

Prochlorperazine blocks the signals that tell your brain to feel nauseous, helping to prevent those unpleasant feelings of sickness.

Prochlorperazine comes in two doses: 3mg and 5mg. The dose you receive will depend on the severity of your condition, how well you can tolerate the medication, your age, and the specific condition being treated.

You'll usually start with a lower dose of Prochlorperazine, which can be changed once we're certain it's suitable for you. If you're unsure about your starting dose, our clinicians will provide all the information you need and offer the correct treatment guidance.

Prochlorperazine is the only anti-sickness medication that can treat Ménière's disease, nausea, labyrinthitis, and vertigo. Other anti-sickness drugs typically only address one or two of these conditions. Metoclopramide, for instance, is mainly effective for symptoms related to chemotherapy. This versatility makes Prochlorperazine the best treatment option available.

There's a branded version of Prochlorperazine known as Stemetil. Both contain the same active ingredient, prochlorperazine.

The main difference between Prochlorperazine and Stemetil is usually the cost, with the generic version often being less expensive. The packaging and appearance of the tablets might also vary. However, they both work the same way in the body.

For vertigo, take one 5mg tablet three times daily. The same applies for nausea. It's best to take the tablets at regular times to maximise their effectiveness. Older adults are often given a lower dose, so it's a good idea to consult with our clinicians to find out what's most suitable for you.

Yes, you'll need a prescription to obtain Prochlorperazine. This is necessary so that a healthcare professional can monitor your progress, check if the medication is effective, adjust your dosage if needed, and ensure any side effects are typical and manageable.

You'll need to take Prochlorperazine for the shortest time necessary. If you stop taking it too suddenly, you might experience some withdrawal symptoms. A clinician can assist you in managing these symptoms and guide you on the best way to stop your treatment to avoid any negative effects.