Antiemetics (phenothiazines)

Examples

Generic Name
prochlorperazine
promethazine

These medicines are available as injections, tablets, suppositories, or syrup.

How It Works

Promethazine and prochlorperazine act on the brain to stop nausea and vomiting.

Why It Is Used

Promethazine and prochlorperazine are prescribed to control severe nausea and vomiting. These medicines are also used to prevent and control nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy.

How Well It Works

Promethazine and prochlorperazine can help stop nausea and vomiting caused by vertigo. When used with other medicines, such as serotonin antagonists (for example, ondansetron) and corticosteroids (for example, dexamethasone), these medicines also help prevent and control nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy.

Side Effects

Side effects of these medicines may include:

• Drowsiness.
• Dizziness.
• Blurred vision.
• Abnormal menstrual flow.
• Rash.
• Low blood pressure.
• Distorted voluntary movements of the body (dystonic reaction).

See Drug Reference for a full list of side effects. (Drug Reference is not available in all systems.)

What To Think About

These medicines should not be used by children who weigh less than 20 lb (9.07 kg) or are younger than age 2. Young children seem to be more likely to develop side effects.

Long-term use of these medicines may lead to a central nervous system disorder that causes twitching of the face and tongue and involuntary movements of the trunk and limbs (tardive dyskinesia).

In rare cases, acute difficulty making coordinated movements (dystonia), such as abnormal involuntary movements or posture of the head, eyes, or limbs, may occur. This problem is easily treated and has no long-term effects.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF) (What is a PDF document?) to help you understand this medication.

Author:	Monica Rhodes	Last Updated: December 29, 2008
Medical Review:	Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine Colin Chalk, MD, CM, FRCPC - Neurology
© 1995-2010 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.