What Are the Different Types of Prochlorperazine Tablets?

Prochlorperazine tablets are manufactured by a number of companies in many countries, but except for some slight variation in strength, physical appearance, color, or inactive ingredients, they're not that different. This drug, which may treat nausea in small doses, or psychosis if large amounts are used, is almost always available in 5 milligram (mg) and 10 mg pills. Sometimes, a buccal version of the medication, which dissolves in between the cheek and the gum, comes in 3 mg tablets. A special form of the drug is available in capsules and may have a 10 mg or 15 mg strength. Alternately, there are rectal suppositories, elixirs, and injectable versions of the drug that could be more appropriate in some patients.

Images of prochlorperazine tablets show them in a variety of colors, and consumers should not associate a particular color with a specific strength. It’s as easy to find a red 5 mg pill as it is to find a yellow one, and this is also true for 10 mg strengths or for buccal versions of the drug. Irrespective of color or strength, most prochlorperazine tablets are the relatively flat and round classic pill form, and they’ll feature the markings of the manufacturer.

Since so many pharmaceutical companies have their own version of prochlorperazine tablets, the inactive ingredients may vary, too. Some common ingredients are dyes, polyethylene glycol, lactose, and cellulose. One possible advantage to having so many manufacturers is that people who have sensitivities to a chemical may be able to find a version of the drug that doesn’t contain it. This isn’t always feasible and most formulas are fairly similar.

Another form of this drug can’t technically qualify as a tablet. There is a specialized release capsule that is usually available in 10 mg and 15 mg strengths. Part of the drug releases right away, so that patients can gain immediate benefits like nausea relief. The rest of the drug has a slower effect, which can make the pills last longer. In many cases, it’s necessary to take prochlorperazine tablets every three to four hours, but capsules might provide longer coverage with fewer doses.

One of the principal disadvantages of prochlorperazine tablets, capsules, or elixirs is that they must be taken by mouth. Buccal delivery of the drug means patients don’t have to swallow the medication. Nevertheless, some people may be so severely nauseated that they are unable to even hold a drug in the mouth without vomiting.

To address this, there are suppositories or injectable forms of prochlorperazine. Especially with extreme nausea, these may be better preliminary options because they don’t require oral delivery. Once nausea is under control, patients could be switched to prochlorperazine tablets, if they’re still needed. Many people don’t take this drug for long periods due to its high rate of side effects. For lengthier treatment, other antiemetics that cause fewer adverse reactions could be recommended.