Prochlorperazine
Also known as: Stemetil, Buccastem
What it's for
Prochlorperazine treats nausea, vomiting, and vertigo (dizziness). It works on the balance centre in your ear and the vomiting centre in your brain.
Comes as: Tablets, buccal tablets, or liquid
How to take it
- For nausea: Usually 5mg to 10mg, 2 or 3 times daily.
- Buccal tablets: Place between gum and cheek to dissolve.
- For vertigo: Usually 5mg 3 times daily.
- Take with or without food.
Doses here are typical. Always follow the instructions from your prescriber or on the packet — they come first.
Common side effects
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Restlessness or movement problems
The leaflet inside the packet lists all known side effects.
Important safety points
- May cause drowsiness - do not drive if affected
- Avoid alcohol
- Can cause movement problems, especially in young people and elderly
- Not for long-term use without medical advice
Get medical help urgently if…
- You have uncontrolled muscle movements or spasms
- You have a high temperature with muscle stiffness
- You have difficulty breathing
- You feel very restless and cannot keep still
Call NHS 111 for urgent advice, or 999 if someone is seriously unwell.
Before you act on anything here
This page is general information, written to help you understand — it is not personal medical advice and it cannot tell you what is right for you. Talk to your own GP, pharmacist or nurse about your own health.
- Need help now but it's not an emergency? Call NHS 111 or use 111.nhs.uk.
- Emergency? Call 999 or go to A&E.