About Stemetil 5 Tablet
Stemetil 5 Tablet contains Prochlorperazine 5 mg. This medicine is used to relieve nausea and vomiting, and dizziness or spinning (vertigo) from inner ear problems such as Ménière's disease. At higher doses it is also used for some mental health conditions. It can cause drowsiness and, less often, abnormal movements.
Uses of Stemetil 5 Tablet
- Nausea and vomiting
- Vertigo and dizziness from inner ear problems (such as Ménière's disease or labyrinthitis)
- Schizophrenia and other psychoses (higher doses, as decided by a doctor)
Benefits
In nausea and vertigo
It settles the stomach and reduces the spinning feeling, helping you keep food down and move about more comfortably.
Side effects
Most side effects are mild and settle as your body gets used to the medicine. Talk to your doctor if any of them bother you or do not go away.
Common
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness on standing
- Blurred vision
- Constipation
Get medical help if you notice
- Sudden spasms of the neck, jaw, tongue or eyes, or restlessness — get medical help
- High fever with stiff muscles, sweating or confusion — seek emergency care (a rare but serious reaction)
- Fever, sore throat or mouth ulcers (possible low white blood cells) — contact your doctor
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes — contact your doctor
- In elderly people with dementia, medicines of this type have been linked to a higher risk of stroke and death
- Allergic reaction: rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or throat, or difficulty breathing — seek emergency care
How to use
Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed. Swallow the tablet with water; it can be taken with or without food. Use it only for as long as your doctor advises.
How it works
It blocks dopamine in the part of the brain that triggers nausea and vomiting. This calms nausea and the feeling of spinning.
Safety advice
Alcohol Unsafe
Avoid alcohol. It increases drowsiness.
Pregnancy Consult your doctor
Use only if your doctor advises it.
Breastfeeding Consult your doctor
It may pass into breast milk. Ask your doctor before using it while breastfeeding.
Driving Caution
It can cause drowsiness and blurred vision. Do not drive until you know how it affects you.
Kidney Caution
Use with caution in kidney disease.
Liver Caution
Use with caution in liver disease; tell your doctor.
If you miss a dose
If you miss a dose, take it when you remember. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take two doses together.
Quick tips
- Get up slowly to avoid dizziness.
- Do not give it to children unless a doctor prescribes it.
- Avoid strong sunlight, as your skin may burn more easily.
- Tell your doctor if you have Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, glaucoma or difficulty passing urine.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Phenothiazine (piperazine type)
- Therapeutic class
- Neurology / gastrointestinal
- Action class
- Dopamine D2 antagonist (antiemetic, antipsychotic)
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Alcohol, sedatives, sleeping pills, opioid painkillers | Increased drowsiness |
| Levodopa and other Parkinson's medicines | Each may reduce the effect of the other |
| Medicines that affect heart rhythm | Higher risk of heart rhythm problems |
| Blood pressure medicines | Blood pressure may drop too low |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Prochlorperazine maleate prescribing information (CDSCO-approved labelling); NICE BNF: prochlorperazine). Pharmacist review pending.