Prochlorperazine

There is inadequate evidence of the safety of prochlorperazine in human pregnancy. There is evidence of harmful effects in animals. Prochlorperazine should be avoided in pregnancy unless the physician considers it essential. Neuroleptics may occasionally prolong labour and at such a time should be withheld until the cervix is dilated 3-4cm. Possible adverse effects on the neonate include lethargy or paradoxical hyperexcitability, tremor and a low Apgar score.

Neonates exposed to antipsychotics (including prochlorperazine) during the third trimester of pregnancy are at risk of adverse reactions including extrapyramidal and/or withdrawal symptoms that may vary in severity and duration following delivery. There have been reports of agitation, hypertonia, hypotonia, tremor, somnolence, respiratory distress, or feeding disorder. Consequently, newborns should be monitored carefully.

Phenothiazines may be excreted in breast milk, breast-feeding should be suspended during treatment.

Intolerance to glucose, hyperglycaemia.

Transient drowsiness may occur in some patients during the initial stages of therapy and patients should be advised against the performance of potentially hazardous tasks such as driving a car or operating machinery until the effect has been ascertained.