Drug interactions
Levodopa + Prochlorperazine
Severity: Major
Levodopa and Prochlorperazine: major interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Prochlorperazine blocks dopamine receptors and opposes the antiparkinsonian effect of levodopa, which can worsen motor symptoms. Phenothiazines can also cause or aggravate parkinsonism on their own.
What this interaction means in plain words
Levodopa and Prochlorperazine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Levodopa belongs to Central Nervous System; Prochlorperazine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic antagonism through central dopamine D2 receptor blockade by prochlorperazine.
What to do
Avoid prochlorperazine in Parkinson disease and use a non-dopamine-blocking antiemetic such as domperidone where available or ondansetron. Monitor motor function if use cannot be avoided.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Prochlorperazine
- Dronedarone + Prochlorperazine Contraindicated
- Ibutilide + Prochlorperazine Contraindicated
- Nilotinib + Prochlorperazine Contraindicated
- Pimozide + Prochlorperazine Contraindicated
- Prochlorperazine + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Amiodarone + Prochlorperazine Major
Other interactions of Levodopa
- Isocarboxazid + Levodopa Contraindicated
- Levodopa + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Levodopa + Phenelzine (nonselective MAOI) Contraindicated
- Levodopa + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Levodopa + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Amisulpride + Levodopa Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Levodopa with Prochlorperazine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Levodopa and Prochlorperazine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Prochlorperazine blocks dopamine receptors and opposes the antiparkinsonian effect of levodopa, which can worsen motor symptoms. Phenothiazines can also cause or aggravate parkinsonism on their own.
How serious is the interaction between Levodopa and Prochlorperazine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid prochlorperazine in Parkinson disease and use a non-dopamine-blocking antiemetic such as domperidone where available or ondansetron. Monitor motor function if use cannot be avoided.
What other medicines interact with Prochlorperazine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Prochlorperazine with, for example, Dronedarone, Ibutilide, Nilotinib. The full list is on the Prochlorperazine page.
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