Drug interactions
Prochlorperazine + Tetrabenazine
Severity: Major
Prochlorperazine and Tetrabenazine: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Tetrabenazine can prolong the QT interval and cause parkinsonism and sedation, and prochlorperazine adds QT and extrapyramidal risk. Together they increase the risk of arrhythmia, movement disorders and neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
What this interaction means in plain words
Prochlorperazine and Tetrabenazine 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 belongs to Central Nervous System; Tetrabenazine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive QT prolongation and additive dopamine depletion plus D2 receptor blockade.
What to do
Avoid the combination if possible and use an antiemetic without dopamine antagonism. If used together, monitor the ECG and for extrapyramidal symptoms, rigidity and fever.
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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References
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 Tetrabenazine
- Dronedarone + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
- Isocarboxazid + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
- Linezolid + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
- Phenelzine + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
- Pimozide + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
- Procarbazine + Tetrabenazine Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Prochlorperazine with Tetrabenazine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Prochlorperazine and Tetrabenazine 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. Tetrabenazine can prolong the QT interval and cause parkinsonism and sedation, and prochlorperazine adds QT and extrapyramidal risk. Together they increase the risk of arrhythmia, movement disorders and neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
How serious is the interaction between Prochlorperazine and Tetrabenazine?
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 the combination if possible and use an antiemetic without dopamine antagonism. If used together, monitor the ECG and for extrapyramidal symptoms, rigidity and fever.
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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