Antipsychotic | Moderate Risk

Prochlorperazine (Stemetil)

What to know about Prochlorperazine — also sold as Stemetil, PROCHLORPERAZINE-WGR, APO-Prochlorperazine, ProCalm, Prochlorperazine GH: uses, side effects, interactions, and safety considerations for people taking it or caring for someone who is.

Prochlorperazine (brand names: Stemetil, PROCHLORPERAZINE-WGR, APO-Prochlorperazine, ProCalm, Prochlorperazine GH) is classified as Moderate risk (3 risk points) by AllMeds. It is a S4 medication under the TGA in Australia. FDA approved in the United States. Phenothiazine antipsychotic with sedation, extrapyramidal effects, and QTc prolongation risk affecting work safety.

Key Takeaways

  • TGA Schedule: S4 in Australia
  • Risk level: Moderate (3 points)
  • CNS depressant: May cause sedation, impair driving, and affect work capacity
  • Recommended maximum duration: 14 days
  • PBS listed: Subsidised under the Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme

Scheduling and Classification

Jurisdiction Classification Status
Australia (TGA) S4 PBS listed
United States (FDA) Rx only FDA approved

Risk Profile

Risk Level Moderate
Risk Points 3
CNS Depressant Yes
Respiratory Risk No
Max Duration 14 days

Phenothiazine antipsychotic with sedation, extrapyramidal effects, and QTc prolongation risk affecting work safety.

How Prochlorperazine is regulated

Prochlorperazine is overseen by medicines regulators in each country. The rules below explain how it's scheduled, what oversight applies, and what to discuss with your doctor or pharmacist before starting, changing, or stopping this medication.

Work capacity impact: As a CNS depressant, Prochlorperazine may impair driving, operating machinery, and cognitive function. Work capacity certificates should reflect any medication-related restrictions.

Australia TGA / PBS / State Schemes

Classified as S4 under the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

Listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) for subsidised prescribing.

United Kingdom NICE / MHRA / FPM

UK drug driving laws (Section 5A Road Traffic Act 2006) set specific limits for prescription drugs that cause impairment. Employers and occupational health advisors should assess fitness to work.

United States FDA / CDC / State WC

FDA approved for use in the United States.

Check this medication against your full medication list

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Important: This page is general health information, not personal medical advice. If you have questions about your medication — including starting it, stopping it, changing the dose, or combining it with something else — speak with your doctor or pharmacist. For an emergency or suspected overdose, call your local emergency number or poison information service immediately. Information is drawn from regulator and clinical guideline sources (TGA, FDA, MHRA, NICE, PBS, CDC); see our methodology for details.