In the pharmaceutical industry, Prochlorperazine 5 mg (often known by the brand Stemetil) is a First-Generation Antipsychotic and a potent Antiemetic. As a pharmacist and manufacturer, I can confirm that yes, it can make you very sleepy. Sedation is one of its most common side effects due to its “non-selective” nature in the brain.
At your WHO-GMP facility in Mumbai, the 5 mg tablet is a core SKU used for a variety of vestibular and gastrointestinal disorders in both domestic and export markets.
Why It Causes Drowsiness
The “sleepy” feeling is a direct result of how the molecule interacts with your Central Nervous System.
Dopamine ($D_2$) Antagonism: Its primary job is to block dopamine receptors in the brain to stop nausea. However, this blockade also reduces general “arousal” and alertness.
Histamine ($H_1$) Blockade: Prochlorperazine has a side effect of blocking $H_1$ receptors. Similar to older antihistamines like Benadryl, this action triggers significant sedation.
Alpha-Adrenergic Blockade: It can also interfere with adrenaline signals, leading to a drop in blood pressure and a feeling of lethargy or “heaviness”.
Primary Clinical Indications
While it causes sedation, it is highly effective for:
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Vertigo & Meniere’s Disease: Reducing dizziness and balance issues.
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Severe Nausea & Vomiting: Particularly post-operative or migraine-related.
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Short-term Anxiety: Occasionally used as a tranquilizer for acute agitation.
The Pharmacist’s “Technical Warning”
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The “Alertness” Gap: Advise patients that they should not drive or operate heavy machinery until they know how the 5 mg dose affects them.
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Alcohol Interaction: Alcohol significantly increases the sedative effects of Prochlorperazine, which can lead to dangerous levels of respiratory depression.
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Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS): As a manufacturer, you must list the risk of “tardive dyskinesia” or muscle tremors. Even at 5 mg, long-term use can cause involuntary movements.
The Manufacturer’s Perspective: Technical & Export
From a production and B2B standpoint at your facility in Mumbai:
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The “MD” (Mouth Dissolving) Advantage: On your marketplace, highlight your MD (Mouth Dissolving) or Sublingual formulations. Since patients taking this are often nauseous, a tablet that dissolves without water is a major USP for international B2B buyers.
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Stability for Export: Prochlorperazine is highly sensitive to light. Utilizing Alu-Alu blister packaging is essential for maintaining a 36-month shelf life in Zone IVb tropical regions.
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Dossier Support: We provide full CTD/eCTD Dossiers to support your firm’s registration in international health tenders for “Essential Antiemetics”.