DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION NOTE ON INJECTION: For intramuscular administration, inject deeply into the upper, outer quadrant of the buttock. Subcutaneous administration is not advisable because of local irritation. Stability This solution should be protected from light. Slight yellowish discoloration will not alter potency. If markedly discolored, solution should be discarded. Compatibility It is recommended that Prochlorperazine Edisylate Injection not be mixed with other agents in the syringe. Adults (For children's dosage and administration, see below.) Dosage should be increased more gradually in debilitated or emaciated patients. ELDERLY PATIENTS In general, dosages in the lower range are sufficient for most elderly patients. Since they appear to be more susceptible to hypotension and neuromuscular reactions, such patients should be observed closely. Dosage should be tailored to the individual, response carefully monitored, and dosage adjusted accordingly. Dosage should be increased more gradually in elderly patients. TO CONTROL SEVERE NAUSEA AND VOMITING Adjust dosage to the response of the individual. Begin with lowest recommended dosage. IM Dosage Initially 5 mg to 10 mg (1 to 2 mL) injected deeply into the upper, outer quadrant of the buttock. If necessary, repeat every 3 or 4 hours. Total IM dosage should not exceed 40 mg per day. IV Dosage 2.5 mg to 10 mg (0.5 to 2 mL) by slow IV injection or infusion at a rate not to exceed 5 mg per minute. Prochlorperazine Edisylate Injection may be administered either undiluted or diluted in isotonic solution. A single dose of the drug should not exceed 10 mg; total IV dosage should not exceed 40 mg per day. When administered IV, do not use bolus injection. Hypotension is a possibility if the drug is given by IV injection or infusion. Subcutaneous administration is not advisable because of local irritation. ADULT SURGERY (FOR SEVERE NAUSEA AND VOMITING) Total parenteral dosage should not exceed 40 mg per day. Hypotension is a possibility if the drug is given by IV injection or infusion. IM Dosage 5 mg to 10 mg (1 to 2 mL) 1 to 2 hours before induction of anesthesia (repeat once in 30 minutes, if necessary), or to control acute symptoms during and after surgery (repeat once if necessary). IV Dosage 5 mg to 10 mg (1 to 2 mL) as a slow IV injection or infusion 15 to 30 minutes before induction of anesthesia, or to control acute symptoms during or after surgery. Repeat once if necessary. Prochlorperazine may be administered either undiluted or diluted in isotonic solution, but a single dose of the drug should not exceed 10 mg. The rate of administration should not exceed 5 mg per minute. When administered IV, do not use bolus injection. IN ADULT PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS Adjust dosage to the response of the individual and according to the severity of the condition. Begin with the lowest recommended dose. Although response ordinarily is seen within a day or two, longer treatment is usually required before maximal improvement is seen. IM Dosage For immediate control of adult schizophrenic patients with severe symptomatology, inject an initial dose of 10 mg to 20 mg (2 to 4 mL) deeply into the upper, outer quadrant of the buttock. Many patients respond shortly after the first injection. If necessary, however, repeat the initial dose every 2 to 4 hours (or, in resistant cases, every hour) to gain control of the patient. More than 3 or 4 doses are seldom necessary. After control is achieved, switch patient to an oral form of the drug at the same dosage level or higher. If, in rare cases, parenteral therapy is needed for a prolonged period, give 10 mg to 20 mg (2 to 4 mL) every 4 to 6 hours. Pain and irritation at the site of injection have seldom occurred. Subcutaneous administration is not advisable because of local irritation. Children DO NOT USE IN PEDIATRIC SURGERY Children seem more prone to develop extrapyramidal reactions, even on moderate doses. Therefore, use lowest effective dosage. Tell parents not to exceed prescribed dosage, since the possibility of adverse reactions increases as dosage rises. Occasionally the patient may react to the drug with signs of restlessness and excitement; if this occurs, do not administer additional doses. Take particular precaution in administering the drug to children with acute illnesses or dehydration (see under PRECAUTIONS and Dystonia ). SEVERE NAUSEA AND VOMITING IN CHILDREN Prochlorperazine should not be used in pediatric patients under 20 pounds in weight or two years of age. It should not be used in conditions for which children's dosages have not been established. Dosage and frequency of administration should be adjusted according to the severity of the symptoms and the response of the patient. The duration of activity following intramuscular administration may last up to 12 hours. Subsequent doses may be given by the same route if necessary. IM Dosage Calculate each dose on the basis of 0.06 mg of the drug per lb of body weight; give by deep IM injection. Control is usually obtained with one dose. CHILDREN WITH SCHIZOPHRENIA IM Dosage For ages under 12, calculate each dose on the basis of 0.06 mg of prochlorperazine per lb of body weight; give by deep IM injection. Control is usually obtained with one dose. After control is achieved, switch the patient to an oral form of the drug at the same dosage level or higher. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration, whenever solution and container permit.