Stemetil

What is Stemetil used for?

Stemetil is a phenothiazine antipsychotic medicine used to treat balance problems such as benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), Meniere’s Syndrome, and Labyrinthitis. All of which are inner ear conditions.

BPPV is the feeling of movement even in the absence of motion. ^[3] Meniere’s disease can result in tinnitus, hearing loss and vertigo. ^[4] Labyrinthitis is the inflammation of the inner ear and can cause vertigo, nausea, vomiting, tinnitus, and hearing loss. ^[5] Stemetil can also be used for common problems such as nausea, vomiting and in some cases schizophrenia and anxiety.

How does Stemetil work?

Stemetil contains the active ingredient, prochlorperazine maleate, a type of antipsychotic. Prochlorperazine maleate works by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain.^[4] Dopamine is responsible for the feeling of satisfaction and pleasure, but it’s also linked to dizziness and nausea. By blocking the dopamine receptors, it stops signals from going to the part of your brain that causes feelings of sickness and dizziness, sometimes referred to as the ‘vomiting centre’.^[5]

What doses of Stemetil are there?

Stemetil can come in two forms: tablets and injections.

At Treated, we only supply the tablet form of Stemetil which comes as a 5mg dose. Depending on the condition being treated, the dosage will vary according to you and your medical history.

For Vertigo (dizziness):
The usual dose is 5mg 3 times a day. This can be increased to a total daily dosage of 30mg a day. As your treatment progresses, it may gradually decrease to a daily dosage amount of 5-10mg.

For feeling nauseous or vomiting:
The usual dose is 5-10mg a day. This can be taken up to 3 times a day.

For treatment of nausea or vomiting:
Take 20mg straight away and if needed an additional 10 mg 2 hours later.

For elderly people:
The starting dose may be lower than the usual dose.

How to take Stemetil

Stemetil should be taken as advised by our clinicians. Depending on the condition, the clinicians will tell you what dose to take and when to take it.

• Take the tablet with a full glass of water.
• When taking the tablet, don’t let it touch your skin for too long as it may cause a reaction.
• Keep taking the tablets, even if you feel better.

How long does it take Stemetil to work?

Stemetil tablets start to work within 30-60 minutes for most conditions. However, for Ménière’s disease, it can take several days before it reaches its full effect. ^[1]

Don’t stop taking Stemetil until our clinicians have told you to stop. Even if you do feel better, continue to take it. This is to prevent your illness from returning and to avoid causing withdrawal symptoms such as feeling or being sick and sleepiness. Our clinicians will gradually reduce your dosage before stopping it to help prevent withdrawal symptoms. 

What happens if I make a mistake while taking Stemetil?

Don’t worry if you miss a dose of Stemetil. Simply take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it’s nearly time for the next dose. In that case, skip it. Do not take a double dose.

If you accidentally take an extra dose of Stemetil or more than prescribed, go to the A&E immediately. Taking a higher dosage than usual may cause the following symptoms:

• Feeling sleepy or dizzy
• An increased heartbeat
• Feeling cold and confused
• Writhing movements
• Feeling restless
• Stiffness or shaking
• Losing consciousness

To avoid experiencing any of the above symptoms, always take Stemetil as advised.