What is the new name for Stemetil? Understanding Prochlorperazine and Its Alternatives

October 6, 2025 •

4 min read

Stemetil is not a new medication but a discontinued brand name, and its active ingredient, prochlorperazine, remains widely available under various other names. In 2022, an official recall of the Stemetil syrup formulation prompted many patients to seek alternative brand names and forms for their prescribed medication.

Quick Summary

Stemetil was a brand name for the active ingredient prochlorperazine, which is still available generically and under other brand names. The Stemetil syrup form was recalled in 2022 due to a chemical impurity, but tablets and other prochlorperazine formulations remain available. Other medication alternatives exist for treating nausea and vertigo.

Key Points

Generic Name: The active ingredient in Stemetil is prochlorperazine, which is still widely available.
Brand Discontinuation: The Stemetil brand name was discontinued following a recall of the syrup formulation in 2022 due to a chemical impurity.
Not Renamed: The medication itself was not renamed; it is simply now sold generically or under other brand names.
Alternative Brands: In some regions, other brand names like Buccastem (UK) or generic prochlorperazine are available to replace Stemetil.
Consult a Doctor: Patients should not abruptly stop or change medication without a healthcare professional's guidance, as it can cause withdrawal symptoms.

The Generic Name: Prochlorperazine

Stemetil is not a new medication, but a brand name that was used for the active ingredient prochlorperazine. This is a common situation where a well-known brand is phased out, but the chemical compound remains a standard and available treatment. Patients who once relied on Stemetil are now prescribed prochlorperazine under its generic name or other available brand names, which contain the same active ingredient.

The Discontinuation and Recall Explained

In the UK, Stemetil syrup was officially recalled in October 2022 by its manufacturer, Sanofi. The reason for this precautionary recall was the detection of a chemical impurity, N-nitrosomethylphenylamine (NMPA), above acceptable levels.

Nitrosamine compounds like NMPA are classified as probable human carcinogens, and exposure to levels above the acceptable limit over a very long time could potentially increase cancer risk. The recall was precautionary, with authorities stressing there was no immediate risk to patients who had been taking the medication. However, healthcare providers were instructed to stop supplying the affected batches and switch patients to suitable alternatives.

In other parts of the world, different brand names for prochlorperazine have also been discontinued. For example, in the US, the brand name Compazine was discontinued, though generic prochlorperazine remains widely available.

How Prochlorperazine Works and Its Medical Uses

Prochlorperazine belongs to a class of medications called phenothiazines. Its primary mechanism is to block dopamine (D2) receptors in the brain's chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ). The CTZ is a region of the brain that can trigger the vomiting reflex when stimulated. By blocking dopamine in this area, prochlorperazine effectively suppresses feelings of nausea and vomiting.

This same action on dopamine receptors allows prochlorperazine to be used for a range of conditions beyond just antiemetic (anti-nausea) effects:

Severe Nausea and Vomiting: A primary use, including sickness resulting from chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, or other medical treatments.
Vertigo and Menière's Disease: Effective in controlling dizziness, spinning sensations, and other symptoms caused by inner ear problems.
Anxiety and Psychotic Disorders: In higher doses, it can manage symptoms of psychotic disorders like schizophrenia or severe, non-psychotic anxiety.
Migraine Headaches: Sometimes used off-label as a rescue therapy in emergency settings for acute migraine attacks.

Comparison of Prochlorperazine and Its Common Alternatives

For those who previously used Stemetil, understanding the different available formulations and alternatives is crucial. The most direct substitutes will contain the same active ingredient, prochlorperazine, while other options for nausea and vertigo may have different active ingredients and mechanisms of action. All medication decisions should be made with a healthcare professional.


Feature	Prochlorperazine (Generic)	Buccastem (UK Brand)	Compazine (US Brand)	Ondansetron (Zofran)	Promethazine (Phenergan)
Active Ingredient	Prochlorperazine	Prochlorperazine	Prochlorperazine	Ondansetron	Promethazine
Availability	Widely available as generic	Available in UK (buccal tablets)	Brand name discontinued in US	Widely available	Widely available
Discontinued History	N/A	N/A	Brand name discontinued	No	No
Common Formulations	Tablets, injections, suppositories	Buccal tablets	Generic tablets, suppositories	Tablets, ODT, IV	Tablets, syrup, suppositories, injections
Onset Time	~30–60 minutes	Variable depending on absorption	~30–60 minutes	~30–60 minutes	~20–30 minutes
Primary Uses	Nausea, vertigo, anxiety, psychosis	Nausea, vertigo, anxiety	Nausea, vertigo, anxiety, psychosis	Chemotherapy, post-op nausea	Motion sickness, allergies
Mechanism	Dopamine antagonist	Dopamine antagonist	Dopamine antagonist	Serotonin antagonist	Antihistamine, dopamine antagonist

Important Considerations for Treatment

Consult a Professional: It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before switching medications, especially if you have been taking Stemetil for an extended period. Abruptly stopping or changing your dosage can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, and tremors.
Dosage Forms: Different formulations of prochlorperazine, such as oral tablets and buccal tablets, have different administration methods and absorption rates. For instance, buccal tablets are designed to dissolve between the upper lip and gum, while standard tablets are swallowed whole. Always follow your doctor's specific instructions.
Potential Side Effects: Common side effects of prochlorperazine include drowsiness, blurred vision, dry mouth, and constipation. More serious, though less common, side effects can include extrapyramidal symptoms (movement disorders) or a rare but severe condition called Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS). Long-term, high-dose use of prochlorperazine is associated with an increased risk of potentially irreversible movement disorders like tardive dyskinesia.
Safety and Monitoring: The recall of Stemetil syrup highlights the importance of staying informed about medication safety alerts. While the active ingredient in other forms (tablets, injections) was not affected by the nitrosamine issue, regular medical check-ups are essential for monitoring your health.
Individual Response: As seen in the comparison table, different anti-nausea and vertigo medications work in different ways. Your doctor can help determine the best option based on the underlying cause of your symptoms and your personal health history.

Conclusion

The answer to the question, "What is the new name for Stemetil?," is that the brand was discontinued and its active ingredient is prochlorperazine. While the Stemetil syrup formulation was recalled for safety reasons in 2022, other prochlorperazine products are still available generically and under different brand names, such as Buccastem. Patients should always consult their doctor or pharmacist for guidance on transitioning to an appropriate and safe alternative for their specific condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Stemetil syrup formulation was discontinued and recalled in the UK in 2022 because testing revealed levels of a chemical impurity, N-nitrosomethylphenylamine (NMPA), that were above acceptable limits.

Yes, prochlorperazine is still widely used and considered safe when prescribed by a doctor. The recall only affected the syrup formulation, and other forms like tablets and injections remain available and are not affected by the impurity issue.

Alternatives containing prochlorperazine include generic versions and other brand names like Buccastem in the UK. In the US, the brand name Compazine was discontinued, but generic prochlorperazine is available.

No, you should never stop taking prochlorperazine abruptly, especially if you have been on it long-term. Sudden cessation can cause withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and tremors. Consult your doctor to create a plan for safely switching or tapering off the medication.

Prochlorperazine is a phenothiazine that primarily blocks dopamine receptors. Other anti-nausea drugs work differently. For example, Zofran (ondansetron) is a serotonin antagonist, while Phenergan (promethazine) is an antihistamine with some dopamine-blocking effects.

Prochlorperazine is used to treat severe nausea and vomiting, vertigo associated with inner ear problems like Ménière's disease, and symptoms of psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia or severe anxiety.

If you are switching from Stemetil syrup to tablets, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist. A case study showed that doses of crushed tablets may not be equivalent to the liquid form, potentially causing harm if not converted carefully.