Details

Chlorpromazine is an anti-psychotic medication in a group of drugs called phenothiazines. It works by changing the actions of chemicals in your brain. Chlorpromazine is used to treat psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia or manic-depression, and severe behavioural problems in children ages 1 through 12. Chlorpromazine is also used to treat nausea and vomiting, anxiety before surgery, chronic hiccups, acute intermittent porphyria, and symptoms of tetanus. Chlorpromazine is not approved for use in psychotic conditions related to dementia. Chlorpromazine may increase the risk of death in older adults with dementia-related conditions. To make sure chlorpromazine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have: bone marrow suppression a brain tumour heart disease liver or kidney disease severe asthma, emphysema, or other breathing problem a history of breast cancer glaucoma seizures or epilepsy pheochromocytoma (tumour of the adrenal gland) an enlarged prostate or urination problems or if you also take lithium or a blood thinner.

Typical Uses

Chlorpromazine is used to treat certain mental/mood disorders (such as schizophrenia, psychotic disorders, manic phase of bipolar disorder and severe behavioural problems in children). Chlorpromazine helps you to think more clearly, feel less nervous, and take part in everyday life. It can reduce aggressive behaviour and the desire to hurt yourself/others. It may also help to decrease hallucinations (hearing/seeing things that are not there). Chlorpromazine is a psychiatric medication that belongs to the class of drugs called phenothiazine antipsychotics. It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances in the brain. Chlorpromazine is also used to control nausea/vomiting, relieve prolonged hiccups, relieve restlessness/anxiety before surgery, and help treat tetanus.

Side Effects

High doses or long-term use of chlorpromazine can cause a serious movement disorder that may not be reversible. Symptoms of this disorder include uncontrollable muscle movements of your lips, tongue, eyes, face, arms, or legs. The longer you take chlorpromazine, the more likely you are to develop a serious movement disorder. The risk of this side effect is higher in women and older adults. Contact your medical professional at once if you experience uncontrolled muscle movements in your face (chewing, lip smacking, frowning, tongue movement, blinking or eye movement) stiffness in your neck, tightness in your throat, trouble breathing or swallowing sudden weakness or ill feeling, fever, chills, sore throat, swollen gums, painful mouth sores, pain when swallowing, skin sores, cold or flu symptoms, cough pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) or severe nervous system reaction-very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, feeling like you might pass out.

Drug Interactions

• Chlorpromazine+amiodarone- Using amiodarone together with chlorpromazine can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a relatively rare side effect. You may be more susceptible if you have a heart condition called congenital long QT syndrome, other cardiac diseases, conduction abnormalities, or electrolyte disturbances.

• Chlorpromazine+anagrelide- Using anagrelide together with chlorpromazine can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a relatively rare side effect. You may be more susceptible if you have a heart condition called congenital long QT syndrome, other cardiac diseases, conduction abnormalities, or electrolyte disturbances.

• Chlorpromazine+dolasetron- Using dolasetron together with chlorpromazine can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a relatively rare side effect. You may be more susceptible if you have a heart condition called congenital long QT syndrome, other cardiac diseases, conduction abnormalities, or electrolyte disturbances.

• Chlorpromazine+gatifloxacin- Using gatifloxacin together with chlorpromazine can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a relatively rare side effect. You may be more susceptible if you have a heart condition called congenital long QT syndrome, other cardiac diseases, conduction abnormalities, or electrolyte disturba

Mechanism of action

Chlorpromazine belongs to a group of medications called phenothiazine antipsychotics. It increases the availability of a chemical called dopamine in the brain thereby relieving the symptoms of schizophrenia and psychosis and also brings about the feeling of well-being in an individual. It inhibits the vomiting centre in the brain, and also decreases saliva and stomach secretions, thereby relieving nausea and vomiting.

Pregnancy Category : C