Chlorpromazine
About Chlorpromazine
Chlorpromazine belongs to a group of medications called 'antipsychotics and antiemetics indicated for the symptomatic management of psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. It is also used to treat tetanus, acute intermittent porphyria, intractable hiccups, and severe behavioural problems in children, as well as to prevent nausea and vomiting and to relieve restlessness and apprehension prior to surgery.
Chlorpromazine contains 'Chlorpromazine', which works by blocking the action of a chemical messenger called dopamine that affects mood and thoughts.
In some cases, Chlorpromazine may cause side effects such as dry mouth, constipation, weight gain, and pain at the site of injection. Most of these side effects of Chlorpromazine do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if these side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before receiving Chlorpromazine; your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks. The safety and effectiveness of Chlorpromazine in children below 12 months have not been established. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery as Chlorpromazine may impair mental and/or physical ability. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medications to rule out any interactions/side effects.
Uses of Chlorpromazine
Medicinal Benefits
Chlorpromazine belongs to a group of medications called 'antipsychotics and antiemetics indicated for the symptomatic management of psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. It is also used to treat tetanus, acute intermittent porphyria, intractable hiccups, and severe behavioural problems in children, as well as to prevent nausea and vomiting and to relieve restlessness and apprehension prior to surgery. Chlorpromazine may also be used to control the manifestations of the manic phase of bipolar disorder in the short-term treatment of hyperactive children, childhood schizophrenia and autism. Chlorpromazine works by blocking the action of a chemical messenger called dopamine that affects mood and thoughts.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Chlorpromazine
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Weight gain
- Pain at the site of injection
Drug Warnings
Do not take Chlorpromazine if you are allergic to any of the components if you have circulatory collapse, CNS depression, or bone marrow depression. Inform your doctor if you have epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, hypoparathyroidism, myasthenia gravis, prostate hypertrophy, retinopathy, respiratory disease, Reye's syndrome, glaucoma, high/low blood pressure, asthma, heart, kidney or liver problems. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding; your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks. Chlorpromazine may cause tardive dyskinesia (movement disorder), neuroleptic malignant syndrome (a rare reaction associated with the use of antipsychotic drugs), postural hypotension, and motor and sensory instability; talk to your doctor if you have any concerns.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Chlorpromazine may interact with antacids, antimanic agents (lithium), antidepressants (fluvoxamine), antibiotics (ciprofloxacin), and oral contraceptives.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have circulatory collapse, CNS depression, or bone marrow depression.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid alcohol consumption while on treatment with Chlorpromazine to prevent additive effects and hypotension.
Pregnancy
cautionIf you are pregnant or planning to conceive, inform your doctor before receiving Chlorpromazine. Your doctor will prescribe this medicine only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionChlorpromazine may pass into breast milk. Please inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding; your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risk.
Driving
unsafeAvoid driving or operating heavy machinery as Chlorpromazine may impair mental and/or physical ability.
Liver
cautionChlorpromazine should be used with caution in patients with liver diseases. If you have liver problems, please inform your doctor before taking this medicine.
Kidney
cautionChlorpromazine should be used with caution in patients with kidney diseases. If you have kidney problems, please inform your doctor before taking this medicine.
Children
safe if prescribedChlorpromazine should be given to children only if prescribed by the doctor. The safety and effectiveness of Chlorpromazine in children below 12 months have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
Schizophrenia:
- Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
- Regularly attend therapy sessions.
- Perform meditation and yoga.
- Follow a regular sleep pattern.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Learn about your condition, understand the risk factors and follow the doctor's treatment plan.
Nausea & Vomiting:
- Eat smaller meals more often.
- Drink fluids to stay hydrated. Use oral rehydration solutions (ORS) to replace lost electrolytes.
- Avoid solid foods until the vomiting stops.
- Avoid foods that might cause stomach upset.
- Take ample rest. Avoid any activity immediately after eating.
- Consume plain, light foods such as bread and biscuits.
- Avoid food with strong flavours and fried food.
- Ginger tea might help in proper digestion.
Special Advise
- Chlorpromazine may cause false positive phenylketonuria (PKU) test results. Inform the person doing the tests that you are taking Chlorpromazine.
- Chlorpromazine may cause high blood sugar or intolerance to glucose. Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels whilst on treatment with Chlorpromazine is advised.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Schizophrenia: It is a condition in which the person may see, hear or feel things that are not there, believe things that are not true, or feel unusually suspicious or confused. Symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, thought disorders, movement disorders, disorganized thinking, loss of interest, lack of emotions, etc.
Nausea & Vomiting: Nausea is an uneasy feeling in which the person feels an urge to vomit, whereas vomiting is an uncontrollable reflex that expels the contents of the stomach through the mouth. Nausea and vomiting may occur separately or together. The common causes include motion sickness, emotional stress, indigestion, food poisoning, high fever or overeating. Nausea/vomiting might occur as an unpleasant effect of therapy, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
FAQs
Chlorpromazine belongs to a group of medications called antipsychotics and antiemetics indicated for the symptomatic management of psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. It is also used to treat tetanus, acute intermittent porphyria, intractable hiccups, and severe behavioural problems in children.
Chlorpromazine works by blocking the action of a chemical messenger called dopamine that affects mood and thoughts.
Long-term use of antipsychotics such as Chlorpromazine may cause tardive dyskinesia (a movement disorder). Consult your doctor if you notice symptoms such as repetitive, involuntary movement of the face, tongue, mouth or jaw.
Chlorpromazine is not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Chlorpromazine may lower the effect of oral anti-coagulants (blood thinners). Consult your doctor before taking other medicines with Chlorpromazine.
Chlorpromazine may be used to treat behavioural problems in children marked by aggression and hyperexcitability. It is also used in the short-term treatment of hyperactive children who show excessive motor activity with conduct disorders consisting of a few or all of the following symptoms: impulsivity, aggressivity, difficulty sustaining attention, mood swings, and poor frustration tolerance.
Patients on high doses of Chlorpromazine may develop photosensitivity. Therefore, avoid exposure to strong sunlight. Wear protective clothing and sunscreen while going out.
