Generic Name: chlorpromazine (oral) (klor PROE ma zeen)Brand Names: Thorazine
Chlorpromazine is an anti-psychotic medication in a group of drugs called phenothiazines (FEEN-oh-THYE-a-zeens). 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 behavioral problems in children. It is also used to treat nausea and vomiting, anxiety before surgery, chronic hiccups, acute intermittent porphyria, and symptoms of tetanus.
Chlorpromazine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Before you take chlorpromazine, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, heart disease or high blood pressure, glaucoma, severe breathing problems, past or present breast cancer, low levels of calcium in your blood, adrenal gland tumor, enlarged prostate or urination problems, a history of seizures, Parkinson's disease, or if you have ever had a serious side effect while using chlorpromazine or similar medicines.
Before taking chlorpromazine, tell your doctor about all other medications you use.
If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before you take chlorpromazine, tell your doctor if you have:
heart disease or high blood pressure;
severe asthma, emphysema, or other breathing problem;
glaucoma;
past or present breast cancer;
low levels of calcium in your blood (hypocalcemia);
adrenal gland tumor (pheochromocytoma);
an enlarged prostate or urination problems;
a history of seizures;
Parkinson's disease; or
if you have ever had a serious side effect while using chlorpromazine or any other phenothiazine.
Tell your doctor if you will be exposed to extreme heat or cold, or to insecticide poisons while you are taking chlorpromazine.
It is not known whether chlorpromazine will harm an unborn baby. Chlorpromazine may cause side effects in a newborn if the mother takes the medication during pregnancy. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant while taking chlorpromazine. Chlorpromazine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.Talk with your doctor before giving this medication to a child who has been ill with a fever or flu symptoms.
Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from this medication.Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.
This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using chlorpromazine.
If you need to have any type of x-ray scan or MRI of your spinal cord, tell the doctor ahead of time that you are using chlorpromazine. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time. Do not stop using chlorpromazine suddenly after long-term use, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or feeling shaky. Talk to your doctor about how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when you stop using chlorpromazine. Store chlorpromazine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
twitching or uncontrollable movements of your eyes, lips, tongue, face, arms, or legs;
tremor (uncontrolled shaking), drooling, trouble swallowing, problems with balance or walking;
feeling restless, jittery, or agitated;
feeling like you might pass out;
seizure (black-out or convulsions);
nausea and stomach pain, skin rash, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, fever, sore throat, flu symptoms;
high fever, stiff muscles, confusion, sweating, fast or uneven heartbeats, rapid breathing;
unusual thoughts or behavior;
decreased night vision, tunnel vision, watery eyes, increased sensitivity to light;
urinating less than usual or not at all;
joint pain or swelling with fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, chest pain, vomiting, unusual thoughts or behavior, and patchy skin color; or
slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting, slow breathing (breathing may stop).
Less serious side effects may include:
dizziness, drowsiness, anxiety, sleep problems (insomnia);
breast swelling or discharge;
changes in menstrual periods;
weight gain, swelling in your hands or feet;
dry mouth or stuffy nose, blurred vision;
constipation; or
impotence, trouble having an orgasm.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Also tell your doctor if you are using any of these:
atropine (Atreza, Sal-Tropine);
lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid);
phenytoin (Dilantin);
an antibiotic;
birth control pills or hormone replacement estrogens;
blood pressure medication;
a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin);
certain asthma medications or bronchodilators;
incontinence medications;
insulin or diabetes medications you take by mouth;
medication for nausea, vomiting, or motion sickness;
medications to treat or prevent malaria;
medications used for general anesthesia;
medicines used to prevent organ transplant rejection;
numbing medicine such as lidocaine or Novocain;
a stimulant or ADHD medication;
ulcer or irritable bowel medications; or
medicines to treat Parkinson's disease, restless leg syndrome, or pituitary gland tumor (prolactinoma).
This list is not complete and there are many other medicines that can interact with chlorpromazine. Tell your doctor about all your prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list with you of all the medicines you use and show this list to any doctor or other healthcare provider who treats you.