Chlorpromazine

Contents of this page:

 Why is this medication prescribed?
 How should this medicine be used?
 What special precautions should I
follow?
 What should I do if I forget a dose?
 What storage conditions are
needed for this medicine?
 In case of emergency/overdose
 What other information should I
know?

 What side effects can this  Brand name(s):

medication cause?

Why is this medication prescribed?

Chlorpromazine is used to treat psychotic disorders and symptoms such as

hallucinations, delusions, and hostility. It also is used to prevent and treat nausea and
vomiting, to treat behavior problems in children, and to relieve severe hiccups.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or
pharmacist for more information.

How should this medicine be used?

Chlorpromazine comes as a tablet, extended-release (long-acting) capsule, oral liquid

(syrup and concentrate), and rectal suppository. Chlorpromazine usually is taken two
to four times a day. For nausea and vomiting, it is taken every 4-6 hours (by mouth)
or every 6-8 hours (rectally) as needed. Follow the directions on your prescription
label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not
understand. Take chlorpromazine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or
take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Although chlorpromazine is not habit-forming, do not stop taking it abruptly,

especially if you have been taking it for a long time. Your doctor probably will
decrease your dose gradually.

Do not open extended-release capsules; swallow them whole.

Do not allow the liquid to touch your skin or clothing; it can cause skin irritation.
Dilute the concentrate in water, milk, soft drink, coffee, tea, tomato or fruit juice,
soup, or pudding just before taking it.

If you are to insert a rectal suppository, follow these steps:

 If the suppository feels soft, hold it under cold, running water for 1 minute.
Then remove the wrapper.
 Dip the tip of the suppository in water.
 Lie down on your left side and raise your right knee to your chest. (A left-
handed person should lie on the right side and raise the left knee.)
 Using your finger, insert the suppository into the rectum, about 1/2 to 1 inch
in children and 1 inch in adults. Hold the suppository in place for a few
moments.

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  Stand up after about 15 minutes. Wash your hands thoroughly and resume
your normal activities.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before taking chlorpromazine,

 tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to chlorpromazine, any
other tranquilizer, or any other drugs, or have had a bad reaction to insulin.
 tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
medications you are taking, especially antihistamines; lithium (Eskalith,
Lithobid); medications for depression, Parkinson's disease, seizures, hay fever,
allergies, or colds; muscle relaxants; narcotics (pain medication); sedatives;
sleeping pills; and vitamins.
 tell your doctor if you have or have ever had heart, liver, lung, or kidney
disease; shock therapy; glaucoma; an enlarged prostate; difficulty urinating;
asthma, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis; or seizures.
 tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-
feeding. If you become pregnant while taking chlorpromazine, call your doctor.
 if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist
that you are taking chlorpromazine.
 you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or
operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
 remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
 plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear
protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Chlorpromazine may make
your skin sensitive to sunlight.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for
the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do
not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Although side effects from chlorpromazine are not common, they can occur. Tell your
doctor if either of these symptoms is severe or does not go away:

 dry mouth
 drowsiness

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

 skin discoloration (yellowish-brown to greyish-purple)

 jaw, neck, and back muscle spasms
 pacing
 fine worm-like tongue movements
 rhythmic face, mouth, or jaw movements
 slow or difficult speech
 difficulty swallowing

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  shuffling walk
 skin rash

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of
children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not
in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed.
Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the
victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you
have about refilling your prescription.

Brand name(s):

 Thorazine

Last Revised - 04/01/2003

American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. Disclaimer

The MedMaster™ Patient Drug Information database provides information copyrighted by the American
Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc., Bethesda, Maryland Copyright© 2004. All Rights Reserved.