Chlorpromazine
Tranquilizer, Sedative/Hypnotic · Phenothiazine
Indications
CNS disturbances requiring sedation; pre-medication; induction of hypothermia, emesis; schizophrenia; affective disorders.
Dosage
Adults: To manage symptoms of psychotic disorders or control manic manifestations of manic-depression: ORAL: 10 mg t.i.d or q.i.d, 25 mg b.i.d or t.i.d. After 1 or 2 days, dose increased by 20-50 mg semi-weekly until patient is calm. After 2 wk, dosage gradually reduced to maintenance dose 200-800 mg daily in divided doses. Nausea & vomiting: ORAL: 10-25 mg every 4-6 hrs, p.r.n. INJECTION: IM: 25 mg. If no hypotension occurs, 25-50 mg every 3-4 hrs, p.r.n, until vomiting stops; then drug switched to oral form. Intractable hiccups: ORAL: 25-50 mg every 6-8 hrs. INJECTION: IM: 25-50 mg every 6-8 hrs. IV: Refractory to oral or IM treatment: 25-50 mg by slow IV infusion. Intraoperative control of nausea & vomiting: INJECTION: IV:25 mg diluted to 1 mg/mL with NaCl & given at no more than 2 mg every 2 min. Max: 25 mg. IM: 12.5 mg. Repeat in 30 min if needed & no hypotension occurs. Children:…
Administration
IV: Direct of intermittent infusion: Infuse 1 mg or portion thereof over 1 min. Note: Avoid skin contact with soln; may cause contact dermatitis. Diluted injection (1 mg/mL) with NS remain stable for 30 days. Dilute injection (1 mg/mL) with NS for IV administration. IM: Slowly and deep into upper outer quadrant of buttocks, such as in the gluteus maximus. To minimize hypotensive effects, keep patient lying flat and monitor blood pressure for 30 mins after injection. Compatibility: Stable in dextran 6% in dextrose, dextran 6% in NS, D5LR, D5 ¼ NS, D5 ½ NS, D5NS, D5W, D10W, LR, 0.45% NS, NS. Stability: Protect from light. Diluted injection (1 mg/mL) with NS and stored in 5 mL vials remains stable for 30 days.
Adverse Effects
Leucopenia, hyperprolactinaemia, acute dystonias and dyskinesias, akathisia, Parkinsonism, drowsiness, insomnia, agitation, tachycardia, arrhythmias, ECG changes, hypotension, anticholinergic effects (e.g. dry mouth, blurred vision), respiratory depression, nasal stuffiness, rash, photosensitivity, hypoglycaemia, impaired temperature regulation, convulsions, male sexual dysfunction. Rarely, agranulocytosis, tardive dyskinesia, jaundice, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, pigmentary retinopathy.
Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)
Pregnancy: Risk cannot be ruled out. Lactation: Contraindicated or not recommended. Contraindications: Comatose state. Bone marrow depression. Precautions: Liver dysfunction. Cardiovascular diseases. Parkinsonism, epilepsy.
Interactions
Adrenaline, alcohol, barbiturates, CNS depressants, other antipsychotics, anticholinergics, antacids, dopaminergics, lithium, oral hypoglycaemics, antihypertensives, anticonvulsants, desferrioxamine, propranolol, drugs that prolong the QT interval (e.g. anti-arrhythmics), myelosuppressive drugs, metoclopramide.
Advice to Patient
Take with or without meals. To reduce GI upset, take with meals. Do not crush, break or chew extended release capsules, swallow whole. Dilute oral concentrate in atleast 4 ounce of fluid just before taking it. Use tomato or fruit juice, milk, simple syrup, orange syrup, a carbonated beverage, coffee, tea, water, or semisolid food, such as pudding and soup. Do not take medication within 2 hours of taking an antacid. Contact prescriber if there is severe dizziness, fast heartbeat, chest pain, palpitations, skin rash, skin irritation, change in urinary pattern, change in menstrual pattern, change in sexual ability, change in gait, change in vision, change in colour of skin (gray-blue), increased sleepiness, abnormal thoughts, seizures, anxiety, trembling of fingers, swelling or pain in breasts (male or female), confusion, abnormal thoughts, changes in personality or if there is worsening…
Pharmacokinetics
Onset: 30-60 mins. Duration: 4-6 hrs. ER: 10-12 hrs. Absorption: Readily, sometimes erratically absorbed from the GI tract. Metabolism: Hepatic. Bioavailability: Varies due to first-pass metabolism. Half-life elimination: Approx. 30 hrs. Time to peak, plasma: 2-4 hrs. Excretion: Urine (Approx. 37%). Faeces.
Brands with this active ingredient
Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →
Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.