Chlorpromazine: A Complete Guide
Chlorpromazine is a medication used to treat various mental health disorders such as schizophrenia, psychotic disorders, and the manic phase of bipolar disorder. It also addresses severe behavioral problems in children and reduces symptoms like hallucinations and aggressive behavior.
Chlorpromazine Mechanism of Action
Chlorpromazine works by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain, particularly the D2 receptors. This helps reduce symptoms of psychosis, agitation, and anxiety by regulating mood, behavior, and thought processes. It also has effects on other neurotransmitters, like serotonin.
Uses of Chlorpromazine
- Mental Disorders: Treats schizophrenia, psychotic disorders, and bipolar disorder.
- Behavioral Issues: Helps manage severe behavioral problems in children.
- Symptom Relief: Reduces hallucinations, aggressive behavior, nausea, vomiting, anxiety, and chronic hiccups.
How to Use Chlorpromazine?
- Dosage: Follow your doctor’s instructions. Typically taken 2-4 times daily.
- Nausea/Vomiting: Take 3-4 times a day at 4-6 hour intervals.
- Pre-Surgery Anxiety: Take 2-3 hours before surgery.
- Hiccups: Take 3-4 times a day for at least 3 days.
Side Effects of Chlorpromazine
Common Side Effects
- Dizziness
- Restlessness
- Agitation
- Weight gain
- Dry mouth
- Difficulty urinating
Serious Side Effects
- Fever
- Muscle stiffness
- Irregular heartbeat
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Seizures
- Swelling of the eyes or throat
Note: Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects.
Precautions To Consider For Chlorpromazine
- Allergies: Inform your doctor if you have any allergies.
- Medical History: Discuss any liver, kidney, heart problems, glaucoma, low blood pressure, or breathing issues.
- QT Prolongation: May affect heart rhythm; seek medical attention if you experience dizziness or fainting.
Dosage
Chlorpromazine Injectable solution (25 mg/mL)
Missed Dose
Missing one or two-dose of Chlorpromazine won’t show any effect on your body. The skipped dose causes no problem. But with some medication, it won’t work if you don’t take the dosage on time. If you miss a dose some sudden chemical change may affect your body. In some cases, your doctor would advise you to take the prescribed medicine as soon as possible if you have missed the dose.
Overdose
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed Chlorpromazine tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Drug Interactions
- Other Medications: Inform your doctor about all medications you’re taking, especially those causing drowsiness or slowing breathing.
- Seizure Risk: Medications like isoniazid, theophylline, tramadol, and tricyclic antidepressants may increase seizure risk.
Special Considerations
- Pregnancy: Consult your doctor; may affect the unborn baby.
- Breastfeeding: Can pass into breast milk; consult your doctor before use.
Storage
- Keep Safe: Store at room temperature (68ºF-77ºF) and away from heat, air, and light.
- Out of Reach: Ensure it is kept out of children’s reach.
Reminder: Always consult your doctor before starting or stopping medication. If you experience side effects, seek medical attention immediately.
Expert Advice for Taking Chlorpromazine
- Take it at night to minimize daytime drowsiness.
- Don’t drive or do anything that requires concentration until you know how the medicine affects you.
- To reduce dizziness or fainting, rise slowly after sitting or lying down.
- Avoid alcohol, as it can cause severe breathing problems when combined with Chlorpromazine.
- Notify your doctor if you experience involuntary muscle movements.
- Monitor your weight regularly, as Chlorpromazine may cause weight gain.
- Consult your doctor before stopping the drug; don’t discontinue it suddenly.
Chlorpromazine vs. Haloperidol
| Chlorpromazine | Haloperidol |
| Chlorpromazine is a phenothiazine which is used for treating psychotic disorders like schizophrenia or manic- depression in adults. Chlorpromazine medication is also used in adults for treating nausea, vomiting, anxiety, chronic hiccups, acute intermittent porphyria and symptoms of tetanus. | Haloperidol is used for treating various mental disorders. The medicine helps in thinking clearly and getting rid of nervousness. The medication helps in reducing aggression. |
| Chlorpromazine is used for treating certain mental disorders like schizophrenia, psychotic disorders, manic phase of bipolar disorder, severe behavioural problems in children. The medication also helps in thinking more clearly and feels less nervous. It helps in reducing aggressive behaviour. Chlorpromazine helps in decreasing the hallucinations. | Haloperidol medication is used for the treatment of uncontrolled movements and outbursts words and sounds related to Tourette’s syndrome. The medication is also useful for serious behaviour problems in hyperactive children. |
Some of the serious adverse effects of Chlorpromazine are:
|
Some of the serious side effects of Haloperidol are:
|
