Chlorpromazine Hydrochloride Oral tablet Health Article

Generic name(s):

Chlorpromazine Hydrochloride Oral tablet

Brand name(s):

ChlorproMAZINE Hydrochloride, Ormazine, Thorazine

What is this medicine?

CHLORPROMAZINE (klor PROE ma zeen) has many different uses. It is used to treat certain mental and behavioral disorders. It is also used to control nausea and vomiting, nervousness before surgery, and hiccups that will not go away. It is also used to treat episodes of porphyria and in combination with other medicines to treat tetanus.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• blood disorders or disease
• dementia
• frequently drink alcoholic beverages
• liver disease
• Parkinson's disease
• Reye's syndrome
• uncontrollable movement disorder
• an unusual or allergic reaction to chlorpromazine, sulfa drugs, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly. This can cause nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. Ask your doctor or health care professional for advice if you are to stop taking this medicine.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. While this medicine may be prescribed for children as young as 6 months for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• amoxapine
• arsenic trioxide
• certain antibiotics like gatifloxacin, grepafloxacin, sparfloxacin
• chloroquine
• cisapride
• clozapine
• droperidol
• ephedrine
• levomethadyl
• maprotiline
• medicines for mental depression
• medicines to control irregular heart rhythms
• phenylpropanolamine
• pimozide
• pindolol
• propranolol
• ranolazine
• risperidone
• trimethobenzamide
• ziprasidone

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures, like phenobarbital
• diuretics
• local and general anesthetics
• phenytoin
• prescription pain medicines
• warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.