Chlorpromazine

Please note: these are basic guidelines, refer to your doctor for a professional medical opinion.

Popular brand names:

Largactil

Drug group:

Phenothiazine antipsychotic and anti-emetic drug

Prescription needed?

Yes

What does it do?

Chlorpromazine is prescribed for the treatment of:

• Schizophrenia, psychosis, mania - its calming and sedative effects are useful in the short-term treatment of anxiety/agitation/aggressive behaviour associated with these conditions
• Severe nausea/vomiting - especially when caused by drug or radiation treatment
• Severe/prolonged hiccoughs

How does it work?

Chlorpromazine’s antipsychotic effects are due to its ability to block dopamine receptors

What is the typical dosage?

Your doctor will recommend a dosage tailored to your need, but typically:

• Tablets/liquid/injection/suppositories: given 1–6 x daily
• Psychiatric illness: usually 75–300mg daily; starting with low doses and gradually increasing (some patients may need up to 1g daily)
• Nausea and vomiting: 40–150mg daily

How quickly will it start to work?

Oral 30–60 mins, injectable 15–20 mins, suppository 30 mins

How long will the effects last?

Oral/injectable 8–12 hours, suppository 3–4 hours

When stopping the drug after regular use, some effects may persist for up to 3 weeks.
        

When should I stop using it?

Do not stop taking the drug without consulting your doctor
                

Is it safe for prolonged use?

Long-term use of chlorpromazine may cause tardive dyskinesia (involuntary movements of the face, jaw, and tongue), which may be irreversible.

After continuous use of the drug over several years, eye changes and skin discoloration may occur.

What are the possible side effects?

The following have been reported:

• More common: mild drowsiness, blurred vision and other anticholinergic effects
• Less common: weight gain, tremor/parkinsonism, dizziness/fainting, menstrual irregularities
• Report to your doctor before taking your next dose if you experience: rash, jaundice

What other considerations are important?

Dosage may be adjusted by your doctor under certain conditions.

• Certain health problems: liver/kidney/heart/blood problems, history of seizures or epilepsy, glaucoma
• Other medicines: other drugs with anticholinergic effects, sedatives, drugs for parkinsonism
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: May affect the baby, occasionally prescribed by specialists
• Children: Not recommended < 1 year, reduced doses > 1 year
• Over 60: Start with low doses, may be increased if there are no adverse reactions
• Driving and hazardous work: Caution, drug can cause drowsiness and slowed reactions
• Alcohol: Avoid, enhanced sedative effects
• Surgery and general anaesthetics: You may need to stop taking it, discuss with your doctor