chlorpromazine

Actions and Spectrum:

chlorpromazine is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as phenothiazines. It has a broad spectrum of actions and is primarily used for the treatment of various psychiatric conditions. Here are some key actions and the spectrum of activity of chlorpromazine:

It is primarily used as an antipsychotic medication. It works by blocking the action of dopamine, a neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood and behavior. By blocking dopamine receptors in the brain, chlorpromazine helps to reduce symptoms of psychosis, such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. It is effective in treating conditions like schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders.

chlorpromazine has antiemetic properties, meaning it can help alleviate nausea and vomiting. It affects the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) in the brain, reducing the sensitivity to nausea-inducing stimuli.

It has sedative effects, which can help induce calmness and relaxation. It is often used in the short-term management of acute agitation, anxiety, or insomnia.

chlorpromazine has anticholinergic effects, which means it blocks the activity of acetylcholine, another neurotransmitter.

DRUG INTERACTION

Contraindicated  

Serious Use Alternative  

Monitor Closely  

Minor  

Frequency undefined

Akathisia 

Muscle stiffness 

Dystonia 

Parkinsonism 

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome  

Tardive dyskinesia 

chlorpromazine is contraindicated in patients hypersensitive to the formulation’s active ingredient and other excipients. 

Pregnancy consideration:  

Category C 

Breastfeeding warnings:  

The drug is excreted in the breastmilk, hence breastfeeding is prohibited during the treatment  

Pregnancy category: 

• Category A: Satisfactory and well-controlled studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 
• Category B: No evidence shows the risk to the fetus found in animal reproduction studies, and there are not enough studies on pregnant women.    
• Category C: Adverse effects on the fetus found with evidence in animal reproduction studies and no adequate evidence for a product in humans; Pregnant women must take care of the potential risks. 
• Category D: There is adequate data available with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms. However, despite potential dangers may be used only in emergency cases for potential benefits. 
• Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over the benefits. The drug is not for pregnant women. 
• Category N: No data is available for the drug under this category. 

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name:  chlorpromazine 

Pronounced: chlor-pro-ma-zine 

Why do we use chlorpromazine? 

chlorpromazine is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as phenothiazines. It has several medical uses, including:

• chlorpromazine is primarily used as an antipsychotic medication to treat various psychiatric conditions, such as schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. It helps to alleviate symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking, and agitation.
• chlorpromazine is also used as an antiemetic, which means it helps to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting. It can be effective in managing nausea and vomiting caused by various factors, including chemotherapy, surgery, and certain medications.
• It is sometimes used to treat persistent or severe hiccups that do not respond to other treatments. It works by relaxing the diaphragm and reducing the frequency and intensity of hiccups.
• In some cases, chlorpromazine may be used as an adjunctive therapy in the management of intractable pain. It can help enhance the pain-relieving effects of other analgesic medications.