Thorazine
Generic Name: Chlorpromazine (klor-PROE-ma-zeen)
Drug Class: Phenothiazines
Contents
Drug Uses
This medicine is used to treat psychotic disorders such as hallucinations,
delusions and hostility. It may also be prescribed to prevent and treat nausea
and vomiting.
General Information
This information is for educational purposes only. Not every known side effect,
adverse effect, or drug interaction is in this database. If you have questions
about your medicines, talk to your health care provider.
How it Works
It works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural chemicals in
the brain. These chemicals are referred to as "neurotransmitters".
How to Take It
Take this medicine exactly as directed. Chlorpromazine comes as a tablet,
extended-release capsule, liquid, and rectal suppository. Chlorpromazine is
normally taken two to four times a day. For nausea and vomiting, it is taken
every 4-6 hours as needed or every 6-8 hours (rectally) as needed. Swallow
extended-release capsules whole, do not open.
Possible Side Effects
- Chlorpromazine can cause side effects. Let your doctor know if these
side effects are bothersome or don't go away:
- difficulty urinating
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- dry mouth
- skin rash
- constipation
- blurred vision
- If you experience involuntary movements, sore throat, pounding heart
beat, or unusual bruising or bleeding, notify your doctor at once.
Warnings/Precautions
- This medicine may cause drowsiness.
- Do NOT drive unless you know how this medicine affects you.
- Other sedatives can increase the drowsy effects when taken together
with this medicine.
- This medicine may reduce sweating. Be careful not to overexert yourself
in hot weather.
Overdose
- Seek medical attention immediately. For non emergencies, contact your
local or regional poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
Drug Interactions
- Inform your doctor of all the medications you may use (both prescription
and nonprescription), especially if you are taking any of the following:
- anti-depressant
- anti-anxiety drugs
- sparfloxacin
- grepafloxacin
- guanethidine
- guanadrel
- lithium
- metrizamide
- cabergoline
- tranquilizers
- barbiturates
- sleeping pills
- narcotic pain medication (e.g. codeine)
- other medicines that make you drowsy.
- Many cough-and-cold products contain ingredients that may add a drowsiness
effect. Before you use cough-and-cold medications, ask your doctor or
pharmacist about the safe use of those products..
- Promethazine can interfere with certain pregnancy tests.
Missed Dose
Take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next
dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double
doses.
Storage
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out
of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat
and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated
or no longer needed.
Pregnancy/Nursing
This medicine should be taken during pregnancy only when clearly needed.
Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits when using this medicine
during pregnancy. This medicine may be excreted in breast milk. Nursing mothers
are advised to talk to their doctors before breast-feeding.
More Information
For more information, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or health care provider.
Copyright © 2004 PharmClips,
Inc. All rights reserved. Information expires March 1, 2005. Published
March 1, 2004.
This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions,
precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects. This is general
information and should not in any event be construed as specific instructions
for individual patients. The publisher does not accept any responsibility
for the accuracy of the information or the consequences arising from
the application, use, or misuse of any of the information contained
herein, including any injury and/or damage to any person or property
as a matter of product liability, negligence, or otherwise. No warranty,
expressed or implied, is made in regard to the contents of this material.
The reader is advised to check with their health care provider before
making any changes in their drug regimen. |
