Chlorpromazine (By Mouth)

Chlorpromazine (klor-PROE-ma-zeen)

Treats mental disorders, severe behavior disorders, severe hiccups, or severe nausea and vomiting. Belongs to a class of drugs called phenothiazines.

Brand Name(s):

Thorazine
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to chlorpromazine or any other phenothiazine drug (such as Compazine®, Mellaril®).

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet, Long Acting Capsule, Liquid

• Your doctor will tell you how much to use and how often. Do not stop using chlorpromazine unless your doctor tells you to.
• You may take with food or milk to avoid stomach upset.
• Do not crush or chew the tablet or capsule.
• Measure the oral liquid with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or measuring cup. You may mix the syrup with fruit juice, milk, soda pop, coffee, tea, water, pudding, or applesauce.

If a dose is missed:

• Use your medicine as soon as you remember that you have missed your dose.
• If it is nearly time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• You should not use two doses at the same time.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Keep your medicine at room temperature, away from heat, direct light, and moisture. Do not freeze.
• Keep all medicine away from children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using antacids, blood thinners (such as Coumadin®), seizure medicine (such as Dilantin®), ulcer medicine (such as Tagamet®), propranolol (Inderal®), or water pills (such as Dyazide®).
• Avoid drinking alcohol or taking drugs such as sleeping pills, cold or hay fever medicine, sedatives, muscle relaxants, tranquilizers, or narcotic pain killers unless approved by your doctor.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.
• Check with your doctor before using chlorpromazine if you have asthma, breast cancer, difficulty urinating, glaucoma, seizures, a bone marrow disorder, a blood disorder, lupus, heart, kidney, or liver disease, or if you are exposed to pesticides or extreme heat.
• This medicine may cause drowsiness or affect your sight. Be careful when driving or using dangerous machinery.
• There is a risk of side effects that include muscle spasms, twitching or trembling in the face and body, and uncontrolled tongue or jaw movement. Talk to your doctor about this risk.
• Chlorpromazine may cause you to be sensitive to sunlight. Avoid being in the sun too long, and wear plenty of sunscreen.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• High fever, severe muscle stiffness
• Rapid breathing or heartbeat
• Muscle twitching or jerking
• Seizures
• Abnormal movements of tongue, mouth, or jaw

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Blurred vision
• Increased appetite and weight gain
• Constipation
• Weakness
• Agitation or restlessness
• Drowsiness or dizziness
• Pan or swelling in the breasts

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.