Chlorpromazine

Chlorpromazine is a phenothiazine (FEEN-oh-THYE-a-zeen) that treats psychotic disorders like schizophrenia or manic-depression in adults.

Chlorpromazine is also used in adults to manage nausea and vomiting, anxiety before surgery, chronic hiccups, acute intermittent porphyria, and symptoms of tetanus.

In children aged 1 to 12 years, chlorpromazine is used to address severe behavioral problems (like combative or explosive behavior) or hyperactivity with excessive motor activity.

Chlorpromazine may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Call your doctor immediately if you experience uncontrollable movements of your eyes, lips, tongue, face, arms, or legs. These may be early signs of serious side effects.

Chlorpromazine is not approved for use in older adults with dementia-related psychosis.

You should not use chlorpromazine if you are allergic to chlorpromazine or other phenothiazines (like fluphenazine, perphenazine, prochlorperazine, promethazine, thioridazine, or trifluoperazine).

Do not use chlorpromazine if you have recently used large amounts of alcohol or medicine that makes you sleepy.

Chlorpromazine may increase the risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis and is not approved for this use.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• severe asthma, emphysema, or other breathing problem;
• a sulfite allergy;
• bone marrow suppression;
• heart disease;
• liver or kidney disease;
• breast cancer;
• glaucoma;
• Parkinson's disease;
• seizures;
• a blockage in your intestines;
• a brain tumor; or
• pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland).

Tell your doctor if you will be exposed to extreme heat or insecticide poisons while you are using chlorpromazine.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice. Talk with your doctor before giving chlorpromazine to a child who has been ill with a fever or flu symptoms.

Using antipsychotic medicine in the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause medical problems, breathing problems, feeding problems, or withdrawal symptoms in the newborn. However, you may have withdrawal symptoms or other problems if you stop using your medicine during pregnancy. If you get pregnant, tell your doctor right away. Do not stop using chlorpromazine without your doctor's advice.

You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Using chlorpromazine for a long time can lead to a serious movement disorder that might not be reversible. The longer you take chlorpromazine, the more likely you are to develop this disorder, especially if you are an older adult.

Chlorpromazine may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor immediately if you have:

• uncontrolled muscle movements in your face (chewing, lip smacking, frowning, tongue movement, blinking or eye movement);
• stiffness in your neck, tightness in your throat, trouble breathing or swallowing;
• feeling light-headed, like you might pass out;
• confusion, agitation, feeling jittery, trouble sleeping;
• weakness;
• breast swelling or discharge;
• a seizure;
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• low white blood cell counts—fever, chills, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough, trouble breathing, feeling light-headed; or
• severe nervous system reaction—very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, feeling like you might pass out.

Some side effects may be more likely in older adults.

Common side effects of chlorpromazine may include:

• drowsiness;
• dry mouth or stuffy nose;
• blurred vision;
• constipation; or
• impotence, trouble having an orgasm.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Chlorpromazine oral is taken by mouth.

Chlorpromazine injection is injected into a muscle, or given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

You may be asked to lie down for a short time after you receive a chlorpromazine injection. This medicine can lower your blood pressure and you may feel light-headed after an injection.

Your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis. Your vision may also need to be checked.

This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using chlorpromazine.

If you need to have a spinal tap (lumbar puncture) or any type of x-ray scan or MRI of your spinal cord, tell the doctor ahead of time that you are using chlorpromazine.

Do not stop using chlorpromazine suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to safely stop using this medicine.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Use the medicine as soon as possible, but skip the missed dose if it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Seek emergency medical help or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Symptoms of an overdose may include dry mouth, bloating or stomach cramps, feeling restless, fever, muscle stiffness, jerky muscle movements, changes in heart rate, fainting, or seizure (convulsions).

Do not drive or engage in hazardous activities until you know how chlorpromazine will affect you. Dizziness or drowsiness can lead to falls, accidents, or severe injuries.

Avoid standing up too quickly from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.

Drinking alcohol with this medicine can cause side effects.

Do not expose yourself to sunlight or tanning beds. Chlorpromazine can make you more susceptible to sunburn. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

Using chlorpromazine with other medications that cause drowsiness can make you feel even sleepier. Check with your doctor before taking opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or any medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Other medications may influence how chlorpromazine works, including both prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor about all the medicines you are currently using and any new medicine you begin or stop using.