Chlorpromazine

Pronunciation

Brand Names

Canadian/Mexican Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used for the treatment of symptoms seen in schizophrenia. It may take weeks to see the benefits.
• It is also used for the treatment of nausea and vomiting.
• Other uses include treatment of Tourette's disorder, hiccups, mania, behavioral problems in children, behavior problems of dementia in the elderly, and treatment of disabling involuntary movements in Huntington's chorea.

How does it work?

• Chlorpromazine changes a variety of chemicals in the brain.

How is it best taken?

• Take with or without food. Take with food if this medicine causes an upset stomach.
• A liquid (syrup, concentrate) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Those who have feeding tubes can also use the syrup. Do not use concentrate with feeding tubes. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given. Mix concentrate with 1/2 a cup of water or soft food before drinking or eating.
• Swallow sustained-release capsule whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
• Use suppository rectally only.
• Make sure you are drinking enough liquids unless told to drink less by healthcare provider. Avoid products with caffeine.
• Do not suddenly stop using this medicine if you have been taking it for a long time. Medicine should be slowly decreased.
• Do not spill liquid concentrate on skin. Can irritate your skin.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• If you are 65 or older, you may have more side effects.
• You may not be alert. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or hobbies until you see how this medicine affects you.
• Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor) and other medicines that slow your actions and reactions. This includes sedatives, tranquilizers, mood stabilizers, or pain medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Be careful in hot weather. You may be more sensitive to the heat.
• You can get sunburned more easily. Avoid lots of sun. Use sunscreen; wear protective clothing and eyewear.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
• Do not use if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Feeling sleepy, lightheaded, or having blurred vision. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or hobbies that require you to be alert until you see how this medicine affects you.
• Dizziness is common. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or lying position. Be careful climbing stairs.
• Dry mouth. Frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
• Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing diet may help. Talk with healthcare provider about a stool softener or laxative.
• Unable to pass urine. Go to the bathroom before taking medicine. Talk with healthcare provider if it becomes a problem.
• Movements not controlled by you, shakiness, difficulty moving around, or stiffness.
• Restlessness and inability to stay still or calm.
• Weight gain.
• Change in sexual ability or desire. This can return to normal after medicine stopped. Talk with healthcare provider about other medicines without this side effect.

What should I monitor?

• Monitor for side effects.
• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Movements not controlled by you, shakiness, difficulty moving around, or stiffness.
• Restlessness and inability to stay still or calm.
• Changes in balance, feeling shaky or unsteady.
• Too tired or sleepy.
• Passing out, fainting, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
• Menstrual changes. This includes lots of bleeding, spotting, or bleeding between cycles.
• Any rash.
• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store in a tight, light-resistant container at room temperature.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).

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