Chlorpromazine is a drug used to treat the symptoms of psychosis in schizophrenia. It is also used in the treatment of bipolar disorder, nausea and vomiting, and persistent hiccups.
Chlorpromazine is a phenothiazine type antipsychotic drug. This drug works by blocking the dopamine D2 receptors in the brain, which can relieve symptoms of psychosis. This drug will help people with schizophrenia to think more clearly, be calmer, and reduce hallucinations, so that sufferers can carry out daily activities.
This drug can also block histamine H2 and muscarinic M1 receptors, which can relieve persistent nausea, vomiting, or hiccups.
Chlorpromazine trademark: Cepezet 50, Chlorpromazine HCL, Chlorpromazine, Promactil
What is Chlorpromazine
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Phenothiazine antipsychotics |
| Benefit | Overcome symptoms of psychosis, relieve nausea, vomiting, or hiccups |
| Used by | Adults and children 6 months |
| Chlorpromazine for pregnant and lactating women | Category C: Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no controlled studies in pregnant women. Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Chlorpromazine may be absorbed into breast milk, should not be used during breastfeeding. |
| Drug form | Tablets and injections |
Precautions Before Using Chlorpromazine
Chlorpromazine should not be used carelessly. Some things to consider before using chlorpromazine are:
- Do not use chlorpromazine if you are allergic to this drug or to other phenothiazine antipsychotic drugs, such as thioridazine and perphenazine.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have had Parkinson's disease, liver disease, glaucoma, kidney disease, seizures, heart disease, asthma, blood disorders, COPD, alcoholism, pheochromocytoma, electrolyte disturbances, or an enlarged prostate.
- Do not use chlorpromazine in patients who have psychotic symptoms due to dementia.
- Avoid direct sun exposure, as this medication can make you more sensitive to sunlight.
- Tell your doctor that you are being treated with chlorpromazine before undergoing certain medical procedures or surgery.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal medicines and supplements.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Do not drive or operate equipment that requires alertness while you are taking chlorpromazine, as this medicine may cause dizziness and drowsiness.
- See your doctor right away if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effect, or overdose, after using chlorpromazine.
Dosage and Instructions for Use of Chlorpromazine
The dose of chlorpromazine will be given by the doctor according to the patient's condition. This drug can be given as a tablet or injection through a vein (intravenous/IV) or through a muscle (intramuscular/IM). For injection dosage forms, the administration will be directly given by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor.
The following is the distribution of chlorpromazine doses based on the patient's age and condition:
Condition: Psychosis
Chlorpromazine tablets
- Mature: 25 mg, 3 times a day. The maintenance dose is 25–100 mg, 3 times a day. The dose can be increased up to 1 gram per day. For the elderly, the dose will be started with 1/3–1/2 of the adult dose.
- Children aged 1–12 years: 0.5 mg/kg, every 4–6 hours. The maximum dose is 75 mg per day. The maximum dose for children aged >5 years is 75 mg per day and for children aged 1-5 years the maximum dose is 40 mg per day.
Condition: Hiccups that don't stop
Chlorpromazine tablets
- Mature: Initial dose 25–50 mg, 3–4 times daily for 2–3 days. If there is no response, 25–50 mg may be added by IM injection. If needed, 25–50 mg can be given mixed in 500–1000 ml of normal saline given by IV injection. For the elderly, the dose will be started with 1/3–1/2 of the adult dose.
- Children aged 1–12 years: 0.5 mg/kg, every 4–6 hours. The maximum dose for children aged >5 years is 75 mg per day and for children 1-5 years the maximum dose is 40 mg per day.
To treat nausea and vomiting, the dosage form of chlorpromazine which is generally used is an injection through the muscle. The adult patient dose is started with 25 mg, followed by 25–50 mg every 3–4 hours, until vomiting stops.
How to Use Chlorpromazine Correctly
Follow your doctor's advice and read the instructions on the package before using chlorpromazine. Do not increase your dose, reduce your dose, or stop taking chlorpromazine without consulting your doctor first.
Injectable chlorpromazine will be given directly by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor. The drug will be injected through an intravenous or intramuscular vein.
Chlorpromazine tablets can be taken with or without food. Do not crush, chew, or split this medication, as this may affect the effectiveness of the drug.
If you forget to take chlorpromazine, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of your next dose, ignore the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose of chlorpromazine to make up for a missed dose, unless directed by your doctor.
Store chlorpromazine in a place away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
Chlorpromazine Interactions with Other Drugs
The following are some interactions that may occur if chlorpromazine is used with other medicines:
- Increased risk of QT prolongation with haloperidol, escitalopram or procainamide.
- Decreased antihypertensive effect of methyldopa, guanethidine, or clonidine
- Increased risk of central nervous system disorders when used with sedatives, antihistamines, opioids, or anesthetics
Chlorpromazine Side Effects and Dangers
There are several side effects that can occur after using chlorpromazine, including:
- Dizzy
- Headache
- dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Nauseous
- Too anxious
- Weight gain
- Irregular heartbeat
- Muscle cramp
Consult a doctor if the complaints mentioned above do not go away or get worse. Immediately see a doctor if you experience an allergic reaction to the drug which can be characterized by the appearance of a red and swollen rash on the face, difficulty breathing, or experiencing more serious side effects, such as:
- Extrapyramidal syndrome symptoms, such as tremors, neck stiffness, mask-like facial expressions, or impaired coordination
- Orthostatic hypotension
- Thick fluid from the breast or galactorrhea
- Erectile dysfunction
- Menstrual disorders, such as oligomenorrhea and amenorrhea
- Faint
- Impaired liver function, which can be characterized by severe abdominal pain or jaundice