$Unique_ID{BRK01882}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{CHLORPROMAZINE}
$Subject{chlorpromazine hydrochloride (various manufacturers)
Ormazine (Hauck)
Sonazine (Cord)
Thorazine (Smith Kline & French)
Thorazine Spansules (Smith Kline & French)
Thor-Prom (Major)}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


CHLORPROMAZINE
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     chlorpromazine hydrochloride (various manufacturers)
     Ormazine (Hauck)
     Sonazine (Cord)
     Thorazine (Smith Kline & French)
     Thorazine Spansules (Smith Kline & French)
     Thor-Prom (Major)
TYPE OF DRUG
     Phenothiazine tranquilizer
INGREDIENT
     chlorpromazine hydrochloride
DOSAGE FORMS
     Tablets (10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg)
     Sustained-release capsules (30 mg, 75 mg, 150 mg, 200 mg, and 300 mg)
     Oral concentrate (30 mg per ml and 100 mg per ml)
     Oral syrup (10 mg per 5-ml spoonful)
     Suppositories (25 mg and 100 mg)
STORAGE
     The tablet and capsule forms of this drug should be stored at room
       temperature in tightly closed, light-resistant containers.  The oral
       concentrate, oral syrup, and suppository forms of this drug should be
       stored in the refrigerator in tightly closed, light-resistant
       containers.  If the oral concentrate or syrup turns to a slight yellow
       color, the medicine is still effective and can be used.  However, if
       the oral concentrate or syrup changes color markedly or has particles
       floating in it, it should not be used; instead, it should be discarded
       down the sink.  Chlorpromazine should never be frozen.

USES

     Chlorpromazine is prescribed to treat the symptoms of certain types of
mental illness, such as emotional symptoms of psychosis, the manic phase of
manic-depressive illness, and severe behavioral problems in children.  This
medication is thought to relieve the symptoms of mental illness by blocking
certain chemicals involved with nerve transmission in the brain.
     Chlorpromazine may also be used to treat tetanus, porphyria,
uncontrollable hiccups, anxiety before surgery, and nausea and vomiting (this
medication works at the vomiting center in the brain to relieve nausea and
vomiting).

TREATMENT

     In order to avoid stomach irritation, you can take the tablet or capsule
forms of this medication with a meal or with a glass of water or milk (unless
your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     The sustained-release capsules should be taken whole; do not crush,
break, or open them prior to swallowing.  Breaking the capsule would release
the medication all at once--defeating the purpose of the extended-release
capsules.
     Measure the oral syrup carefully with a specially designed 5-ml measuring
spoon.  An ordinary kitchen teaspoon is not accurate enough.
     The oral concentrate form of this medication should be measured carefully
with the dropper provided, then added to four ounces (one-half cup) or more of
water, milk, or a carbonated beverage or to applesauce or pudding immediately
prior to administration.  Be careful that the serving size is not more than
the patient is willing or able to drink or eat; otherwise, the full dose may
not be consumed.  To prevent possible loss of effectiveness, the medication
should not be diluted in tea, coffee, or apple juice.
     To use the suppository form of this medication, remove the foil wrapper
and moisten the suppository with water (if the suppository is too soft to
insert, refrigerate it for half an hour or run cold water over it before
removing the wrapper).  Lie on your left side with your right knee bent.  Push
the suppository into the rectum, pointed end first.  Lie still for a few
minutes.  Try to avoid having a bowel movement for at least an hour.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, then return to your regular schedule.  If it is almost time for the
next dose, however, skip the one you missed and return to your regular
schedule.  Do not double the dose (unless your doctor directs you to do so).
     Antacids and antidiarrheal medicines may decrease the absorption of this
medication from the gastrointestinal tract.  Therefore, at least one hour
should separate doses of one of these medicines and chlorpromazine.
     The full effects of this medication for the control of emotional or
mental symptoms may not become apparent for two weeks after you start to take
it.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Blurred vision, constipation, decreased sweating, diarrhea, dizziness,
drooling, drowsiness, dry mouth, fatigue, jitteriness, menstrual
irregularities, nasal congestion, restlessness, tremors, vomiting, or weight
gain.  As your body adjusts to the medication, these side effects should
disappear.
     This medication can cause increased sensitivity to sunlight.  It is,
therefore, important to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight or sunlamps.
Wear protective clothing, and use an effective sunscreen.
     Chlorpromazine can also cause discoloration of the urine to red, pink, or
red-brown.  This is a harmless effect.
     If you are constipated, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh
fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and
drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     Chew sugarless gum or suck on ice chips or a piece of hard candy to
reduce mouth dryness.
     To avoid dizziness or light-headedness when you stand, contract and relax
the muscles of your legs for a few moments before rising.  Do this by pushing
one foot against the floor while raising the other foot slightly, alternating
feet so that you are "pumping" your legs in a pedaling motion.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
breast enlargement (in both sexes); chest pain; convulsions; darkened skin;
difficulty in swallowing or breathing; fainting; fever; impotence; involuntary
movements of the face, mouth, jaw, or tongue; palpitations; rash; sleep
disorders; sore throat; uncoordinated movements; unusual bleeding or bruising;
visual disturbances; or yellowing of the eyes or skin.

INTERACTIONS

     Chlorpromazine interacts with several types of drugs:
     1. It can cause extreme drowsiness when combined with alcohol or other
central nervous system depressants (such as barbiturates, benzodiazepine
tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, narcotics, and pain medications) or with
tricyclic antidepressants.
     2. Chlorpromazine can decrease the effectiveness of amphetamines,
guanethidine, anticonvulsants, and levodopa.
     3. The side effects of cyclophosphamide, epinephrine, monoamine oxidase
(MAO) inhibitors, phenytoin, and tricyclic antidepressants may be increased by
this medication.
     4. Chlorpromazine can increase the absorption of propranolol, which can
increase the risks of side effects.
     5. Lithium may increase the side effects and decrease the effectiveness
of this medication.
     Before starting to take chlorpromazine, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
any medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed
above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to chlorpromazine or any other phenothiazine
tranquilizers (such as fluphenazine, mesoridazine, perphenazine,
prochlorperazine, promazine, thioridazine, and trifluoperazine) or to
loxapine.
     * Tell your doctor if you have a history of alcoholism, or if you now
have or ever had blood disease, bone marrow disease, brain disease, breast
cancer, blockage in the urinary or digestive tract, drug-induced depression,
epilepsy, high or low blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, glaucoma, heart or
circulatory disease, liver disease, lung disease, Parkinson's disease, peptic
ulcers, or an enlarged prostate gland.
     * Tell your doctor about any recent exposure to a pesticide or an
insecticide.  Chlorpromazine may increase the side effects from the exposure.
     * To prevent oversedation, avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while
taking this medication.
     * If this drug makes you dizzy or drowsy, avoid any activity that
requires alertness, such as driving a car or operating dangerous equipment.
Be careful on stairs, and avoid getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting
position.
     *  Before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, be
sure to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.
     * Some of the side effects caused by this drug can be prevented by taking
an antiparkinsonism drug.  Discuss this with your doctor.
     * This medication can decrease sweating and heat release from the body.
You should, therefore, avoid becoming overheated by strenuous exercise in hot
weather and should avoid taking hot baths, showers, and saunas.
     * Do not stop taking this medication suddenly.  If the drug is stopped
abruptly, you may experience nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, headache,
increased heart rate, insomnia, tremors, or a worsening of your condition.
Your doctor may want to reduce the dosage gradually.
     * If you are planning to have a myelogram or any other procedure in which
dye will be injected into your spinal cord, tell your doctor that you are
taking this medication.
     * Avoid spilling the oral concentrate or oral syrup forms of this
medication on your skin or clothing; it may cause redness and irritation of
the skin.
     * While you are being treated with this medication, do not take any
over-the-counter (nonprescription) medication for weight control or for cough,
cold, allergy, asthma, or sinus problems without first checking with your
doctor.  The combination of these medications with chlorpromazine may cause
high blood pressure.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Small amounts of this
medication cross the placenta.  Although there are reports of safe use of this
drug during pregnancy, there are also reports of liver disease and tremors in
newborn infants whose mothers received this medication close to term.  Also,
tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  Small amounts of this
medication pass into breast milk and may cause unwanted effects in the nursing
infant.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
