MedicineNet.com

chlorpromazine-injection, Thorazine

Phobias Slideshow Pictures Take the PTSD Quiz Stress-Reducing Foods Slideshow Pictures

GENERIC NAME: CHLORPROMAZINE - INJECTION (klor-PRO-muh-zeen)

BRAND NAME(S): Thorazine

Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert

USES: Chlorpromazine is used to treat certain mental or emotional conditions. It is also used to control hiccups, reduce anxiety and treat nausea and vomiting.

HOW TO USE: This medication can be given as an injection into a vein (intravenously) after dilution or into a muscle (intramuscularly). The patient should remain lying down for at least 30 minutes after the injection. In the treatment of mental or emotional conditions it may take up to two weeks for the full benefit of this medication to take effect.

SIDE EFFECTS: Constipation, drowsiness, vision changes or dry mouth may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Unlikely to occur but report promptly: restlessness, muscle stiffness, weakness, difficulty speaking, loss of balance, mask- like facial expression, trembling or shaking, dizziness, lip smacking or other uncontrollable movements, difficulty urinating, skin rash/discoloration. Very unlikely to occur but report promptly: sore throat, unusual bleeding or bruising, stomach pain, yellowing of eyes or skin, dark urine, hot dry skin, vomiting. Though very unlikely to occur, notify your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following effects: severe muscle stiffness, confusion, fever, seizures, irregular/fast heartbeat, increased sweating, prolonged/painful erection. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: very high or very low blood pressure, liver or heart disease, Reye's syndrome, alcohol or drug dependencies, nervous system problems, blood disorders, allergies (especially drug allergies). Use caution performing tasks that require alertness, such as driving or using machinery. Use of alcohol can cause extreme drowsiness. Avoid alcohol consumption. This medication may increase sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid prolonged sun exposure and wear a sunscreen and protective clothing when you are exposed to the sun. This medication can reduce sweating making you more susceptible to heat stroke. Avoid strenuous work or exercise in hot weather. A preservative (benzyl alcohol) which may be found in this product or in the liquid used to mix this product (diluent) can infrequently cause serious problems (sometimes death), if given in large amounts (more than 100 mg/kg daily) to an infant during the first months of life (neonatal period). The risk is also greater with low birth weight infants. Symptoms include sudden gasping, low blood pressure, or a very slow heartbeat. Report these symptoms to the doctor immediately should they occur. If possible, a preservative-free product should be used when treating neonates. The manufacturer of this drug does not recommend its use during pregnancy. However, it may be used in certain cases. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Chlorpromazine is excreted into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration   You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Need help identifying pills and medications? Use the pill identifier tool on RxList.