chlorpromazine-injection, Thorazine

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.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Inform your doctor about all the medications you use (both prescription and nonprescription), especially of: anti-depressant/anti-anxiety drugs, sparfloxacin, grepafloxacin, guanethidine, guanadrel, metrizamide, cabergoline, lithium, beta- blockers (e.g., propranolol), narcotic pain medication (e.g., codeine), drugs used to aid sleep, drowsiness-causing antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), other drugs that make you drowsy. Many cough-and-cold products contain ingredients that may add a drowsiness effect. Before using cough-and-cold medications, ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safe use of those products. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include restlessness, muscle spasms, tremors, twitching, deep sleep or loss of consciousness, and seizures.

NOTES: Keep all doctor appointments because it is important you be closely monitored.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose and use 1 dose daily: use it as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume your usual schedule. If you take more than 1 dose daily: use it as soon as possible if it is within an hour or so of the missed dose. If not remembered within an hour, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not freeze.

MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).

QUESTION

Panic attacks are repeated attacks of fear that can last for several minutes. See Answer