What is the most important information I should know about chlorpromazine?
Chlorpromazine is not for use in psychotic conditions related to
dementia.
Chlorpromazine may cause
heart failure, sudden death, or
pneumonia in older adults with
dementia-related conditions.
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to
chlorpromazine, or if you
are also using large amounts of alcohol or medicines that make you sleepy.
Before you take chlorpromazine, tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, heart
disease or high blood pressure, glaucoma, a breathing disorder, any type of cancer, an enlarged
prostate, blockage in your intestines, seizures, a brain tumor, or Parkinson's disease.
Tell your doctor if you will be exposed to extreme heat or to insecticide poisons while you
are taking chlorpromazine.
Chlorpromazine can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions.
Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert. Avoid getting up
too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself
to prevent a fall.
Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of chlorpromazine.
Avoid exposure to sunlight, sunlamps, or tanning beds. Chlorpromazine can make
your skin more sensitive to sunlight, and a
sunburn may result.
What is chlorpromazine?
Chlorpromazine is in a group of drugs called phenothiazines (FEEN-oh-THYE-zeens). It
works by changing the actions of chemicals in your brain.
Chlorpromazine is used to treat psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia or
manic-depression, and severe behavioral problems in children. It is also used to treat nausea and
vomiting, anxiety before surgery, chronic hiccups, and acute intermittent porphyria.
Chlorpromazine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking chlorpromazine?
Chlorpromazine is not for use in psychotic conditions related to dementia.
Chlorpromazine may cause heart failure, sudden death, or pneumonia in older adults with
dementia-related conditions.
You should not use this medication if you are allergic to chlorpromazine, or if you
are also using large amounts of alcohol or medicines that make you sleepy.
If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely
use this medication. Before you take chlorpromazine, tell your doctor if you have:
-
liver disease;
-
kidney disease.
-
heart disease or high blood pressure;
-
glaucoma;
-
asthma, emphysema, or other breathing disorders;
-
past or present breast cancer;
-
if you are being treated with chemotherapy for any type of
cancer;
-
an enlarged prostate or urination problems,
-
a blockage in your intestines;
-
a seizure disorder or brain tumor; or
-
Parkinson's disease,
Tell your doctor if you will be exposed to extreme heat or to
insecticide poisons while you are taking chlorpromazine.
It is not known whether chlorpromazine will harm an unborn baby. Do not take
chlorpromazine without first talking to your doctor if you are
pregnant.
Chlorpromazine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use
this medication without telling your doctor if you are
breast-feeding a baby.
Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from this medication.
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