Chlorpromazine (By mouth)

Introduction

Chlorpromazine (klor-PROE-ma-zeen)

Treats mental disorders, severe behavior disorders, severe hiccups, severe nausea and vomiting, and certain types of porphyria. Also used before and after surgery to relieve anxiety. Belongs to a class of drugs called phenothiazines.

Brand Name(s)

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

How to Use This Medicine

Tablet, Long Acting Capsule, Liquid

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Your dose may need to be changed several times in order to find out what works best for you. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• You may take with food or milk to avoid stomach upset.
• Do not crush or chew the tablet or capsule.
• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. You may mix the liquid with fruit juice, milk, soda pop, coffee, tea, water, pudding, or applesauce.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• The liquid may be stored in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin®), blood pressure medicine (such as atenolol, guanethidine, metoprolol, propranolol), diuretics or "water pills" (such as hydrochlorothiazide, Aldactazide®, Dyazide®, Maxzide®), or seizure medicine (such as Dilantin®, Depakote®, Tegretol®).
• Tell your doctor if you are using antacids, lithium, or medicine to treat muscle spasms (such as atropine, belladonna, dicyclomine, glycopyrrolate, scopolamine).
• There are many other drugs that can interact with chlorpromazine. Make sure your doctor knows about all other medicines you are using.
• Avoid drinking alcohol or taking drugs such as sleeping pills, cold or hay fever medicine, sedatives, muscle relaxants, tranquilizers, or narcotic pain killers unless your doctor agrees.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have asthma, emphysema, breast cancer, trouble urinating, glaucoma, seizures, or a bone marrow or blood disorder. Tell your doctor if you have heart, kidney, or liver disease, lupus, or if you are exposed to pesticides or extreme heat.
• This medicine may cause drowsiness or affect your sight. Be careful when driving or using dangerous machinery.
• There is a risk of side effects that include muscle spasms, twitching or trembling in your face and body, and uncontrolled tongue or jaw movement. Talk to your doctor about this risk.
• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without asking your doctor. You may need to slowly decrease your dose before stopping it completely.
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect the results of certain medical tests.
• Make sure any doctor or dentist who treats you knows that you are using this medicine. You may need to stop using this medicine several days before having surgery or medical tests.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Abnormal movements of your tongue, mouth, or jaw.
• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Fast or uneven heartbeat.
• Fever, chills, sore throat, or body aches.
• Muscle twitching or jerking.
• Seizures.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Agitation, restlessness, or insomnia.
• Changes with your vision, or skin discoloration.
• Constipation.
• Drowsiness, or dizziness.
• Dry mouth, or stuffy nose.
• Pain or swelling in your breasts.
• Weakness.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088