What is Chlorpromazine - Meaning and definition

Published by Roberto Wenk. Reviewed by Alison Ramsey. Last updated date: October 17, 2018.

A phenothiazine and traditional antipsychotic agent with antiemetic activity.
Chlorpromazine exerts its antipsychotic effect by blocking postsynaptic dopamine receptors in cortical and limbic areas of the brain, thereby preventing the excess of dopamine in the brain. This leads to a reduction in psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations and delusions.
Chlorpromazine appears to exert its antiemetic activity by blocking the dopamine receptors in the chemical trigger zone (CTZ) in the brain, thereby relieving nausea and vomiting.

National Cancer Institute. NCI Drug Dictionary. Internet. September 15, 2009.

Published by Roberto Wenk. Reviewed by Alison Ramsey. Last updated date: October 29, 2018.

Adult
PO
Intractable hiccup, initial: 25-50 mg 3-4 times/day for 2-3 days
Psychoses: 25 mg 3 times/day. Maintenance: 25-100 mg 3 times/day, increased to ≥1 g/day if needed in psychotic patients

IM
Psychoses: 25-50 mg 6-8 hrly
Nausea and vomiting, initial: 25 mg, followed by 25-50 mg 3-4 hrly until vomiting stops

Rectal
Psychoses: supp - 100 mg 6-8 hrly

Indications in palliative care:
- Nausea and vomiting in bowel obstruction: 50 - 100 mg q 8 h, IM or PR
- Anxiety in advanced disease: 12.5 - 50 mg q 4-12 h; O, IM, IV
- Hyperactive agitated delirium – if not controlled with haloperidol: 25-50 mg q 4-12 h, IV for increased sedation

Adverse drug reactions: tardive dyskinesia, dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, mydriasis, agitation, insomnia, depression, convulsions; postural hypotension, ECG changes, ventricular tachyarrhythmias, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, extrapyramidal dysfunction.

CIMS Drug Information System. Internet. Accessed on January 10, 2016.

Chlorpromazine

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