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Antipsychotic and Anti-emetic

Chlorpromazine hydrochloride is an antipsychotic and anti-emetic medication used to manage psychotic disorders like schizophrenia, control nausea and vomiting, and treat certain behavioral problems. It can also be used for restlessness before surgery and certain other conditions like hiccups or porphyria. Because it affects the central nervous system, it carries serious risks, including an increased risk of death in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis and the potential for permanent involuntary movements called tardive dyskinesia.

How it worksChlorpromazine works by blocking certain receptors in the brain, specifically dopamine (D2-like) and serotonin (5-HT2a) receptors, to help manage psychotic symptoms and nausea.

Brand names:THORAZINE, UNITENSEN

Used for
Psychotic disordersSchizophreniaNausea and vomiting controlRestlessness and apprehension before surgeryAcute intermittent porphyriaTetanus treatment supportManic-type manic-depressive illnessIntractable hiccupsSevere behavioral problems in children (1 to 12 years old)
Conditions
SchizophreniaPsychotic disordersManic-depressive illnessAcute intermittent porphyriaTetanusConduct disorders in children
Class
AntipsychoticAnti-emeticPhenothiazineAntipsychotic and Anti-emeticCentral Nervous SystemGastrointestinalCardiovascularHepatic

How to take

FormsOral syrup, Oral concentrate, Oral tablet, Rectal suppository, Injection
RoutesOral, Injection, Rectal

Dosage is adjusted based on the individual's condition and severity. For adults, doses may be increased until symptoms are controlled, then gradually lowered to the lowest effective amount. Elderly patients usually require lower doses and should be monitored closely for low blood pressure.

The 100 mg and 200 mg tablets are specifically intended for severe neuropsychiatric conditions.

Key warnings

Chlorpromazine hydrochloride is not approved to treat dementia-related psychosis in elderly patients. Using this drug in these patients is linked to an increased risk of death from heart failure or infections.

  • ·Chlorpromazine hydrochloride is not approved to treat dementia-related psychosis in elderly patients. Using this drug in these patients is linked to an increased risk of death from heart failure or infections.
  • ·Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis face a higher risk of death.
  • ·Patients may develop tardive dyskinesia, which can cause permanent, uncontrollable muscle movements.
  • ·Avoid using this drug in children or adolescents if Reye's syndrome is suspected.
  • ·Do not use if you have a known allergy to phenothiazines.
  • ·Do not use if you are in a coma or using large amounts of central nervous system depressants like alcohol or narcotics.

Do not use if

  • ·Known hypersensitivity to phenothiazines
  • ·Comatose states
  • ·Presence of large amounts of CNS depressants (e.g., alcohol, narcotics)

Side effects

Common

DrowsinessLow blood pressure (hypotension)Jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes)Involuntary movements

Serious

  • ·Tardive dyskinesia (permanent involuntary movements)
  • ·Increased risk of death in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis
  • ·Severe low blood pressure
  • ·Seizures
  • ·Heart rhythm changes
  • ·Liver issues

Seek help if

  • ·Permanent involuntary movements
  • ·Yellowing of skin or eyes
  • ·Extreme sleepiness or coma
  • ·Seizures
  • ·Rapid or irregular heartbeat

Interactions

  • ·Other antipsychotics like Zyprexa Relprevv, Seroquel, Fanapt, and Haldol Solutab.
  • ·Medications like Arista, Invega, and Serzone.
  • ·Central nervous system depressants such as alcohol, barbiturates, and narcotics.
AlcoholAvoid using chlorpromazine with alcohol or other heavy sedatives, as it can lead to dangerous levels of central nervous system depression.

Special populations

PregnancySafety during pregnancy has not been fully established. It is only recommended if a doctor decides the benefits outweigh the risks. There is a risk of newborn jaundice or neurological issues.

BreastfeedingChlorpromazine passes into breast milk. A doctor should help decide if it is safer to stop breastfeeding or stop taking the medication.

PediatricUsed for severe behavioral problems in children aged 1 to 12, such as combativeness or hyperactive behavior with conduct disorders. Use in children with suspected Reye's syndrome should be avoided.

GeriatricElderly patients are more sensitive to low blood pressure and muscle reactions. Doses should be started lower and increased very gradually.

Talk to your doctor

Monitor

  • ·Blood pressure
  • ·Liver function (jaundice)
  • ·Involuntary muscle movements
  • ·Mental status/confusion

Questions to ask

  • ·Is this medication safe for my specific medical history?
  • ·How will this interact with my other medications?
  • ·What are the signs of liver or heart issues I should watch for?
  • ·How should I manage potential drowsiness?

Pharmacokinetics

ExcretionExcreted in breast milk

Practical

OverdoseSymptoms can include extreme sleepiness or coma, low blood pressure, agitation, seizures, fever, and heart rhythm changes. Treatment is focused on supporting the body and managing symptoms.

Ingredients

Allergens

lactose

Inactive

silicon dioxidelactose monohydratemagnesium stearatepovidonehypromellosepolyethylene glycoltitanium dioxide

Educational summary derived from FDA labeling, AI-assisted. Not medical advice — consult a healthcare professional. Updated 2026-04-25.