Chlorpromazine (Injection)

Introduction:

Chlorpromazine (klor-PROE-ma-zeen)

Treats mental illness and behavior disorders. Used in tetanus and blood disorders such as porphyria. Also treats severe nausea and vomiting and reduces anxiety before surgery.

Brand Name(s):

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
• This medicine may also be given as a shot into one of your muscles.
• A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.

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 taking blood pressure medicines such as Inderal®.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking water pills such as hydrochlorothiazide, Aldactazide®, Aldactone®, or Dyazide®.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin®), or medicines to treat cancer.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using lithium, or medicine for seizures (such as Dilantin®, or Amipaque®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding or if you have ever had breast cancer.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have glaucoma, asthma, emphysema or other lung problems. Tell your doctor is you have a history of seizures, heart disease, liver disease, or kidney disease.
• Let your doctor know if you have been exposed to extreme heat or insecticides.
• This medicine may make you drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing any thing else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
• 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.
• Your doctor will need to check your progress at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
• This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Use a sunscreen when you are outdoors. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

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

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Decrease in how much or how often you urinate.
• Fever, sweating, confusion, irregular heartbeat, or muscle stiffness.
• Lightheadedness or fainting.
• Problems with balance or walking.
• Seizures
• Twitching or muscle movement you cannot control.
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.
• Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes.

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

• Blurred vision
• Breast enlargement.
• Change in your menstrual periods.
• Dry mouth, stuffy nose.
• Problems with having sex (for men).

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