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

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