Chlorpromazine tablets

What is this medicine?

CHLORPROMAZINE (klor PROE ma zeen) has many different uses. It is used to treat certain mental and behavioral disorders. It is also used to control nausea and vomiting, nervousness before surgery, and hiccups that will not go away. It is also used to treat episodes of porphyria and in combination with other medicines to treat tetanus.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly. This can cause nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. Ask your doctor or health care professional for advice if you are to stop taking this medicine.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. While this medicine may be prescribed for children as young as 6 months for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breast enlargement in men or women

• breast milk in women who are not breast-feeding

• breathing problems

• changes in vision

• chest pain

• confusion, drooling, restlessness

• dark urine

• fast, irregular heartbeat

• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

• fever, chills, sore throat

• seizures

• stomach area pain

• uncontrollable movements of the eyes, mouth, head, arms, legs

• unusual bleeding, bruising

• unusually weak ot tired

• yellowing of skin or eyes

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• change in sex drive or performance

• headache

• trouble passing urine

• trouble sleeping

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• amoxapine

• arsenic trioxide

• certain antibiotics like gatifloxacin, grepafloxacin, sparfloxacin

• chloroquine

• cisapride

• clozapine

• droperidol

• ephedrine

• levomethadyl

• maprotiline

• medicines for mental depression

• medicines to control irregular heart rhythms

• phenylpropanolamine

• pimozide

• pindolol

• propranolol

• ranolazine

• risperidone

• trimethobenzamide

• ziprasidone

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• barbiturate medicines for inducing sleep or treating seizures, like phenobarbital

• diuretics

• local and general anesthetics

• phenytoin

• prescription pain medicines

• warfarin

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• blood disorders or disease

• dementia

• frequently drink alcoholic beverages

• liver disease

• Parkinson's disease

• Reye's syndrome

• uncontrollable movement disorder

• an unusual or allergic reaction to chlorpromazine, sulfa drugs, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress.

You may get drowsy, dizzy, or have blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can increase possible dizziness or drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

This medicine can reduce the response of your body to heat or cold. Dress warm in cold weather and stay hydrated in hot weather. If possible, avoid extreme temperatures like saunas, hot tubs, very hot or cold showers, or activities that can cause dehydration such as vigorous exercise.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.