Chlorpromazine: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Chlorpromazine is a phenothiazine antipsychotic medicine used mainly to manage manifestations of psychotic disorders and schizophrenia. It is also used for nausea and vomiting, severe behavioural problems in some children, manic symptoms, and other specific conditions. Chlorpromazine requires a prescription in the United Kingdom, and generic versions are available.

Chlorpromazine is used to manage manifestations of psychotic disorders and to treat schizophrenia. It may also be used to control nausea and vomiting, relieve restlessness and apprehension before surgery, and control manic symptoms associated with manic-depressive illness.

Other listed uses include acute intermittent porphyria, support in the treatment of tetanus, and relief of intractable hiccups. In children, it is listed for severe behavioural problems marked by combativeness or explosive, hyperexcitable behaviour, and for short-term treatment of hyperactive children with excessive motor activity and accompanying conduct problems. Use in children requires careful clinical assessment, because the label gives specific age-related restrictions and dosage considerations.

Chlorpromazine belongs to the phenothiazine group of antipsychotic medicines. It mainly reduces the effect of dopamine, a chemical messenger involved in mood, thinking, movement, and the vomiting reflex. By reducing excessive dopamine signalling in particular areas of the brain, it can lessen psychotic symptoms and manic symptoms and can help control nausea and vomiting.

The same broad effects on brain signalling can also influence movement, alertness, blood pressure, and muscle control. This helps explain possible effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, postural hypotension, restlessness, or movement-related reactions. Chlorpromazine also has effects on other chemical messenger systems, which may contribute to its calming and anti-sickness actions as well as some unwanted effects.

The label lists oral concentrate strengths of 30 mg/mL and 100 mg/mL, an intramuscular injection strength of 25 mg/mL, and oral tablet strengths of 10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg. The label lists coated, film-coated, and sugar-coated tablets in these same strengths.

The usual starting dose is adjusted to the individual, the condition, and the response. The label lists gradual dose increases until symptoms are controlled, followed by gradual reduction to the lowest effective maintenance level after control has been maintained. The label lists 10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg, and 200 mg tablets, with 100 mg and 200 mg tablets intended for severe neuropsychiatric conditions.

The label lists lower ranges and more gradual increases for elderly, debilitated, or emaciated patients. The label lists different schedules for psychotic disorders, nausea and vomiting, presurgical apprehension, hiccups, porphyria, and paediatric use.

A missed dose should be handled according to the prescriber or pharmacist's instructions, because chlorpromazine schedules vary by condition and formulation. A missed dose should not be replaced by taking extra medicine or changing the schedule without professional advice. If several doses have been missed, the prescribing clinician or pharmacist can advise how treatment should restart safely, particularly because sudden changes may affect symptoms or unwanted reactions.

The chlorpromazine label does not specify pregnancy data. Anyone who is pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding should discuss treatment with a doctor or pharmacist before making changes. The need for treatment should be reviewed with the prescriber, particularly where chlorpromazine is being used for a long-term condition.

Store chlorpromazine tablets at 20°C to 25°C. Protect them from light and moisture, and keep them out of the reach of children. Keep the medicine in its labelled container and follow the storage directions on the label to maintain quality.