Chlorpromazine Hcl

CHLORPROMAZINE TABLETS, LIQUID - ORAL (klor-PRO-muh-zeen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Thorazine

USES: Chlorpromazine is used for certain types of mental or emotional conditions. It is also used to control hiccups, reduce anxiety and treat nausea and vomiting.

HOW TO TAKE THIS MEDICATION: Take with food or milk if stomach upset occurs, unless directed otherwise by your doctor. Do not suddenly stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. In the treatment of mental or emotional conditions it may take up to two weeks for full effects of this medication to be noticed.

SIDE EFFECTS: Constipation, drowsiness, vision changes, or dry mouth may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor. Unlikely to occur but report promptly: restlessness, muscle stiffness, weakness, difficulty speaking, loss of balance, mask- like facial expression; trembling or shaking; dizziness; lip smacking or other uncontrollable movements; difficulty urinating; skin rash/discoloration. Very unlikely to occur but report promptly: sore throat; unusual bleeding or bruising; stomach pain; yellowing of eyes or skin; dark urine, hot dry skin, vomiting. Though very unlikely to occur, notify your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following effects: severe muscle stiffness, confusion, fever, seizures; irregular/fast heartbeat; increased sweating; prolonged/painful erection. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially: very high or very low blood pressure; liver disease, heart disease, Reye's syndrome; alcohol or drug dependencies; nervous system problems, blood disorders, any allergies (especially drug allergies). Use caution performing tasks that require alertness, such as driving or using machinery. Use of alcohol can cause extreme drowsiness. Avoid alcohol consumption. This medication may increase sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid prolonged sun exposure and wear a sunscreen and protective clothing when you are exposed to the sun. This medication can reduce sweating making you more susceptible to heat stroke. Avoid strenuous work or exercise in hot weather. The manufacturer of this drug does not recommend its use during pregnancy. However, it may be used in certain cases. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug is excreted into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast- feeding.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Inform your doctor about all the medications you may use (both prescription and nonprescription) especially: sparfloxacin, grepafloxacin, guanethidine, guanadrel, metrizamide, cabergoline. Tell your doctor if you take drugs that cause drowsiness such as: medicine for sleep; sedatives, tranquilizers; anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam); narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine); psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines or tricyclics); anti- seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine); muscle relaxants; antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine). Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of these products. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include restlessness, muscle spasms, tremors, twitching, deep sleep or loss of consciousness, and seizures.

NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.

MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose and take 1 dose daily: take as soon as remembered unless it is almost time for the next dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume your usual schedule. If you take more than 1 dose daily: take as soon as possible if it is within an hour or so of the missed dose. If not remembered within an hour, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

 STORAGE: Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom.

Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information on enrollment call Medic Alert(TM) at 1-800-854- 1166. In Canada call 1-800-668-1507.