Thorazine (Chlorpromazine) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Thorazine

Nausea and Vomiting »

Nausea and vomiting facts

Nausea and vomiting are symptoms of a disease or condition. The underlying cause of the illness causing nausea and vomiting should be identified and treated.
Nausea and vomiting symptom control is important both for comfort's sake and to prevent dehydration.
Dehydration can worsen nausea and vomiting.
Medication may be available to control symptoms of nausea and vomiting.

Introduction to nausea and vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are symptoms of an underlying illness and not a specific disease. Nausea is the sensation that the stomach wants to empty itself, while vomiting (emesis) or throwing up, is the act of forcible emptying of the stomach. The term "dry heaves" refers to an episode of vomiting where there is no food in the stomach to vomit, and only clear secretions are vomited.

Vomiting is a violent act in which the stomach almost...

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Thorazine

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Thorazine Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking chlorpromazine (Thorazine)?

Chlorpromazine is not for use in psychotic conditions related to dementia. Chlorpromazine may cause heart failure, sudden death, or pneumonia in older adults with dementia-related conditions.

Do not use chlorpromazine if you have brain damage, bone marrow depression, or are also using large amounts of alcohol or medicines that make you sleepy. Do not use if you are allergic to chlorpromazine or other phenothiazines such as fluphenazine (Permitil), perphenazine (Trilafon), prochlorperazine (Compazine, Compro), promethazine (Adgan, Pentazine, Phenergan), thioridazine (Mellaril), or trifluoperazine (Stelazine).

If you have certain conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication. Before you take chlorpromazine, tell your doctor if you have:

liver or kidney disease;
heart disease or high blood pressure;
severe asthma, emphysema, or other breathing problem;
glaucoma;
past or present breast cancer;
low levels of calcium in your blood (hypocalcemia);
adrenal gland tumor (pheochromocytoma);
an enlarged prostate or urination problems;
a history of seizures;
Parkinson's disease; or
if you have ever had a serious side effect while using chlorpromazine or any other phenothiazine.

Tell your doctor if you will be exposed to extreme heat or cold, or to insecticide poisons while you are taking chlorpromazine.

It is not known whether chlorpromazine will harm an unborn baby. Chlorpromazine may cause side effects in a newborn if the mother takes the medication during pregnancy. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant while taking chlorpromazine.

Chlorpromazine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Talk with your doctor before giving this medication to a child who has been ill with a fever or flu symptoms.

Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from this medication.

How should I take chlorpromazine (Thorazine)?

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

This medication can cause you to have unusual results with certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using chlorpromazine.

If you need to have any type of x-ray scan or MRI of your spinal cord, tell the doctor ahead of time that you are using chlorpromazine. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time.

Do not stop using chlorpromazine suddenly after long-term use, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or feeling shaky. Talk to your doctor about how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when you stop using chlorpromazine.

Store chlorpromazine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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