Thorazine

Thorazine is a prescription medication that can be used for treating a number of different conditions, including severe attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, acute intermittent porphyria, and schizophrenia. The medicine works by affecting a certain chemical in the brain called dopamine. Thorazine comes in tablet form and is generally taken one to six times a day. Side effects of the drug may include a dry mouth, nausea, constipation, and blurred vision.

 

What Is Thorazine?

Part of a class of drugs known as "typical antipsychotics," Thorazine® (chlorpromazine hydrochloride) is a prescription medicine that has been licensed for the treatment of:
 
  • Schizophrenia
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Restlessness and worry before surgery
  • Acute intermittent porphyria (to help relieve nausea and vomiting associated with this condition)
  • Tetanus (in combination with other medications)
  • Mania symptoms in people with bipolar disorder (also known as manic depression)
  • Hiccups that will not go away
  • Severe behavior problems in children
  • Severe attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children (for short-term use only).
     

Who Makes Thorazine?

Thorazine was originally manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline.
 Although brand-name Thorazine is no longer being made, generic Thorazine is still available. Generic Thorazine is made by several different companies.
 
(Click Thorazine Uses for more information on what Thorazine is used for, including possible off-label uses.)
 

How Does Thorazine Work?

Thorazine belongs to a group of medications called typical (or first-generation) antipsychotic medications. In particular, it is part of a group of medications called phenothiazines. It is not entirely known precisely how Thorazine works. However, it is known that the drug blocks or lessens the effects of dopamine, a chemical in the brain. Dopamine may be elevated in people with schizophrenia.
 
Thorazine is not a cure for schizophrenia. It only helps to control symptoms (see Symptoms of Schizophrenia).
 
Since dopamine can activate the part of the brain that controls nausea and vomiting, Thorazine can treat severe nausea and vomiting by lessening the effects of dopamine in the brain.
 

When and How to Take Thorazine

The following are some general considerations for when and how to take Thorazine:
 
  • Thorazine comes in tablet form. It is usually taken by mouth one to six times daily.
     
  • It does not matter if you take the medication with or without food. If Thorazine bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
     
  • Thorazine should be taken at the same time(s) each day to maintain even levels of the drug in your blood.
     
  • For Thorazine to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. Thorazine will not work if you stop taking it.
     

Thorazine Dosing

The dose of Thorazine that your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • The medical condition being treated
  • Your age and weight
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be currently taking.
     
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Thorazine Dosage for more information about dosing for Thorazine.)
 

Side Effects of Thorazine

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with Thorazine. However, not everyone who takes the medicine will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well. When Thorazine side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Common side effects of Thorazine include but are not limited to:
 
(Click Thorazine Side Effects to learn about specific side effects of Thorazine, including some of the more serious side effects that you should report to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions With Thorazine

Thorazine can potentially interact with a number of other medicines.
 
(Click Thorazine Drug Interactions for more information about Thorazine and other medicines.)
 

Thorazine: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking Thorazine if you have:
 
  • Kidney problems, such as kidney failure (renal failure)
  • Liver problems, including liver failure or cirrhosis
  • Breathing problems, including infections, asthma, or emphysema
  • Glaucoma
  • An enlarged prostate (also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH)
  • Difficulty passing urine
  • Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
     
Also let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
You should also make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you may be taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Thorazine Warnings and Precautions for more information on this topic, including information on who should not take Thorazine.)
 

Overdose With Thorazine

People who take too much Thorazine may have overdose symptoms that could include:
 
  • Drowsiness
  • Coma
  • Low blood pressure (hypotension)
  • Unusual body or facial movements or twitches
  • Agitation and restlessness
  • Seizures
  • A fever
  • Intestinal blockage
  • Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
     
If you happen to overdose on Thorazine, seek medical attention immediately.
 
(Click Thorazine Overdose for more information.)
 

Thorazine: Storage Methods

Thorazine should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. The tablets should be stored in an airtight container.
 
Keep Thorazine and all other medications out of the reach of children.
 

Thorazine: What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your Thorazine as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double your dose of Thorazine.
 

Thorazine: Strengths

Generic Thorazine tablets are available in the following strengths:
 
  • Chlorpromazine 10 mg
  • Chlorpromazine 25 mg
  • Chlorpromazine 50 mg
  • Chlorpromazine 100 mg
  • Chlorpromazine 200 mg.
     

Thorazine Generic

Currently, only generic Thorazine is available for sale.
 
(Click Generic Thorazine for more information.)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;