Thorazine

Thorazine is a prescription medication used to treat several different conditions, including severe 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 may include 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 It?

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

How Does Thorazine Work?

As mentioned, 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 this medication works. However, it is known to block or lessen 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 It

The following are some general considerations for when and how to take Thorazine:
 
  • The medication comes in tablet form. It is usually taken by mouth one to six times daily.
  • You can 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 an even level in your blood.
  • For Thorazine to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. The medication will not work if you stop taking it.
     

Dosing Information

The dose of Thorazine 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 taking.
     
As always, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Thorazine Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Thorazine

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Thorazine. However, not everyone who takes the medicine will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well. If 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 include but are not limited to:
 
(Click Thorazine Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions

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

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 to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose?

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 take too much, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Thorazine Overdose for more information.)
 

How Should Thorazine Be Stored?

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

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 take a double dose.
 

Available 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.
     

Generic Thorazine

Currently, only generic Thorazine is available for sale (see 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;