PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET

What is the medicine used for?

This medicine is used to treat psychiatric conditions such as schizophrenia (“split personality”), paranoia, mania and hypomania (different levels of overexcitement and aggression), severe anxiety, behavioural problems, childhood schizophrenia and autism.

It is used to treat stubborn hiccups.

It is used to treat nausea and vomiting where the patient is terminally ill.

What should I know before taking this medicine?

If you have any of the following conditions, you should talk to your doctor before using this medicine:

• heart problems, blood disorders, lung conditions, kidney disorders, Parkinson’s disease, narrow angle glaucoma (abnormal pressure in the eye accompanied by pain and blurred vision), enlarged prostate, epilepsy, muscle weakness with tiredness, tumour of the adrenal gland, an unusual reaction to any of the ingredients or other medicines like chlorpromazine, depression of the nervous system (dulled senses) or liver disorders.

If you are taking any of the following medicines, speak to your doctor before taking chlorpromazine.

• sedatives, anxiety medication, pain killers (e.g. codeine), epilepsy medication, blood pressure lowering medicine (e.g. guanethidine), heart medication, astemizole, terfenadine, pimozide, phenylpropanolamine, anti-Parkinson medication -e.g. levodopa, medication for malaria, cimetidine, diabetes medication, metirosine, tetrabenazine, lithium, trazodone, propranolol, sotalol, methyldopa, adrenaline, medication that controls muscle spasms and shaking (anticholinergics) and hypnotics (sleep inducing agents e.g. temazepam).

You must not take alcohol with this medicine.

 

If you are taking antacids, they should be taken at least two hours after taking chlorpromazine.

You should not drive or operate machinery if this medication makes you feel drowsy.

You should not take this medicine if you are pregnant or breast feeding.

Elderly patients should take chlorpromazine with caution in very hot or very cold weather.

If you are having an anaesthetic, you should tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking chlorpromazine.

Blood tests may be required whilst you are taking this medication.

You should avoid contact with direct sunlight if you are taking high doses of this medicine.

Avoid contact with the skin as it may cause dermatitis. If in contact, wash the area thoroughly.

This product contains hydroxybenzoates (preservatives) which may cause allergic reactions (possibly delayed). It also contains sorbitol and sucrose. If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this product. This product contains 2.25g of sucrose per 5ml dose. This should be taken into account if you have diabetes. It may be harmful to teeth.

How do I take this medicine?

Follow your doctor’s instructions on how and when to take this medicine.

The medicine is only to be taken via the mouth.

The usual dosage range is:

Adults: Usually 40mg-300mg daily in divided doses.

The dose prescribed and the frequency of the doses will depend upon the condition treated and on your response. You will start treatment on a low dose and it will be increased as necessary by your doctor.

Children Under 1 year: Not recommended.

Children 1-5 years: A total daily dose should not be more than 40mg and will be given in divided doses.

Children 6-12 years: A total daily dose should not be more than 75mg and will be given in divided doses.

The dose for children will be worked out according to their age and/or weight.

Elderly: The starting dose is usually one third or half the adult dose and it will be increased gradually by your doctor.

If an overdose is suspected, a doctor or hospital should be contacted immediately. This may show as quick and small breaths, low body temperature, low blood pressure, restlessness, twisting of the limbs, fits, unusual heart beats and coma.

If you miss a dose, wait until the next dose is due then take only one dose.

Dosage should be gradually decreased by your doctor, withdrawal effects may occur if this medicine is stopped suddenly.

Does the medicine have any side effects?

Along with the wanted effects of the medicine, other unwanted effects may occur. These may be:-

Inability to sleep, nightmares, depression, agitation, dry mouth, blocked nose, reduced emotion, paleness, fits, hypothermia, low blood pressure, fast heart beat, unusual heart beat, jaundice, liver problems, fever, blood disorders, inability to sit still, change in muscle tone leading to movement difficulties, grimacing and tics in the face, tremor, muscle stiffness, skin rash caused by the medicine on the skin, skin rashes, skin reaction to direct sunlight, eye changes, production and secretion of breast milk, light periods or absence of periods, enlarged breasts in men, decrease in sexual performance, weight gain, hyperglycaemia (high levels of glucose in the blood), high cholesterol levels, changes in bowel habits, change in levels of alertness and difficulty in breathing.

These effects may or may not occur. If you have a side effect that is not listed, talk to your doctor or your chemist.

Proper use of this medicine

On the label is an expiry date. The product should not be used after this time.

Once opened, the product should only be used for six months.

The medicine should be stored below 25ºC and should be kept from freezing.

The medicine should be stored out of the sight and reach of children.