chlorpromazine

Last reviewed 01/2018

Chlorpromazine is the main drug of the group of phenothiazines, and the prototype of all neuroleptics, having been introduced into psychiatry by Delay in 1952. It is a group 1 phenothiazine.

It has strong sedative, alpha-2 blocking and antiemetic actions and moderate extrapyramidal effects. It is the standard preparation for acutely excited patients.

Usual dose: Initial dose is 25mg tds or 75mg at night. The usual maintenance dose is 50-100mg tds. (up to 1000mg/day in special circumstances). Also used in smaller doses as an anxiolytic.

The summary of product characteristics should be consulted before prescribing this drug.