Chlorpromazine is a phenothiazine (FEEN-oh-THYE-a-zeen) that is used to treat psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia or manic-depression in adults.

Chlorpromazine is also used in adults to treat nausea and vomiting, anxiety before surgery, chronic hiccups, acute intermittent porphyria, and symptoms of tetanus.

In children ages 1 through 12 years, chlorpromazine is used to treat severe behavioral problems (such as combative or explosive behavior) or hyperactivity with excessive motor activity.

Chlorpromazine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to chlorpromazine or other phenothiazines (such as fluphenazine, perphenazine, prochlorperazine, promethazine, thioridazine, or trifluoperazine).

Chlorpromazine may increase the risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis and is not approved for this use.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice. Talk with your doctor before giving chlorpromazine to a child who has been ill with a fever or flu symptoms.

Using antipsychotic medicine in the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause medical problems, breathing problems, feeding problems, or withdrawal symptoms in the newbornDo not stop using chlorpromazine without your doctor's advice.. However, you may have withdrawal symptoms or other problems if you stop using your medicine during pregnancy. If you get pregnant, tell your doctor right away.

You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

Do not use chlorpromazine if you have recently used large amounts of alcohol or medicine that makes you sleepy.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

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

• severe asthma, emphysema, or other breathing problem;
• a sulfite allergy;
• bone marrow suppression;
• heart disease;
• liver or kidney disease;
• breast cancer;
• glaucoma;
• Parkinson's disease;
• seizures;
• a blockage in your intestines;
• a brain tumor; or
• pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland).

Use Thorazine (Chlorpromazine (Oral/Injection)) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these : hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. signs of an allergic reaction

Long-term use of chlorpromazine can cause a serious movement disorder that may not be reversible. The longer you use chlorpromazine, the more likely you are to develop this disorder, especially if you are a an older adult.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

Some side effects may be more likely in older adults.

• uncontrolled muscle movements in your face (chewing, lip smacking, frowning, tongue movement, blinking or eye movement);
• stiffness in your neck, tightness in your throat, trouble breathing or swallowing;
• a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
• confusion, agitation, feeling jittery, trouble sleeping;
• weakness;
• breast swelling or discharge;
• a seizure;
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
• low white blood cell counts--fever, chills, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough, trouble breathing, feeling light-headed; or
• severe nervous system reaction--very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, feeling like you might pass out.

• drowsiness;
• dry mouth or stuffy nose;
• blurred vision;
• constipation; or
• impotence, trouble having an orgasm.

Common side effects may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.

Drinking alcohol with this medicine can cause side effects.

Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Chlorpromazine can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.

Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.