Chlorpromazine
Chlorpromazine is an antipsychotic medicine, also called a first generation antipsychotic or a phenothiazine medicine
- Largactil "lar-GAK-til"
What can it be used for?
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The doctor can prescribe chlorpromazine as a licensed medicine for schizophrenia, autism, mania, severe anxiety, agitation and dangerous or violent impulsive behaviour for children and young people aged over 1 year old.
Ways to take and what's in it?
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25mg, 50mg, and 100mg strengths
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25mg/5ml – one 5ml spoonful is like a 25mg tablet
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The short acting injection contains 25mg in one injection or 50mg in one injection. It is usually used in hospital when needed in an emergency. It is injected deep into a muscle.
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Oral syrup (25mg/5ml or 100mg/5ml – one 5ml spoonful is like a 25mg tablet or 100mg tablet)
If you have taken more chlorpromazine than it said on the label, you must see a doctor quickly - even if you do not feel any different.
Chlorpromazine can also cause other serious side-effects: allergic reactions (difficulty breathing, swelling of your face or throat, itching skin lumps), and other serious symptoms. Go to a hospital if you get any of these symptoms, with your medicine.
Stopping chlorpromazine suddenly can cause serious side-effects – go to your doctor if you want to stop, or if you are having these effects.
You might feel sleepy or less alert in the first few days after taking chlorpromazine - do not drive a car, ride a bike or operate machines until you see how this affects you.
If you take chlorpromazine while you are pregnant, we do not know if it can affect the developing baby. Use good contraception while you are taking chlorpromazine. It can also cause withdrawal symptoms in newborn babies if you take it at the end of pregnancy. Talk to your doctor or midwife about this and get their help.