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Chlorpromazine overdose

 

Chlorpromazine is a prescription medicine used to treat psychotic disorders. It may also be used to prevent nausea and vomiting, and for other reasons.

This medicine may also change the metabolism and the effect of other drugs.

Chlorpromazine overdose occurs when someone takes more than the normal or recommended amount of this medicine. This can be by accident or on purpose.

This is for information only and not for use in the treatment or management of an actual overdose . DO NOT use it to treat or manage an actual overdose. If you or someone you are with overdoses, call your local emergency number (such as 911), or your local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States.

Poisonous Ingredient

Chlorpromazine can be poisonous in large amounts.

Where Found

 

Chlorpromazine is found in these medicines:

  • Thorazine
  • Largactil

Other medicines may also contain chlorpromazine.

 

Symptoms

 

Below are symptoms of a chlorpromazine overdose in different parts of the body.

AIRWAYS AND LUNGS

  • No breathing
  • Rapid breathing
  • Shallow breathing

BLADDER AND KIDNEYS

  • Cannot urinate
  • Weak urine stream

EYES, EARS, NOSE, MOUTH, AND THROAT

  • Blurred vision
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Drooling
  • Dry mouth
  • Sores on the gums, tongue, or in the throat
  • Stuffy nose
  • Yellow eyes

HEART AND BLOOD

  • High or very low blood pressure
  • Rapid, irregular heartbeat

MUSCLES, BONES AND JOINTS

  • Muscle spasms
  • Stiff muscles in the neck or back

NERVOUS SYSTEM

  • Coma
  • Confusion
  • Convulsions
  • Drowsiness
  • Fainting
  • Fever
  • Hallucinations (rare)
  • Irritability
  • Low body temperature
  • Tremor
  • Uncoordinated movements
  • Weakness

REPRODUCTIVE SYSTEM

  • Change in female menstrual pattern

SKIN

  • Bluish skin color
  • Rash

STOMACH AND INTESTINES

  • Constipation
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea

 

Home Care

 

Seek medical help right away. DO NOT make a person throw up unless poison control or a health care provider tells you to do so.

 

Before Calling Emergency

 

Have this information ready:

  • Person's age, weight, and condition
  • The name of the medicine and strength, if known
  • When it was swallowed
  • The amount swallowed
  • If the medicine was prescribed for the person

 

Poison Control

 

Your local poison center can be reached directly by calling the national toll-free Poison Help hotline (1-800-222-1222) from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.

This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

 

What to Expect at the Emergency Room

 

Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.

The health care provider will measure and monitor the person's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated. The person may receive:

  • Activated charcoal
  • Breathing support, including oxygen and a tube through the mouth into the lungs
  • Blood and urine tests
  • Chest x-ray
  • CT scan (advanced brain imaging)
  • EKG (electrocardiogram, or heart tracing)
  • Intravenous fluids (through a vein)
  • Laxative
  • Medicine to reverse the effects of the drug
  • Tube placed down the nose and into the stomach

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

Recovery depends on the amount of damage. Survival past 2 days is usually a good sign. If there are nervous system symptoms, they may be lifelong. The most serious side effects are usually due to damage to the heart. If heart damage can be stabilized, recovery is likely.

 

 

Open References

References

Velez LI, Feng S-Y. Anticholinergics. In: Marx JA, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 150.

Wittler MA, Lavonas EJ. Antipsychotics. In: Marx JA, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 161.

 

        Self Care

         

          Tests for Chlorpromazine overdose

           
             

            Review Date: 7/11/2015

            Reviewed By: Jacob L. Heller, MD, MHA, Emergency Medicine, Virginia Mason Medical Center, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

            The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

             
             
             

             

             

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