Medical Uses
Chlorpromazine is classified as a low-potency typical antipsychotic and in the past was used in the treatment of both acute and chronic psychoses, including schizophrenia and the manic phase of bipolar disorder as well as amphetamine-induced psychoses. Low-potency antipsychotics have more anticholinergic side effects such as dry mouth, sedation and constipation, and lower rates of extrapyramidal side effects, while high-potency antipsychotics (such as haloperidol) have the reverse profile.
The use of chlorpromazine and other typical antipsychotics has been largely replaced by newer generation of atypical antipsychotics which are generally better tolerated. Recent global review of data supports its effectiveness as an antipsychotic.
Chlorpromazine has also been used in porphyria and as part of tetanus treatment. It still is recommended for short term management of severe anxiety and aggressive episodes. Resistant and severe hiccups, severe nausea/emesis and preanesthetic conditioning are other uses. Symptoms of delirium in medically hospitalized AIDS patients have been effectively treated with low doses of chlorpromazine.
Read more about this topic: Thorazine
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