What it means
A first-generation (typical) antipsychotic of the phenothiazine group, used for schizophrenia and other psychoses. Side effects include sleepiness, dizziness on standing (orthostatic hypotension), dry mouth and constipation, sun sensitivity, and movement problems: extrapyramidal symptoms and, after long use, tardive dyskinesia. A rare, dangerous reaction is neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Like all antipsychotics, it has a boxed warning for a higher death rate in older adults with dementia-related psychosis. Its name looks like chlordiazepoxideklor-dy-az-uh-POK-sideA long-acting benzodiazepine used for anxiety and for alcohol withdrawal.Full entry .
For the nurse
Check blood pressure lying and standing and help the client get up slowly. Watch for stiffness, restlessness, tremor or odd movements of the face and tongue, and report a high fever with muscle rigidity at once. Teach sun protection. Avoid getting the liquid on your skin, because it can cause a rash.
At a glance
| Drug class | first-generation antipsychotic (phenothiazine) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Thorazine (former US brand) |
| Spanish | clorpromazina |
| Also written | Thorazine |
Easy to confuse with
chlordiazepoxide
A long-acting benzodiazepine used for anxiety and for alcohol withdrawal.
Related terms
hallucination
Hearing, seeing, feeling, smelling or tasting something that is not really there.