chlorpromazine
Table of Contents
chlorpromazine (Largactil)
see also: anti-psychotic medications, migraine
introduction:
- a phenothiazine medication used as a neuroleptic major tranquilliser in acute psychotic states as well as one of the most effective treatments of acute migraine headaches.
- half life ~ 30hrs, eliminated by the liver.
- main adverse effects are:
- orthostatic hypotension
- lowered seizure threshold
- dystonic reactions
- drowsiness
- rarely, neuroleptic malignant syndrome
- see phenothiazines for its main actions, adverse effects and details relating to its class effects.
- see also phenothiazine overdose
clinical usage
acute migraine Rx
IV bolus method for adults
- give 300-500ml crystalloid fluid (eg. NSaline) first to reduce risk of hypotension
- dilute 50mg chlorpromazine to 20mls using NSaline then administer 12.5mg (=5mls) over 1-5 minutes
- repeat dose every 20-30min if needed, up to max. of 37.5mg.
IV infusion method for adults
- add 25mg chloropromazine (1ml of the 50mg/2ml ampoule) to 1L NSaline and infuse over 30-60minutes
- repeat with HALF of this dose if needed in 20-30min.
chlorpromazine.txt · Last modified: 2009/04/20 06:07 by 127.0.0.1