Generic Name: Chlorpromazine
Brand Name: Thorazine
Classification: Antipsychotic
Dose, Route, Frequency:
50mg 1tab OD HS
Mechanism of Action: Chlorpromazine is a neuroleptic that acts by blocking the postsynaptic
dopamine receptor in the mesolimbic dopaminergic system and inhibits the release
of hypothalamic and hypophyseal hormones. It has antiemetic, serotonin-blocking, and weak
antihistaminic properties and slight ganglion-blocking activity.
Desired Effect: This drug improves thought processes and the behavior of the client with
psychotic symptoms. It provides sedation to patients with insomnia, emotional quieting for
patients with delusions and hallucinations, psychomotor slowing to patients experiencing
hyperactivity.
Indications: Chlorpromazine is used virtually in all types of psychoses. It can be combined with
other anti-psychotics. Chlorpromazine is also used to control anxiety or agitation
in certain patients to relieve a wide range of drug or disease induced vomiting, and in severe
hiccups. Chlorpromazine is also used in the treatment of tetanus in combination with other drugs.
Contraindications:
Hypersensitivity
Cross-sensitivity may exist among phenothiazines. Should not be used in narrow-
angleglaucoma.
Should not be used in patients who have CNS depression.
Coma
bone-marrow suppression
phaeochromocytoma
Nursing Responsibilities
Rationale
1. Check doctors order for the drug name, To verify to correct drug therapy ordered to
dosage, route, and frequency.
2. Obtain the appropriate medication
the patient.
and This is a safety check to ensure that the
compare the label of the medication to the right medication is given
medication card.
3. Check the expiration date of medication and Outdated medications are not safe to
proper and clear labeling of the drug.
administer
and
clear
labels
ensure
accuracy
4. While preparing the medication, recheck drug This second safety check reduces the chance
and container with the medication card.
of error
5. Discuss with the patient about the name of the To gain
patients compliance
to
the
drug, its purpose, route, dosage and frequency treatment regimen and to prevent over
prior to administration.
6. Place the prepared medication
and
dosing or taking the wrong medicine.
the To ensure administration of right drug
medication card together on the medication
tray.
7. Recheck the label of the medication before This third check further reduces the risk of
returning the box to its storage place.
8. Administer the drug at the same time each day.
error.
To maintain a balanced drug serum level,
and to potentiate the effectiveness of the
drug.
9. Observe and apply appropriate interventions
for adverse effects:
Administer Antipyretic as ordered
Use sugarless gum or candy
Use sun protection such as sunglasses
Because drug elevates body
temperature
Because drug causes dry mouth
Because drug causes photosensitivity
Because drug occasionally cause
and long sleeves clothing that can cover
drop in blood pressure
the skin
Ensure patients safety and caution
patient to change position slowly.
10. Document the medication given, dosage, time, For
and nurses signature.
legal
purposes
and
serves
as
information to members of health care team