Chlorpromazine overdose
Key points
- Chlorpromazine poisoning is an overdose of chlorpromazine, an anti-psychotic medication.
- Poison Control, or a local emergency number Call Poison Control or your local emergency number - they will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital.
- Expectations (prognosis) Recovery depends on the nature of the damage done by the overdose.
- See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses.
Definition
Chlorpromazine poisoning is an overdose of chlorpromazine, an anti-psychotic medication.
Poisonous Ingredient
Chlorpromazine
Where Found
Thorazine
Note: This list may not be all inclusive.
Symptoms
- Body as a whole
o Dry mouth
o Hypothermia (body temperature is lower than normal)
o Incoordination
o Fever
o Tremor
o Stiff muscles in neck or back or muscle spasms
o Urinary hesitancy
o Weakness
o Difficulty swallowing
o excessive salivation
o Convulsions
o Alteration of menstrual patterns - Eyes, ears, nose, and throat
o Nasal congestion
o Blurred vision
o Ulcers on the gums, tongue or in the throat
o Yellow eyes
o Skin rash - Gastrointestinal
o Nausea
o Constipation
o Loss of appetite - Heart and blood vessels
o Low blood pressure (severe)
o Rapid, irregular heartbeat - Nervous system
o Drowsiness
o Coma
o Disorientation
Home Treatment
DO NOT induce vomiting.
Before Calling Emergency
Determine the following information:
- Patient's age, weight, and condition
- The name of the product (ingredients and strengths if known)
- When it was swallowed
- The amount swallowed
- If the medication was prescribed for the patient
Poison Control, or a local emergency number
Call Poison Control or your local emergency number - they will instruct you if it is necessary to take the patient to the hospital. See Poison Control centers for telephone numbers and addresses. If possible, take the container with you to the emergency room.
What to expect at the emergency room
Some or all of the following procedures may be performed:
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
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