Chlorpromazine
Chlorpromazine is a first-generation antipsychotic medication used to treat serious mental health conditions such as schizophrenia and severe behavioral disorders. It is also used for managing nausea, vomiting, and hiccups that don't respond to other treatments, and as a pre-operative sedative.
Chlorpromazine is an antipsychotic medication used to treat schizophrenia, severe behavioral problems, and other conditions by affecting dopamine activity in the brain.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N05AA01
- RxNorm
- 2403
- Generic
- Chlorpromazine
- Class
- atc-n05
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- rectal, oral
- Forms
- injection, tablet, solution, suspension
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse lowest effective dose
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits clearly outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring and obstetric assessment
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use near delivery due to risk of neonatal extrapyramidal symptoms
monitor newborn for withdrawal symptoms and movement disorders
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid
do not breastfeed during chlorpromazine therapy
monitor infant for excessive drowsiness and developmental milestones
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlystart at 25% of adult dose
use lower initial doses and titrate slowly due to increased sensitivity
monitor blood pressure lying and standing, monitor for sedation and confusion
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children under 6avoid in children under 6 months
use only when specifically indicated with extreme caution
monitor growth, development, and extrapyramidal symptoms
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
adolescentsuse lower doses
use with caution in adolescents monitor for side effects
monitor weight metabolic changes and movement disorders
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mildno major adjustment needed
use with caution monitor renal function
monitor renal function tests periodically
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severereduce dose by 25-50%
use reduced doses and monitor closely
frequent monitoring of renal function and drug levels
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderatereduce dose by 25-50%
use with caution in hepatic impairment
monitor liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
severeavoid if possible
use only if absolutely necessary with extreme dose reduction
frequent liver function monitoring and clinical assessment
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Antipsychotic medication classification
FDA approval year
Initial FDA approval date for Chlorpromazine
Primary indications
FDA-approved therapeutic uses
Mechanism of action
Primary pharmacodynamic mechanism
Chlorpromazine is used to treat schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, severe behavioral problems in children, nausea and vomiting, intractable hiccups, and as a pre-operative sedative. It may also be used for acute intermittent porphyria and tetanus.
Chlorpromazine works primarily by blocking dopamine D2 receptors in the brain, which helps reduce psychotic symptoms. It also has blocking effects on histamine, acetylcholine, and alpha-1 adrenergic receptors, contributing to its various therapeutic and side effects.
Chlorpromazine can cause significant side effects including sedation, dizziness, dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, weight gain, and orthostatic hypotension. It may cause extrapyramidal symptoms such as tremor, rigidity, and involuntary movements. Regular monitoring of blood pressure, blood counts, and liver function is recommended. Avoid alcohol and exposure to sunlight during treatment.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy