Mesoridazine
Mesoridazine is a first-generation (typical) antipsychotic medication that was primarily used to treat schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. It belongs to the phenothiazine class of antipsychotics and was known for its sedating properties.
A first-generation antipsychotic formerly used for schizophrenia, now largely discontinued due to cardiac safety concerns.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N05AC03
- RxNorm
- 6779
- Generic
- Mesoridazine
- Class
- atc-n05
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet, solution
- 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 trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use near term due to potential neonatal effects
neonatal monitoring after delivery
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingcontraindicated
do not breastfeed while taking this medication
infant monitoring if exposure occurs
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlyreduce initial dose
use with extreme caution due to increased sensitivity to sedative effects, hypotension, and anticholinergic reactions
regular monitoring of blood pressure, cardiac function, and cognitive status
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children adolescentsnot recommended
not recommended for use in pediatric populations due to limited safety and efficacy data
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
renal_impairment
mildno adjustment typically required
use with caution; monitor renal function
monitor renal function periodically
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
moderate severeuse lower dose
use with caution; consider dose reduction
monitor renal function and drug levels if available
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mildno adjustment typically required
use with caution; monitor liver function
monitor liver function tests
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate severereduce dose
use with caution; dose reduction recommended due to impaired metabolism
monitor liver function and clinical response
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Antipsychotic medication classification
Primary indications
Therapeutic indications
Market availability
Current market status
Mechanism of action
Pharmacological mechanism
Mesoridazine was indicated for the treatment of schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders, as well as severe behavioral problems in adults with psychiatric conditions.
Mesoridazine works primarily by blocking dopamine D2 receptors in the brain, which helps reduce psychotic symptoms. It also affects alpha-adrenergic and muscarinic receptors, contributing to its sedating and anticholinergic effects.
This medication has been withdrawn from the US market and many other countries due to significant cardiac risks, including QT prolongation and potential for serious arrhythmias. It has been replaced by newer atypical antipsychotics with improved safety profiles. Close cardiac monitoring would be required if used.
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