Thioridazine
Thioridazine is a first-generation (typical) antipsychotic medication used primarily to treat schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. It belongs to the phenothiazine class of antipsychotics and works by modulating dopamine activity in the brain. Due to safety concerns, it is now rarely prescribed and typically reserved for patients who have not responded to other treatments.
Thioridazine is an older antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia and psychosis, now used sparingly due to cardiac and neurological side effect concerns.
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
- N05AC02
- RxNorm
- 10502
- Generic
- Thioridazine
- Class
- atc-n05a
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- 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.
Thioridazine is primarily indicated for the treatment of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. It may also be used for severe anxiety, behavioral disorders in children, and management of severe behavioral disturbances associated with dementia. Due to safety concerns, it is generally reserved as a second-line or third-line treatment option.
Thioridazine works primarily by blocking dopamine D2 receptors in the brain's mesolimbic pathway, which helps reduce positive symptoms of psychosis such as hallucinations and delusions. It also has antagonist effects on alpha-1 adrenergic receptors and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, contributing to both its therapeutic effects and side effect profile.
Thioridazine carries significant safety warnings including risk of QT prolongation (potentially fatal heart rhythm abnormalities), requiring baseline and periodic ECG monitoring. It may cause tardive dyskinesia (potentially irreversible movement disorder), neuroleptic malignant syndrome, and significant weight/metabolic changes. Due to these risks, its use is restricted in many countries and it is typically reserved for treatment-resistant cases.
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 27, 2026. · Read our editorial policy