Generic Chlorpromazine

Introduction

Chlorpromazine is a phenothiazine antipsychotic that has been used for more than seven decades to manage severe mental health disorders. In the United Kingdom it is listed in the British National Formulary (BNF) for the treatment of schizophrenia, acute psychosis, severe behavioural disturbance and, in lower doses, for nausea, vomiting and intractable hiccups. The medication is supplied as the active compound chlorpromazine and falls within the mental‑illness therapeutic group. Although originally marketed under brand names such as Thorazine, today most prescriptions are written for the generic molecule, providing a cost‑effective alternative for patients and prescribers.

What is Chlorpromazine?

Chlorpromazine is the generic version of the original brand Thorazine, containing the same active compound chlorpromazine. It belongs to the phenothiazine class of antipsychotics, which were among the first drugs developed for psychiatric conditions. The molecule was first synthesised by Paul Charpentier in France in the early 195s and quickly adopted worldwide for its powerful dopamine‑blocking activity. The drug is manufactured by several licensed pharmaceutical companies; manufacturing licences in the UK are overseen by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

Our online pharmacy provides this generic alternative as a cost‑effective treatment option, meeting the same quality standards as the branded product.

How Chlorpromazine Works

Chlorpromazine exerts its therapeutic effect principally by antagonising dopamine D₂ receptors in the mesolimbic pathway, reducing the overstimulation that underlies psychotic symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations. It also blocks serotonin 5‑HT₂, histamine H₁, muscarinic M₁ and α₁‑adrenergic receptors, which explains both its broader clinical utility (e.g., anti‑emetic and sedative actions) and many of its side‑effect profiles.

After oral administration, chlorophyllazine is rapidly absorbed, reaching peak plasma concentrations within 2–4 hours. The drug is highly protein‑bound (≈95 %) and undergoes hepatic metabolism mainly via CYP2D6 to active metabolites such as desmethylchlorpromazine. The elimination half‑life averages 30 hours but can extend to 70 hours in slow metabolisers, which informs the once‑ or twice‑daily dosing regimens commonly used in the UK.

Conditions Treated with Chlorpromazine

• Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders – Chlorpromazine remains an effective first‑line option for acute and maintenance therapy, especially where cost constraints limit access to newer atypical agents.
• Severe behavioural disturbance – Used in hospital settings for patients with aggression or agitation that threaten safety.
• Acute psychosis – Oral or intramuscular formulations provide rapid symptom control.
• Nausea vomiting – Low‑dose regimens (10‑25 mg) are employed when standard anti‑emetics are ineffective, such as in chemotherapy‑induced nausea.
• Intractable hiccups – Rarely, chlorpromazine is prescribed when hiccups persist despite conventional measures.

In the UK, the prevalence of schizophrenia is estimated at .4 % of the adult population, making chlorpromazine a widely relevant medication within mental health services and community prescribing.

Who is Chlorpromazine For?

Suitable candidates for chlorpromazine include adults (≥ 18 years) diagnosed with:

• Schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or other primary psychotic illnesses requiring dopamine blockade.
• Acute agitation or severe behavioural disturbance where rapid tranquillisation is indicated.
• Refractory nausea or vomiting that does not respond to standard anti‑emetics.

Chlorpromazine should be avoided or used with caution in:

• Patients with a known hypersensitivity to phenothiazines.
• Individuals with severe cardiovascular disease (e.g., uncontrolled arrhythmias, recent myocardial infarction) because of α₁‑adrenergic blockade.
• Persons with a history of neuroleptic malignant syndrome, tardive dyskinesia, or severe extrapyramidal disorder.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women unless the benefits clearly outweigh the risks; the drug crosses the placenta and is excreted in breast milk.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Sedation – Drowsiness, fatigue, or diminished alertness, particularly at the start of therapy.
• Anticholinergic effects – Dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, and urinary retention.
• Orthostatic hypotension – Light‑headedness on standing due to α₁‑adrenergic blockade.
• Weight gain – Modest increase in appetite and body mass over prolonged use.

Rare

• Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) – Acute dystonia, Parkinsonism, and akathisia may appear, especially at higher doses.
• Photosensitivity – Increased skin sensitivity to sunlight; patients should use sunscreen.
• Gynecomastia – Rare proliferation of breast tissue in men due to prolactin elevation.

Serious

• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) – Life‑threatening reaction characterised by hyperthermia, muscle rigidity, autonomic instability and elevated creatine kinase. Immediate medical attention is required.
• Tardive dyskinesia – Irreversible, involuntary movements, typically of the face and tongue, after long‑term exposure.
• Severe cardiac arrhythmias – QT‑prolongation leading to torsades de pointes in vulnerable patients.

Clinically Relevant Interactions

• CYP2D6 inhibitors (e.g., fluoxetine, paroxetine) may raise chlorpromazine plasma levels, increasing toxicity risk.
• Other CNS depressants (e.g., benzodiazepines, alcohol) potentiate sedation and respiratory depression.
• Anticholinergic drugs (e.g., benztropine, atropine) may exacerbate dry mouth and constipation.
• Antihypertensive agents – Combined α‑blockade can cause profound hypotension; dose adjustments may be needed.

Patients should always disclose the full list of prescribed, over‑the‑counter and herbal products to their prescriber.

Practical Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

• Typical oral dose for schizophrenia – 100 mg to 800 mg per day, divided into 2–4 doses. Start low (25–50 mg nightly) and titrate based on response and tolerability.
• Low‑dose anti‑emetic regimen – 10‑25 mg taken 30 minutes before a known emetogenic trigger; may be repeated every 4–6 hours as needed, not exceeding 200 mg per day.
• Intramuscular injection – 25‑50 mg for rapid tranquillisation; repeated after 30 minutes if required, with a maximum of 200 mg within 24 hours.

Missed dose: If a dose is forgotten and the scheduled time for the next dose is more than 6 hours away, take the missed tablet as soon as remembered. If it is close to the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume the regular schedule—do not double‑dose.

Overdose: Acute chlorpromazine overdose may present with profound sedation, hypotension, cardiac arrhythmias, respiratory depression, and seizures. Immediate emergency care is essential. Activated charcoal may be administered if presentation occurs within one hour of ingestion. Supportive measures include intravenous fluids, vasopressors for hypotension, and cardiac monitoring.

Buying Chlorpromazine from Our Online Pharmacy

Patients in the United Kingdom can obtain chlorpromazine safely through our online pharmacy. Key advantages include:

• Affordable pricing – We source the generic molecule close to manufacturer cost, making treatment financially accessible.
• Verified quality – All batches are supplied by MHRA‑approved licences and undergo third‑party testing for purity and potency.
• Guaranteed delivery – Discreet packaging is dispatched via express (within 7 days) or regular airmail (approximately 3 weeks), with tracking available for every order.
• International access – As a pharmacy‑broker service, we collaborate with overseas licensed pharmacies, expanding the availability of medicines that may be scarce in the local market.

Our service respects patient privacy, offering a confidential ordering process that does not require disclosure of personal health details beyond what is legally required. This model provides a reliable alternative for individuals who encounter barriers to conventional pharmacy supply, such as limited insurance coverage or regional stock shortages.

FAQ

• Is chlorpromazine available in both brand‑name and generic forms in the UK?
  Yes, chlorpromazine is marketed under the historic brand name Thorazine as well as numerous generic formulations. The generic version contains the identical active compound and is typically less expensive.

• Does chlorpromazine require refrigeration?
  No, chlorpromazine tablets and oral liquid formulations should be stored at controlled room temperature, away from excess heat, moisture and direct sunlight.

• What does a chlorpromazine tablet look like?
  Generic tablets are usually white, round or oval, imprinted with the dosage strength (e.g., “25 mg”) and the manufacturer's identification code. Brand‑name versions may have distinct colour‑coding depending on the manufacturer.

• Can I travel internationally with chlorpromazine?
  Yes, but you should carry a copy of the prescription and a letter from a UK‑registered clinician stating the medical necessity. Check the destination country's customs regulations, as some nations impose limits on psychotropic substances.

• Are there differences in chlorpromazine formulation between the EU and the US?
  The active ingredient is identical, but excipients (inactive ingredients) may vary. For example, some European tablets contain lactose, whereas certain US formulations use starch as a filler. Patients with specific allergies should review the ingredient list provided by the supplier.

• What are the legal considerations for importing chlorpromazine for personal use?
  Under the UK Medicines Act, individuals may import a three‑month supply of a prescription‑only medicine for personal use, provided they hold a valid prescription. Our online pharmacy ensures that each shipment complies with these regulations.

• Does chlorpromazine affect drug testing for employment?
  Chlorpromazine is not a controlled substance and is not typically screened for in standard occupational drug tests. However, some specialised toxicology panels may detect phenothiazine metabolites, which could be misinterpreted unless disclosed.

• How long does it take for chlorpromazine to start working for psychosis?
  Clinical improvement in psychotic symptoms usually appears within 2–4 weeks of consistent dosing, although some patients notice reduced agitation within days. Full therapeutic effect may require several weeks of titration.

• Can chlorpromazine be used in combination with antidepressants?
  It can be co‑prescribed with certain antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs) when clinically indicated, but clinicians must monitor for serotonin syndrome and additive side‑effects such as increased sedation.

• What is the history behind the development of chlorpromazine?
  Chlorpromazine was first synthesised in 1952 and became the first antipsychotic approved for clinical use in 1954. Its discovery marked a turning point in psychiatric care, shifting treatment from institutionalisation to pharmacological management.

• Is there a risk of dependence on chlorpromazine?
  Physical dependence is uncommon, but abrupt discontinuation may precipitate withdrawal symptoms such as insomnia, nausea, and agitation. Tapering the dose under medical supervision is recommended.

Glossary

D₂ receptor antagonism

Blocking of dopamine D₂ receptors, which reduces psychotic symptoms by decreasing dopaminergic transmission in the brain.

Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS)

Drug‑induced movement disorders including dystonia, Parkinsonism, akathisia and tremor, caused by dopamine blockade in the nigrostriatal pathway.

Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)

A rare but life‑threatening reaction to antipsychotics characterised by hyperthermia, muscle rigidity, autonomic instability and elevated creatine kinase.

Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM)

Measurement of drug concentrations in blood to ensure levels remain within the therapeutic window, optimising efficacy while minimising toxicity.

⚠️ Disclaimer

The information provided about chlorpromazine is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation. All treatment decisions should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to chlorpromazine for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription‑based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication.