Generic Name: Chlorpromazine

Brand Name: Thorazine

Classification: Antipsychotic
Dose, Route, Frequency:

50mg 1tab OD HS

Mechanism of Action: Chlorpromazine is a neuroleptic that acts by blocking the postsynaptic

dopamine receptor in the mesolimbic dopaminergic system and inhibits the release
of hypothalamic and hypophyseal hormones. It has antiemetic, serotonin-blocking, and weak
antihistaminic properties and slight ganglion-blocking activity.
Desired Effect: This drug improves thought processes and the behavior of the client with

psychotic symptoms. It provides sedation to patients with insomnia, emotional quieting for
patients with delusions and hallucinations, psychomotor slowing to patients experiencing
hyperactivity.
Indications: Chlorpromazine is used virtually in all types of psychoses. It can be combined with
other anti-psychotics. Chlorpromazine is also used to control anxiety or agitation
in certain patients to relieve a wide range of drug or disease induced vomiting, and in severe
hiccups. Chlorpromazine is also used in the treatment of tetanus in combination with other drugs.
Contraindications:

Hypersensitivity
Cross-sensitivity may exist among phenothiazines. Should not be used in narrow-

angleglaucoma.
Should not be used in patients who have CNS depression.
Coma
bone-marrow suppression
phaeochromocytoma

Nursing Responsibilities

Rationale

1. Check doctors order for the drug name, To verify to correct drug therapy ordered to
dosage, route, and frequency.
2. Obtain the appropriate medication

the patient.
and This is a safety check to ensure that the

compare the label of the medication to the right medication is given

medication card.
3. Check the expiration date of medication and Outdated medications are not safe to
proper and clear labeling of the drug.

administer

and

clear

labels

ensure

accuracy
4. While preparing the medication, recheck drug This second safety check reduces the chance
and container with the medication card.
of error
5. Discuss with the patient about the name of the To gain

patients compliance

to

the

drug, its purpose, route, dosage and frequency treatment regimen and to prevent over
prior to administration.
6. Place the prepared medication

and

dosing or taking the wrong medicine.

the To ensure administration of right drug

medication card together on the medication

tray.
7. Recheck the label of the medication before This third check further reduces the risk of
returning the box to its storage place.
8. Administer the drug at the same time each day.

error.
To maintain a balanced drug serum level,
and to potentiate the effectiveness of the
drug.

9. Observe and apply appropriate interventions

for adverse effects:
Administer Antipyretic as ordered

Use sugarless gum or candy

Use sun protection such as sunglasses

Because drug elevates body

temperature
Because drug causes dry mouth
Because drug causes photosensitivity
Because drug occasionally cause

and long sleeves clothing that can cover

drop in blood pressure

the skin
Ensure patients safety and caution

patient to change position slowly.

10. Document the medication given, dosage, time, For
and nurses signature.

legal

purposes

and

serves

as

information to members of health care team