Drug interactions
Anticholinergic / sedative combos + Chlorpromazine
Severity: Moderate
Anticholinergic / sedative combos and Chlorpromazine: moderate interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Chlorpromazine has anticholinergic and sedative effects that add to those of anticholinergic/sedative combination products. This may cause excess sedation, confusion, constipation, urinary retention, and heat intolerance. Oral anticholinergics may also reduce absorption of oral chlorpromazine.
What this interaction means in plain words
Anticholinergic / sedative combos and Chlorpromazine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Why it happens
Additive antimuscarinic and CNS depressant effects, with possible reduced GI absorption of chlorpromazine through slowed gut motility.
What to do
Monitor for anticholinergic toxicity and sedation, especially in elderly patients. Avoid unnecessary combinations and check psychiatric response to chlorpromazine.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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Other interactions of Chlorpromazine
- Chlorpromazine + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Droperidol Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Metrizamide Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Panobinostat Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Anticholinergic / sedative combos with Chlorpromazine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Anticholinergic / sedative combos and Chlorpromazine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Chlorpromazine has anticholinergic and sedative effects that add to those of anticholinergic/sedative combination products. This may cause excess sedation, confusion, constipation, urinary retention, and heat intolerance. Oral anticholinergics may also reduce absorption of oral chlorpromazine.
How serious is the interaction between Anticholinergic / sedative combos and Chlorpromazine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor for anticholinergic toxicity and sedation, especially in elderly patients. Avoid unnecessary combinations and check psychiatric response to chlorpromazine.
What other medicines interact with Chlorpromazine?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Chlorpromazine with, for example, Dofetilide, Dronedarone, Droperidol. The full list is on the Chlorpromazine page.
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