Drug interactions
Brexanolone + Chlorpromazine
Severity: Major
Brexanolone and Chlorpromazine: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: UK SmPC
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
Brexanolone causes excessive sedation and sudden loss of consciousness, and chlorpromazine adds further CNS depression. Together they increase the risk of oversedation and impaired responsiveness during the infusion.
What this interaction means in plain words
Brexanolone and Chlorpromazine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Why it happens
Additive CNS depression; brexanolone is a GABA-A positive allosteric modulator.
What to do
Monitor sedation and oxygen saturation continuously during the infusion. Reduce or interrupt the infusion if excessive sedation occurs, and consider holding chlorpromazine doses where appropriate.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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References
- Chlorpromazine 100mg Tablets - SmPC sections 4.3/4.5 (class statement: Other CNS depressants; "Other CNS depressants: morphine derivatives (analgesics, antitussives and substitution treatments), barbiturates, benzodiazepines, anxiolytics other than benzod") — electronic medicines compendium (UK SmPC)
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 Brexanolone with Chlorpromazine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Brexanolone and Chlorpromazine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Brexanolone causes excessive sedation and sudden loss of consciousness, and chlorpromazine adds further CNS depression. Together they increase the risk of oversedation and impaired responsiveness during the infusion.
How serious is the interaction between Brexanolone and Chlorpromazine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Monitor sedation and oxygen saturation continuously during the infusion. Reduce or interrupt the infusion if excessive sedation occurs, and consider holding chlorpromazine doses where appropriate.
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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