Drug interactions
Chlorpromazine + Cigarette smoking
Severity: Moderate
Chlorpromazine and Cigarette smoking: 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
Tobacco smoke induces hepatic enzymes and can lower chlorpromazine concentrations, which may reduce its efficacy in smokers. If a patient stops smoking, levels may rise and cause more sedation and adverse effects.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chlorpromazine and Cigarette smoking 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
Induction of CYP1A2 by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in tobacco smoke increases chlorpromazine metabolism.
What to do
Adjust the chlorpromazine dose according to clinical response when smoking status changes. Monitor for sedation, hypotension, and extrapyramidal effects after smoking cessation.
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 Chlorpromazine with Cigarette smoking?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Chlorpromazine and Cigarette smoking 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. Tobacco smoke induces hepatic enzymes and can lower chlorpromazine concentrations, which may reduce its efficacy in smokers. If a patient stops smoking, levels may rise and cause more sedation and adverse effects.
How serious is the interaction between Chlorpromazine and Cigarette smoking?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Adjust the chlorpromazine dose according to clinical response when smoking status changes. Monitor for sedation, hypotension, and extrapyramidal effects after smoking cessation.
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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