Drug interactions
Chlorpromazine + Levodopa
Severity: Major
Chlorpromazine and Levodopa: major 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 blocks dopamine D2 receptors and so opposes the effect of levodopa, which can worsen parkinsonian symptoms. Levodopa may also be less effective in controlling motor function.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chlorpromazine and Levodopa 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.
Chlorpromazine belongs to Central Nervous System; Levodopa belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic antagonism: D2 receptor blockade counteracts dopamine replacement.
What to do
Avoid chlorpromazine in patients with Parkinson disease. If an antipsychotic is needed, use quetiapine or clozapine, or pimavanserin 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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Other interactions of Chlorpromazine
- Chlorpromazine + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Droperidol Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Metrizamide Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Panobinostat Contraindicated
Other interactions of Levodopa
- Isocarboxazid + Levodopa Contraindicated
- Levodopa + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Levodopa + Phenelzine (nonselective MAOI) Contraindicated
- Levodopa + Procarbazine Contraindicated
- Levodopa + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Amisulpride + Levodopa Major
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chlorpromazine with Levodopa?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chlorpromazine and Levodopa 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. Chlorpromazine blocks dopamine D2 receptors and so opposes the effect of levodopa, which can worsen parkinsonian symptoms. Levodopa may also be less effective in controlling motor function.
How serious is the interaction between Chlorpromazine and Levodopa?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid chlorpromazine in patients with Parkinson disease. If an antipsychotic is needed, use quetiapine or clozapine, or pimavanserin 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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