Drug interactions
Chlorpromazine + Lithium
Severity: Major
Chlorpromazine and Lithium: major interaction.
Last updated Sources: US FDA label
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
Both drugs may prolong the QT interval, raising the risk of ventricular arrhythmias. The combination is also associated with neurotoxicity, including confusion, tremor and extrapyramidal symptoms, even at normal lithium levels.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chlorpromazine and Lithium 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; Lithium belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Additive effects on cardiac repolarization and possible pharmacodynamic neurotoxic synergy.
What to do
Monitor ECG, electrolytes and lithium levels, and watch for neurotoxicity. Use the lowest effective doses or consider alternatives if there are other QT risk factors.
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
Other interactions of Lithium
- Lithium + Thioridazine Contraindicated
- Lithium + Vandetanib Contraindicated
- Aceclofenac + Lithium Major
- Acemetacin + Lithium Major
- Amisulpride + Lithium Major
- Amlodipine-benazepril + Lithium Major
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 Lithium?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chlorpromazine and Lithium 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. Both drugs may prolong the QT interval, raising the risk of ventricular arrhythmias. The combination is also associated with neurotoxicity, including confusion, tremor and extrapyramidal symptoms, even at normal lithium levels.
How serious is the interaction between Chlorpromazine and Lithium?
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 ECG, electrolytes and lithium levels, and watch for neurotoxicity. Use the lowest effective doses or consider alternatives if there are other QT risk factors.
What other medicines interact with Lithium?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Lithium with, for example, Thioridazine, Vandetanib, Aceclofenac. The full list is on the Lithium page.
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