Skip to content

Drug interactions

Chlorpromazine + Quetiapine

Severity: Major

Chlorpromazine and Quetiapine: 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

Both drugs are sedating antipsychotics that can prolong the QT interval, so combined use raises the risk of arrhythmia, hypotension, sedation and extrapyramidal symptoms. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome risk is also additive.

What this interaction means in plain words

Chlorpromazine and Quetiapine 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; Quetiapine belongs to Central Nervous System.

Evidence level: Moderate

Why it happens

Additive QT prolongation, dopamine D2 antagonism, and antihistaminic and alpha-blocking sedation.

What to do

Avoid antipsychotic combinations where possible; if needed, check ECG and electrolytes and monitor for sedation, orthostasis and movement disorders.

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?

Bring a full list of your medicines, including over-the-counter products, supplements and herbal remedies, to every pharmacy visit.

Pro+ members

Unlock the full page

Create an account and start a Pro+ trial to unlock the full management advice for Chlorpromazine and Quetiapine, the additional notes, the evidence detail and the whole-prescription interaction checker.

  • Full clinical management advice
  • Additional notes
  • Evidence detail
  • Interaction checker for a whole prescription

Try Pro+ free for 7 days on the web. No card needed.

References

Frequently asked questions

Can I take Chlorpromazine with Quetiapine?

MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chlorpromazine and Quetiapine 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 are sedating antipsychotics that can prolong the QT interval, so combined use raises the risk of arrhythmia, hypotension, sedation and extrapyramidal symptoms. Neuroleptic malignant syndrome risk is also additive.

How serious is the interaction between Chlorpromazine and Quetiapine?

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 antipsychotic combinations where possible; if needed, check ECG and electrolytes and monitor for sedation, orthostasis and movement disorders.

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.

Full monographs, dosing and an interaction checker in the MediHelp app

Open the complete reference, check multi-drug interactions and use dosing tools in the MediHelp app.

Browse A–Z · Drug interactions

Get the app Sign in