Drug interactions
Chlorpromazine + Smoking
Severity: Moderate
Chlorpromazine and 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 CYP1A2, which contributes to chlorpromazine metabolism, so smokers may have lower drug concentrations and reduced effect. Stopping smoking can raise levels and increase sedation or hypotension.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chlorpromazine and 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 smoke increases chlorpromazine clearance.
What to do
Monitor clinical response and adjust the chlorpromazine dose when smoking starts or stops, watching for adverse effects after 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 Smoking?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Chlorpromazine and 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 CYP1A2, which contributes to chlorpromazine metabolism, so smokers may have lower drug concentrations and reduced effect. Stopping smoking can raise levels and increase sedation or hypotension.
How serious is the interaction between Chlorpromazine and 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: Monitor clinical response and adjust the chlorpromazine dose when smoking starts or stops, watching for adverse effects after 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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