Drug interactions
Chlorpromazine + Trifluoperazine
Severity: Major
Chlorpromazine and Trifluoperazine: 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
Both are phenothiazines that can prolong the QT interval, so combining them adds to the risk of serious arrhythmia. Extrapyramidal effects, sedation and hypotension are also additive.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chlorpromazine and Trifluoperazine 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.
Why it happens
Additive hERG potassium channel blockade and duplicated dopamine D2 antagonism and alpha-adrenergic blockade.
What to do
Avoid polypharmacy with two phenothiazines and use a single agent at the lowest effective dose. If overlap is unavoidable, monitor ECG, electrolytes and extrapyramidal signs.
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
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Chlorpromazine with Trifluoperazine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Chlorpromazine and Trifluoperazine 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 are phenothiazines that can prolong the QT interval, so combining them adds to the risk of serious arrhythmia. Extrapyramidal effects, sedation and hypotension are also additive.
How serious is the interaction between Chlorpromazine and Trifluoperazine?
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 polypharmacy with two phenothiazines and use a single agent at the lowest effective dose. If overlap is unavoidable, monitor ECG, electrolytes and extrapyramidal signs.
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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