Drug interactions
Chlorpromazine + Zotepine
Severity: Moderate
Chlorpromazine and Zotepine: 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
Combining two antipsychotics increases dopamine blockade, raising the risk of extrapyramidal symptoms, neuroleptic malignant syndrome and sedation. Both also lower seizure threshold and can prolong the QT interval.
What this interaction means in plain words
Chlorpromazine and Zotepine 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
Additive dopamine D2 receptor antagonism plus additive sedative, anticholinergic and QT effects.
What to do
Avoid antipsychotic polypharmacy where possible and use the lowest effective doses. Monitor for rigidity, fever, movement disorders, sedation and QTc.
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 Zotepine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Chlorpromazine and Zotepine 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. Combining two antipsychotics increases dopamine blockade, raising the risk of extrapyramidal symptoms, neuroleptic malignant syndrome and sedation. Both also lower seizure threshold and can prolong the QT interval.
How serious is the interaction between Chlorpromazine and Zotepine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid antipsychotic polypharmacy where possible and use the lowest effective doses. Monitor for rigidity, fever, movement disorders, sedation and QTc.
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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