Chlorpromazine
Generic Name
Chlorpromazine
Indications/Uses
Chlorpromazine is a phenothiazine derivative and includes the typical neuroleptics, used in conventional antipsychotic treatment. In pets, it is used to control nausea and vomiting. These medications are believed to block dopamine receptors in the nervous system and may even inhibit the release of dopamine thereby influencing many involuntary functions like body temperature, metabolic rate, vomiting, blood pressure and alertness. It is commonly used for its antiemetic effects in dogs and also a preoperative tranquilizer in cattle, and goats. Though this drug is a registered drug for humans, Chlorpromazine can be obtained from a veterinarian or by prescription from a veterinarian.
Precautions
Medication should never be administered without consulting your veterinarian. Chlorpromazine should not be used in animals prone to allergy to the drug and is best avoided in animals with known risks of glaucoma, low blood pressure or shock. It has to be used with extreme caution in older animals as well as in pets with a history of liver or heart disease.
Side Effects
Chlorpromazine may react with other medications such as certain narcotics, barbiturates, propranolol, epinephrine and some anti-diarrheal medications. An over dosage of chlorpromazine might result in tremors, drooling, diarrhea, rigidity and loss of the righting reflexes in cats.
Dosage Information
Chlorpromazine is available in 10 mg, 25 mg, 50 mg, 100 mg and 200 mg tablets. An oral solution in 2 mg/ml syrup and 30 mg/ml concentrate and rectal suppositories of 25 mg and 100 mg are also available. Injectable chlorpromazine is also available in 25 mg/ml concentration in 1 ml and 2 ml ampules as well as a 10 ml bottle.A dose of 0.12 to 0.25 mg per pound could be administered subcutaneously every 6 to 24 hours or intravenously at a dose of 0.02 to 0.05 mg per pound (0.05 to 0.1 mg/kg) every 6 to 8 hours to manage nausea and vomiting in dogs.
Brand Names
Thorazine, Largactil, Ormazine, Chlomazine, Chloractil, Chlorazin, Chlorprom, Chlorpromanyl, Contomin.