Chlorprothixine
Chlorprothixine Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Chlorprothixine is a brand name. Its generic name is Chlorprothixene.
Introduction
Chlorprothixine, also known by its brand name Taractan, is a thioxanthene antipsychotic drug used to treat schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, acute mania, and bipolar disorder. It is also used to treat depression as an adjunctive drug.
Uses for
Chlorprothixine is used to help treat symptoms of certain mental/mood disorders such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorders, mania, and bipolar disorder. It can also be used to treat depression as an adjunctive treatment.
Mechanism of Action
Chlorprothixine's exact mechanism of action is unknown, but it is thought that it works in a variety of ways to reduce the symptoms of mental/mood disorders. It is believed to affect the brain's neurotransmitter systems, act upon dopamine receptor sites, and may also work to effect serotonin receptor sites as well.
How Long Does It Take to Work?
Chlorprothixine typically takes up to six weeks to reach the desired level of effectiveness, though some people may experience relief from their symptoms within the first few days of taking the drug.
Absorption
Chlorprothixine is rapidly and almost completely absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Food does not affect the absorption.
Route of Elimination
Chlorprothixine is eliminated primarily through the kidneys, many of its metabolites being excreted into the urine. It is also metabolized to some extent in the liver.
Dosage
Chlorprothixine is available in capsules and tablets, and the usual adult starting dose is 25-50 mg/day. Dosage should then be increased in increments of 25-50 mg/day, up to a total daily dose of 200 mg/day. Elderly patients should usually start with half the regular dose.
Administration
Chlorprothixine should be taken with food. It is usually taken at least 1 hour before bedtime as it can cause drowsiness. Long-acting tablets are also available that can be taken once a day.
Side Effects
- Drowsiness
- increased appetite
- weight gain
- dry mouth
- nausea
Toxicity
High doses of chlorprothixene can cause severe toxicity. Symptoms of toxicity may include confusion, agitation, restlessness, seizures, coma, and death. Treatment may require supportive care and medication.
Precaution
Chlorprothixine can cause drowsiness and impair judgment, thinking, and motor skills, so it should be used with caution when operating machinery, driving, or doing anything that requires mental alertness and physical coordination. It should also be used with caution in patients with liver or kidney disease.
Interaction
Chlorprothixine may interact with certain drugs or foods. To avoid potential risks, patients should inform their doctor of all medications they are taking, including over-the-counter drugs and herbal supplements. Patients should also inform their doctor of any foods or beverages they may consume while taking chlorprothixene.
Disease Interaction
Patients with a history of seizures, heart disease, liver or kidney problems, urinary retention, or glaucoma should use chlorprothixene with caution, as these conditions may affect the way the drug is metabolized or eliminated.
Drug Interactions
Chlorprothixine may interact with other drugs such as tranquilizers, anticonvulsants, antihypertensives, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), oral contraceptives, and some antibiotics. Patients taking any of these medications should inform their doctor.
Food Interactions
Chlorprothixine may interact with certain foods, such as alcohol, coffee, or grapefruit juice. To reduce the risk of potential side effects, patients should avoid consuming these foods while taking chlorprothixene.
Pregnancy Use
Chlorprothixine is not recommended for use during pregnancy as it can cause birth defects and complications. Women who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant should consult their doctor before taking the drug.
Lactation Use
Chlorprothixine is not recommended for use by breastfeeding women as it can pass into the breast milk. Women who are breastfeeding should consult their doctor before taking the drug.
Acute Overdose
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include drowsiness, confusion, restlessness, and possibly coma. Treatment may include supportive care and in some cases, activated charcoal.
Contraindication
Chlorprothixine should not be taken by patients with a known hypersensitivity to thioxanthene drugs or any of the ingredients in the formulation.
Use Direction
Chlorprothixine should be taken orally as directed by the physician. The capsules and tablets should be taken with food. The long-acting tablets may be taken once a day, usually at bedtime.
Storage Condition
Chlorprothixine should be stored at room temperature between 68°F and 77°F (20°C and 25°C). It should be kept away from heat, moisture, and direct sunlight. Keep the drug out of the reach of children and pets.
Volume of Distribution
The volume of distribution of chlorprothixene is 79.5 liters.
Half Life
The half-life of chlorprothixene is between 11.7 and 58.2 hours.
Clearance
The clearance of chlorprothixene from the body is 13.2 liters per hour.
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