Chlorprothixene

Chlorprothixene is a sedative-type neuroleptic and has a wide range of medicinal uses.

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Indications Chlorprothixene

It is used for the following disorders:

• hangover-related withdrawal symptoms that occur in the context of alcoholism/drug addiction;
• psychoses (also schizophrenia and emotional states of the manic type), against the background of which agitation, a feeling of anxiety, and at the same time, psychomotor agitation are observed;
• behavioral disorders observed in children;
• state of insomnia;
• a feeling of irritability, intense agitation, hyperactivity, and also confusion, observed in older people;
• pain (the medicine is combined with painkillers).

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Release form

The drug is released in tablets of 15 or 50 mg. Inside the blister pack there are 10 tablets. The box contains 3 such blisters.

In addition, the drug is produced in medicinal drops and as an injection solution, inside ampoules of 2 ml (or 50 mg). The box contains 10 or 100 ampoules.

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Pharmacodynamics

The drug is a member of the group of neuroleptic drugs (antipsychotics). The drug's effect is achieved by blocking dopamine receptors. By blocking these conductors, an antiemetic and analgesic effect also develops.

In addition, the drug has antihypertensive and antihistamine properties, blocking 5-HT2 receptors, α1-adrenergic receptors, and also histamine conductors (H1).

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Pharmacokinetics

After oral administration of the drug, its bioavailability is about 12%. Rapid absorption of the drug from the gastrointestinal tract is observed. After 2 hours, peak values of the active substance of the drug are observed in the blood serum.

The half-life of the drug is approximately 16 hours. Chlorprothixene crosses the placenta and is excreted in small amounts in breast milk. Metabolic products do not have neuroleptic effects.

Excretion occurs with feces and urine.

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Dosing and administration

Treatment of hangover withdrawal caused by alcohol or drugs.

The daily dose in tablets is 0.5 g - this portion is divided into 2-3 doses. Therapy usually lasts for 7 days. After the withdrawal symptoms disappear, the dosage is gradually reduced. The maintenance dose is 15-45 mg/day. This is enough to reduce the risk of developing a new binge, as well as stabilize the condition.

To eliminate psychoses, including schizophrenia and manic states.

Therapy should be started with a daily dose of 50-100 mg. The dose is then gradually increased until optimal effectiveness is achieved (usually within 0.3 g). Rarely, the dosage needs to be increased to 1.2 g/day. The maintenance dose per day is approximately 0.1-0.2 g.

Often the daily dose is divided into 2-3 uses. It is recommended to take a smaller dose during the day and a larger dose in the evening. This is due to the fact that the drug has a pronounced sedative effect.

Therapy for depression, neurosis, and also psychosomatic disorders.

For monotherapy or in combination with antidepressants, the drug is used for depressive states, especially if they are accompanied by a feeling of anxiety.

In psychosomatic disorders, against the background of which there is a feeling of anxiety and depression, and at the same time in neuroses, a dose of LS is taken that is no more than 90 mg / day. Often the daily dose is divided into several separate uses.

Since the drug does not cause addiction or drug dependence, it can be taken for long periods without the risk of complications.

Using drugs to eliminate insomnia.

Take 15-30 mg of Chlorprothixene 1 hour before bedtime.

Treatment of pain.

The drug can enhance the analgesic effect, which allows it to be prescribed to eliminate pain. In this case, the drug is used in combination with analgesics, and the portion size is within 15-300 mg.

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Use Chlorprothixene during pregnancy

It is prohibited to prescribe the drug Chlorprothixene to pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Contraindications

Among the contraindications:

• various depressant effects on the central nervous system (including depressant effects caused by the use of barbiturates or opiates, as well as by the consumption of alcoholic beverages);
• pheochromocytoma;
• vascular collapse;
• state of coma;
• diseases affecting the hematopoietic system;
• severe intolerance to the elements contained in the drug.

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Side effects Chlorprothixene

The use of the drug may lead to the development of the following side effects:

• disorders of the nervous system function: it is possible to develop psychomotor inhibition, mild extrapyramidal syndrome, a feeling of severe fatigue, and in addition to this, dizziness. Sometimes a significant increase in the feeling of anxiety is noted, which most often develops in people with mania or schizophrenics;
• manifestations from the cardiovascular system: changes in ECG readings, development of orthostatic collapse or tachycardia may be observed;
• problems with the hepatobiliary system: there is a risk of developing cholestatic jaundice;
• disorders of hematopoietic activity: the appearance of leukopenia or leukocytosis, as well as agranulocytosis or hemolytic anemia;
• symptoms from the visual organs: clouding of the cornea with the lens, which leads to weakening of vision;
• metabolic disorders: possible disruption of carbohydrate metabolism, weight gain and increased appetite, as well as the development of hyperhidrosis;
• manifestations of endocrine organs: development of galactorrhea, amenorrhea or gynecomastia, and in addition, decreased potency and libido;
• disorders affecting the skin surface: development of photosensitivity or photodermatitis;
• symptoms associated with the anticholinergic effect of drugs: development of dysuria or constipation, accommodation disorders and dryness of the oral mucosa.

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Overdose

In case of poisoning, the following symptoms may develop: hypothermia or hyperthermia, extrapyramidal disorders, convulsions, a feeling of drowsiness, and also a comatose or shock state.

If an overdose is observed, symptomatic and supportive treatment procedures should be performed. Gastric lavage should be performed as quickly as possible and the victim should be given sorbents. It is also necessary to perform procedures that support the respiratory system and cardiovascular system. Adrenaline should not be used, as it can cause a decrease in blood pressure. Extrapyramidal manifestations are eliminated with biperiden, and convulsions - with diazepam.

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Interactions with other drugs

Combined use of drugs with ethyl alcohol or drugs that contain it, as well as with sleeping pills, anesthetics, neuroleptics, sedatives and opiates can potentiate the suppressive effect of Chlorprothixene on the central nervous system.

The drug potentiates the effectiveness of antihypertensive drugs.

Combined use with adrenaline can cause a decrease in blood pressure, and in addition, the development of tachycardia.

Chlorprothixene lowers the seizure threshold, so people with epilepsy need to change the doses of anticonvulsants they take.

Concomitant use with metoclopramide, haloperidol, phenothiazines or reserpine may cause the development of extrapyramidal disorders.

The ability of Chlorprothixene to block dopamine conductors also contributes to a decrease in the effectiveness of levodopa.

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Storage conditions

Chlorprothixene should be kept in a dry place, away from sunlight. Temperature should not exceed 25°C.

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Shelf life

Chlorprothixene is permitted to be used for 2 years from the date of release of the therapeutic agent.

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Reviews

Chlorprothixene is considered to be a fairly effective sleeping pill, but patients' opinions differ on its effect in treating psychosis. Some of them believe that the drug is capable of eliminating psychosis with high efficiency, but most patients still note that it is not very suitable for such purposes. Most reviews say that the drug has an excellent sleeping effect and helps a little in treating psychosis.

Among the disadvantages of the drug, it is noted that after taking it, it causes a feeling of drowsiness, and at the same time, some inhibition. Some patients complained of developing severe anxiety due to hallucinations. But in general, most reviews about this drug on forums are positive.

Doctors note that Chlorprothixene is a good neuroleptic, but at the same time has quite strict indications for use. The drug is prohibited to be combined with alcoholic beverages. In addition, it is also necessary to strictly adhere to the dosages prescribed by the doctor.