What is chlorpromazine?

Chlorpromazine is 10-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-2-chlorphenothiazine, a dimethylamine derivative of phenothiazine. It is present in an oral concentrate as the hydrochloride salt. Concentrate - Each mL of clear, colorless to pale yellow solution contains chlorpromazine hydrochloride, 30 or 100 mg. Inactive ingredients consist of citric acid anhydrous, edetate disodium, sodium benzoate, sodium citrate dihydrate, sucralose, and purified water. Chemical Structure

What kind of drug is chlorpromazine?

The FDA classifies chlorpromazine as a phenothiazine. If you are checking whether it is safe to combine with something else, the class is what matters — two drugs from the same class usually should not be stacked.

Can you take chlorpromazine with other medicines?

It depends on the medicine. We check it against the FDA labels rather than guessing: our interaction checker searches each drug's own label for the other and quotes what it says, naming the section it came from. Run chlorpromazine against whatever else you take — and remember that a label not naming a drug is not the same as that combination being safe.

What brand names is chlorpromazine sold under?

We track 2 chlorpromazine-containing products in the U.S.: Thorazine and Chlorpromazine Hydrochloride. They are the same active ingredient; they differ in form, manufacturer, price and FDA recall record.

What forms does chlorpromazine come in?

Across the brands we track, chlorpromazine is currently marketed as tablet, capsule, extended release and injectable, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory. Each form is dosed differently — follow the label for the exact product you were prescribed.

Is there a generic chlorpromazine?

Yes. Our catalog lists 1 generic chlorpromazine product alongside the brand versions. A generic has the same active ingredient and must meet the FDA's bioequivalence standard; it usually costs less. Ask your pharmacist which one your plan covers.

Has chlorpromazine been recalled?

The FDA's Enforcement database lists at least 5 recall records whose product description mentions chlorpromazine. The most recent: Major ChlorproMAZINE Hydrochloride Tablets (Sep 12, 2025). A recall applies to specific lots, not to the drug as a whole — check the record for the affected lot numbers.

Chlorpromazine: uses, dosing, side effects & brands

Chlorpromazine is a phenothiazine sold in the U.S. under 2 brand and generic names, for anxiety disorders, child behavior disorders and hiccup. Below: what the FDA label says, every product that contains it, what the pills look like, and its recall record.

By the pharmaranks editorial teamReviewed against the FDA (openFDA label, NDC Directory & Enforcement) sourcesHow we research

Key facts

Drug class: Phenothiazine
Treats: Anxiety Disorders, Child Behavior Disorders and Hiccup
Available as: Tablet · Capsule, extended release · Injectable
Sold as: 2 products — Thorazine and Chlorpromazine Hydrochloride
Prescription?: Prescription only
Generic available?: Yes
Typical price: about $13 for a 30-count supply
Boxed warning: Boxed warning

How chlorpromazine is dosed

From the FDA label for Thorazine (application NDA011120). Other chlorpromazine products — different forms, different strengths — are dosed differently. Follow the label for the one you were prescribed.

ADULTS Adjust dosage to individual and the severity of his condition, recognizing that the milligram for milligram potency relationship among all dosage forms has not been precisely established clinically. It is important to increase dosage until symptoms are controlled. Dosage should be increased more gradually in debilitated or emaciated patients. In continued therapy, gradually reduce dosage to the lowest effective maintenance level, after symptoms have been controlled for a reasonable period. Elderly Patients In general, dosages in the lower range are sufficient for most elderly patients. Since they appear to be more susceptible to hypotension and neuromuscular reactions, such patients should be observed closely. Dosage should be tailored to the individual, response carefully monitored, and dosage adjusted accordingly. Dosage should be increased more gradually in elderly patients. Psychotic Disorders Increase dosage gradually until symptoms are controlled. Maximum improvement may not be seen for weeks or even months. Continue optimum dosage for 2 weeks; then gradually reduce dosage to the lowest effective maintenance level. Daily dosage of 200 mg is not unusual. Some patients require higher dosages (e.g., 800 mg daily is not uncommon in discharged mental patients). HOSPITALIZED PATIENTS Acute Schizophrenic or Manic States It is recommended that…

Chlorpromazine side effects

Note: Some adverse effects of chlorpromazine hydrochloride may be more likely to occur, or occur with greater intensity, in patients with special medical problems, e.g., patients with mitral insufficiency or pheochromocytoma have experienced severe hypotension following recommended doses. Drowsiness: usually mild to moderate, may occur, particularly during the first or second week, after which it generally disappears. If troublesome, dosage may be lowered. Jaundice: Overall incidence has been low, regardless of indication or dosage. Most investigators conclude it is a sensitivity reaction. Most cases occur between the second and fourth weeks of therapy. The clinical picture resembles infectious hepatitis, with laboratory features of obstructive jaundice, rather than those of parenchymal damage. It is usually promptly reversible on withdrawal of the medication; however, chronic jaundice has been reported. There is no conclusive evidence that pre-existing liver disease makes patients more susceptible to jaundice. Alcoholics with cirrhosis have been successfully treated with chlorpromazine hydrochloride without complications. Nevertheless, the medication should be used cautiously in patients with liver disease. Patients who have experienced jaundice with a phenothiazine should not, if possible, be reexposed to chlorpromazine hydrochloride or other phenothiazines. If fever with…

Every chlorpromazine product we track (2)

Same active ingredient — different manufacturer, form, price and FDA recall record. That last one is what our independent score measures.

Chlorpromazine products
#	Drug	Rating	Type	Form	Generic?	Typical price
1	Thorazine Boxed warning	70/100	Prescription	Tablet	Generic	$13	View →
2	Chlorpromazine Hydrochloride

What chlorpromazine pills look like

Imprint codes, colour and shape from the FDA’s labelling data. Match the imprint on your pill — or search any imprint.

Chlorpromazine pill imprints
Imprint	Strength	Colour	Shape	Maker
509	10 mg	red	round	—
510	25 mg	yellow	round	—
512	100 mg	white	round	—
513	200 mg	white	round	—
C2	25 mg	yellow	round	—
C3	50 mg	yellow

Chlorpromazine recalls

From the FDA Enforcement database. A recall covers specific lots — not the drug as a whole.

Frequently asked questions

What is chlorpromazine?: Chlorpromazine is 10-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-2-chlorphenothiazine, a dimethylamine derivative of phenothiazine. It is present in an oral concentrate as the hydrochloride salt. Concentrate - Each mL of clear, colorless to pale yellow solution contains chlorpromazine hydrochloride, 30 or 100 mg. Inactive ingredients consist of citric acid anhydrous, edetate disodium, sodium benzoate, sodium citrate dihydrate, sucralose, and purified water. Chemical Structure
What kind of drug is chlorpromazine?: The FDA classifies chlorpromazine as a phenothiazine. If you are checking whether it is safe to combine with something else, the class is what matters — two drugs from the same class usually should not be stacked.
Can you take chlorpromazine with other medicines?: It depends on the medicine. We check it against the FDA labels rather than guessing: our interaction checker searches each drug's own label for the other and quotes what it says, naming the section it came from. Run chlorpromazine against whatever else you take — and remember that a label not naming a drug is not the same as that combination being safe.
What brand names is chlorpromazine sold under?: We track 2 chlorpromazine-containing products in the U.S.: Thorazine and Chlorpromazine Hydrochloride. They are the same active ingredient; they differ in form, manufacturer, price and FDA recall record.
What forms does chlorpromazine come in?: Across the brands we track, chlorpromazine is currently marketed as tablet, capsule, extended release and injectable, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory. Each form is dosed differently — follow the label for the exact product you were prescribed.
Is there a generic chlorpromazine?: Yes. Our catalog lists 1 generic chlorpromazine product alongside the brand versions. A generic has the same active ingredient and must meet the FDA's bioequivalence standard; it usually costs less. Ask your pharmacist which one your plan covers.

Sources: FDA openFDA drug label, National Drug Code Directory, and Enforcement (recall) database. This page reproduces public FDA data and is not medical advice. Dosing is set by your prescriber.