Largactil

Uses
Largactil (Chlorpromazine Hydrochloride) is an antipsychotic medication widely used in the treatment of schizophrenia. It is also given to help manage vomiting and nausea caused by surgery. This medicine is categorized as a phenothiazine, and it exhibits a wide range of antipsychotic properties, as well as sedative and antiemetic actions. In addition to this, it also functions as an inhibitor of dopamine.

Symptoms of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders are believed to be related to excessive dopamine activity inside the patient's brain, resulting in disturbed emotions and thoughts. By blocking the dopamine receptors, this medicine is able to calm down the patient, while also helping to normalise behaviour.

It also acts on the part of the brain which is responsible for the control of vomiting, and this makes it useful for the treatment of nausea. Other uses include providing relief from hiccups, treating tetanus and acute intermittent porphyria. It has even been studied for migraine and bipolar disorder.

Dosage and Administration
Largactil (Chlorpromazine Hydrochloride) is provided as 25mg strength film coated tablets for oral administration. It is possible that adults treating schizophrenia or agitation caused by psychoses may be directed to take 25mg 3 times per day (or else a single 75mg dosage before bed). Your doctor may increase or adjust the daily dosage for maintenance treatment. The need for an adjustment will be assessed by your doctor based on your response to treatment as well as other factors. In all cases, you must only take the amount of medicine that your doctor tells you to take.

Side effects
Use of the antipsychotic medicine Largactil (Chlorpromazine Hydrochloride) might lead to side effects, which may include:

• Strange expression on the face
• Impotence or sexual dysfunction
• Appetite increases and weight gain
• Production or discharge of breast milk
• Dilation or narrowing which affects the pupils

Inform your doctor if any side effects occur. Other reactions which are serious and will require that you attend the hospital or see a doctor immediately include stiff or rigid feeling in the muscles, infection, tremors, drooling, strange behaviour and other adverse effects that are not listed here.

Precautions
Patients will be told to avoid alcohol. Also, stay out of the sun, as this medicine can cause your skin to become more sensitive to the sun, making sunburn more likely.

Should you require an MRI of the spinal cord or X-ray, it is possible that you may be told to temporarily stop taking this medicine.

Seek immediate emergency medical attention if you suffer an allergic reaction. Symptoms to watch for, which may be indicative of a reaction, include skin rashes, hives, swelling of the face or limbs, trouble breathing, and trouble swallowing.

Always use Largactil (Chlorpromazine Hydrochloride) as you have been prescribed by your doctor. Never self-medicate or change your dosage without first consulting your doctor. The correct dosage can vary depending on your health, medical history, and the severity of the condition being treated.

This medication may not be safe for all patients. Before you begin using it always disclose the following to your doctor:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• If you suffer from any allergies.
• If you suffer from any other health conditions or illnesses.
• If you are using any other medicine (including all non-prescription).
• If you are using any supplements, vitamins, or herbal products of any kind.