Generic
Thioridazine Hydrochloride
2 brands available in the market
At a glance
Thioridazine Hydrochloride is a typical antipsychotic used for schizophrenia. It improves thoughts, mood, and behavior by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain.
Description
Thioridazine is a phenothiazine antipsychotic that blocks postsynaptic mesolimbic dopaminergic receptors, reducing hypothalamic and hypophyseal hormone release. It exhibits strong beta-adrenergic blocking and anticholinergic effects.
Indications
- Schizophrenia
- Depressive disorders
Therapeutic class
Antipsychotics
Pharmacological class
Typical Antipsychotic (Phenothiazine)
Pharmacology
Thioridazine blocks postsynaptic mesolimbic dopaminergic receptors, reducing dopamine activity in the brain. It exhibits beta-adrenergic blocking and anticholinergic effects, improving both positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia.
Mechanism of action
Controls schizophrenia symptoms by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain.
Dosage
Adult Dose (Oral):
- Schizophrenia: Start 50-100 mg three times daily; increase by 100 mg weekly; usual dose 200-800 mg/day in 2-4 divided doses; max 800 mg/day
- Depressive disorders: Start 25 mg three times daily; titrate to 20-200 mg/day
Pediatric Dose (Oral):
- 2-12 years: 0.5 mg/kg/day (divided); increase gradually; max 3 mg/kg/day
- >12 years: Start 50-100 mg every 8 hours; titrate to 200-800 mg/day
Administration
- Take with food (to reduce stomach upset)
- Swallow tablet whole; do not chew, crush, or break
- Take at the same time each day
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember; if almost time for the next dose, skip it; do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Orthostatic hypotension
- Somnolence, dry mouth
- Abnormal voluntary movements
- Weight gain, increased prolactin
- Urinary retention, constipation
- Muscle rigidity, tremor
Precautions & warnings
- Risk of QT prolongation; ECG monitoring required
- Do not use in uncorrected hypokalemia or electrolyte imbalance
- Dizziness on standing; change positions slowly
- May affect driving ability (somnolence, dizziness)
- Regular eye examinations and blood tests required
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to phenothiazines
- Comatose states, pre-existing CNS depression
- Severe CVS disorders, uncorrected hypokalemia
- History of QT prolongation or Torsade de pointes
- Bone marrow suppression, pheochromocytoma
- Angle-closure glaucoma, porphyria
Drug interactions
- Anticholinergics: Potentiated adverse effects
- TCAs: Increased blood levels of both drugs
- Levodopa, bromocriptine: Antagonistic effects
- Class IA/II antiarrhythmics, terfenadine, astemizole: QT prolongation (potentially fatal)
- Opioids: Increased CNS depression
- CYP2D6 inhibitors (fluoxetine, paroxetine): Increased thioridazine levels
Food interactions
Alcohol is unsafe with Thioridazine Hydrochloride (increased CNS depression).
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: May be unsafe; animal studies show harmful effects; use only if clearly needed; consult your doctor.
Pregnancy Category: D — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Use in Lactation: Probably unsafe; limited data suggests drug may pass into breast milk and harm the baby; consult your doctor.
Pediatric use
Indicated for children 2-12 years (weight-based dosing)
Geriatric use
Elderly: Caution required; lower initial doses
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal Impairment: Limited information; caution needed; consult your doctor.
Hepatic Impairment: Limited information; caution needed; consult your doctor.
Overdose effects
Overdose may cause severe extrapyramidal symptoms, QT prolongation, hypotension; provide symptomatic treatment; ECG monitoring.
Storage conditions
Store in a cool and dry place, protected from light; keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
Thioridazine Hydrochloride