cHLORPROMAZine
Trade name
Largactil
Presentation and preparation
25 mg/mL (volume: 2 mL)
IV administration
Dilute to 1 mg/mL or weaker and give over 30 to 60 minutes.
Maximum rate: 0.5 mg/minute.
For migraines, dilute with 10 to 20 mL/kg of sodium chloride 0.9% (maximum volume 1 L). Give over 30 to 60 minutes. Refer to RCH Headache Clinical Practice Guideline or relevant local guideline for further information.
Other routes of administration
IV is the preferred route.
IM: Not recommended. Chlorpromazine is a painful irritant, nodule formation may occur. If necessary (under expert supervision), dilute to a convenient volume with sodium chloride 0.9%. Give slowly via deep IM injection into the upper outer quadrant of the buttock or upper portion of the deltoid muscle.
SC: Contraindicated.
Compatible IV fluids
Sodium chloride 0.9%
Y-site only:
Glucose 5%
Glucose 5% and sodium chloride 0.9%
Glucose 5% and sodium chloride 0.45%
Glucose 10%
Hartmann's
Ringer's
Potassium chloride 20 mmol/L
Additional information
Extravasation risk.
Observe closely for anaphylactic reactions.
Potentially hazardous medication: may require special handling precautions; refer to RCH Safe Handling of Hazardous Medicines Procedure or relevant local guideline.
Concomitant use of CNS depressants (e.g. opioids, parenteral benzodiazepines, IM olanzapine) increases risk of respiratory depression, sedation, coma and death.
Administration may cause significant hypotension. Monitor heart rate and blood pressure.
Patient should remain lying down during administration and for at least 30 minutes after administration.
Solution should be a clear, bright, very pale, yellow liquid.
Protect from light during storage.