Lithium - Thorazine (Chlorpromazine) Interaction
Herbal: Lithium
Also Known As: Carbonate de Lithium, Citrate de Lithium, Lithium Aspartate, Lithium Carbonate, Lithium Citrate, Lithium Gluconate, Lithium Orotate, Lithium Sulfate, Litio, Numéro Atomique 3, Orotate de Lithium
Drug: Chlorpromazine
Brand names:
Thorazine, Thorazine Spansules
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
Jun 02, 2024
Interaction Details
Chlorpromazine is classified as belonging to the following category: Antipsychotic Drugs
Theoretically, taking lithium supplements with antipsychotic drugs might increase the risk of encephalopathic syndrome.
Encephalopathic syndrome has been reported in multiple patients taking prescription lithium and antipsychotics concomitantly. Symptoms have included weakness and lethargy, fever, confusion, and extrapyramidal symptoms. In some patients, resulting brain damage was irreversible. Although there is no established causal relationship between these symptoms and the combination of lithium and antipsychotic medications, there is a theoretical relationship. It is unclear if this interaction would occur with the smaller doses found in lithium supplements.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
PossibleInteraction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
References
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/017812s028,018421s027lbl.pdf. Accessed Nov. 21, 2018
Interaction Details
Chlorpromazine is classified as belonging to the following category: Phenothiazines
Theoretically, taking lithium supplements with phenothiazines might decrease the levels and clinical effects of phenothiazines.
Concomitant use of lithium with phenothiazines might reduce lithium concentrations. Lithium might also reduce phenothiazine concentrations, making the pharmacokinetic effect unpredictable. It is unclear if these interactions would occur with the smaller doses found in lithium supplements.
Interaction Rating
Likelihood of Occurrence
ProbableInteraction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
References
- Martindale W. Martindale the Extra Pharmacopoeia. Pharmaceutical Press, 1999.
- McEvoy GK, ed. AHFS Drug Information. Bethesda, MD: American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, 1998.
Lithium Overview
Chlorpromazine Overview
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Chlorpromazine is used to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia (a mental illness that causes disturbed or unusual thinking, loss of interest in life, and strong or inappropriate emotions) and other psychotic disorders (conditions that cause difficulty telling the difference between things or ideas that are real and things or ideas that are not real) and to treat the symptoms of mania (frenzied, abnormally excited mood) in people who have bipolar disorder (manic depressive disorder; a condition that causes episodes of mania, episodes of depression, and other abnormal moods). Chlorpromazine is also used to treat severe behavior problems such as explosive, aggressive behavior and hyperactivity in children 1 to 12 years of age. Chlorpromazine is also used to control nausea and vomiting, to relieve hiccups that have lasted one month or longer, and to relieve restlessness and nervousness that may occur just before surgery. Chlorpromazine is also used to treat acute intermittent porphyria (condition in which certain natural substances build up in the body and cause stomach pain, changes in thinking and behavior, and other symptoms). Chlorpromazine is also used along with other medications to treat tetanus (a serious infection that may cause tightening of the muscles, especially the jaw muscle). Chlorpromazine is in a class of medications called conventional antipsychotics. It works by changing the activity of certain natural substances in the brain and other parts of the body.
Lithium - More Interactions
Lithium interacts with 511 drugs
Interaction Rating Key
These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
Major | The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur. |
Moderate | Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur. |
Minor | Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction. |
Unknown | No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available. |
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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
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Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.