DRUGS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Thioridazine

March 21, 2017

Thioridazine Hydrochloride Oral solution

What is this medicine?

THIORIDAZINE (thye oh RID a zeen) is used to treat schizophrenia. This medicine should only be used when other medications have not worked, because it can cause serious heart-related side effects.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • blood disorders

  • dementia

  • frequently drink alcoholic beverages

  • heart or liver disease

  • Parkinson's disease

  • uncontrollable movement disorder

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to thioridazine, other medicines foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Shake well before using. Use a specially marked dropper to measure your medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. Mix the oral concentrate with half a glass (4 fluid ounces) of water, orange, or grapefruit juice. Do not mix with any drink containing caffeine (coffee, cola), tea, or apple juice. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking this medicine except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. While this drug may be prescribed for children for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

  • amoxapine

  • arsenic trioxide

  • certain antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin, gatifloxacin, grepafloxacin, moxifloxacin, sparfloxacin

  • cisapride

  • clozapine

  • diltiazem

  • droperidol

  • ephedrine

  • gefitinib

  • imatinib

  • levomethadyl

  • local anesthetics

  • medicines for mental depression

  • medicines to control irregular heart rhythms

  • octreotide

  • pentamidine

  • phenylpropanolamine

  • pimozide

  • pindolol

  • propranolol

  • ranolazine

  • risperidone

  • terbinafine

  • trimethobenzamide

  • ziprasidone

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

  • barbiturate medicines like phenobarbital

  • diuretics

  • local and general anesthetics

  • phenytoin

  • prescription pain medicines

  • warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress.

You may get drowsy, dizzy, or have blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can increase possible dizziness or drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

This medicine can reduce the response of your body to heat or cold. Dress warm in cold weather and stay hydrated in hot weather. If possible, avoid extreme temperatures like saunas, hot tubs, very hot or cold showers, or activities that can cause dehydration such as vigorous exercise.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • blurred vision

  • breast enlargement in men or women

  • breast milk in women who are not breast-feeding

  • chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat

  • confusion, restlessness

  • dark yellow or brown urine

  • difficulty breathing or swallowing

  • dizziness or fainting spells

  • drooling, shaking

  • fever, chills, sore throat

  • involuntary or uncontrollable movements of the eyes, mouth, head, arms, and legs

  • seizures

  • stomach area pain

  • unusual bleeding or bruising

  • unusually weak or tired

  • yellowing of skin or eyes

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • difficulty passing urine

  • difficulty sleeping

  • headache

  • sexual dysfunction

  • skin rash, or itching

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Do not freeze. Protect from light. Dilute immediately before use, and do not store diluted solution. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Thioridazine Hydrochloride Oral tablet

What is this medicine?

THIORIDAZINE (thye oh RID a zeen) is used to treat schizophrenia. This medicine should only be used when other medications have not worked, because it can cause serious heart-related side effects.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • blood disorders

  • dementia

  • frequently drink alcoholic beverages

  • heart or liver disease

  • Parkinson's disease

  • uncontrollable movement disorder

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to thioridazine, other medicines foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. While this drug may be prescribed for children for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

  • amoxapine

  • arsenic trioxide

  • certain antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin, gatifloxacin, grepafloxacin, moxifloxacin, sparfloxacin

  • cisapride

  • clozapine

  • diltiazem

  • droperidol

  • ephedrine

  • gefitinib

  • imatinib

  • levomethadyl

  • local anesthetics

  • medicines for mental depression

  • medicines to control irregular heart rhythms

  • octreotide

  • pentamidine

  • phenylpropanolamine

  • pimozide

  • pindolol

  • propranolol

  • ranolazine

  • risperidone

  • terbinafine

  • trimethobenzamide

  • ziprasidone

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

  • barbiturate medicines like phenobarbital

  • diuretics

  • local and general anesthetics

  • phenytoin

  • prescription pain medicines

  • warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress.

You may get drowsy, dizzy, or have blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can increase possible dizziness or drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

This medicine can reduce the response of your body to heat or cold. Dress warm in cold weather and stay hydrated in hot weather. If possible, avoid extreme temperatures like saunas, hot tubs, very hot or cold showers, or activities that can cause dehydration such as vigorous exercise.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • blurred vision

  • breast enlargement in men or women

  • breast milk in women who are not breast-feeding

  • chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat

  • confusion, restlessness

  • dark yellow or brown urine

  • difficulty breathing or swallowing

  • dizziness or fainting spells

  • drooling, shaking

  • fever, chills, sore throat

  • involuntary or uncontrollable movements of the eyes, mouth, head, arms, and legs

  • seizures

  • stomach area pain

  • unusual bleeding or bruising

  • unusually weak or tired

  • yellowing of skin or eyes

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • difficulty passing urine

  • difficulty sleeping

  • headache

  • sexual dysfunction

  • skin rash, or itching

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Thioridazine Oral suspension

What is this medicine?

THIORIDAZINE (thye oh RID a zeen) is used to treat schizophrenia. This medicine should only be used when other medications have not worked, because it can cause serious heart-related side effects.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • blood disorders

  • dementia

  • frequently drink alcoholic beverages

  • heart disease

  • liver disease

  • Parkinson's disease

  • uncontrollable movement disorder

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to thioridazine, other medicines foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Shake well before using. Use a specially marked spoon to measure your medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. While this drug may be prescribed for children for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

  • amoxapine

  • arsenic trioxide

  • certain antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin, gatifloxacin, grepafloxacin, moxifloxacin, sparfloxacin

  • cisapride

  • clozapine

  • diltiazem

  • droperidol

  • ephedrine

  • gefitinib

  • imatinib

  • levomethadyl

  • local anesthetics

  • medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances

  • medicines for irregular heart beat like amiodarone, bepridil, dofetilide, encainide, flecainide, propafenone, quinidine

  • octreotide

  • pentamidine

  • phenylpropanolamine

  • pimozide

  • pindolol

  • propranolol

  • ranolazine

  • risperidone

  • terbinafine

  • trimethobenzamide

  • ziprasidone

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

  • barbiturate medicines like phenobarbital

  • diuretics

  • local and general anesthetics

  • medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin

  • narcotic medicines for pain

  • phenytoin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress.

You may get drowsy, dizzy, or have blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can increase possible dizziness or drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

This medicine can reduce the response of your body to heat or cold. Dress warm in cold weather and stay hydrated in hot weather. If possible, avoid extreme temperatures like saunas, hot tubs, very hot or cold showers, or activities that can cause dehydration such as vigorous exercise.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

  • blurred vision

  • breast enlargement in men or women

  • breast milk in women who are not breast-feeding

  • breathing problems

  • chest pain

  • confusion or restlessness

  • dark urine

  • dizziness

  • drooling, shaking

  • fast, irregular heartbeat

  • feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

  • fever, chills, or sore throat

  • involuntary or uncontrollable movements of the eyes, mouth, head, arms, and legs

  • seizures

  • stomach area pain

  • unusual bleeding or bruising

  • unusually weak or tired

  • yellowing of skin or eyes

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • headache

  • sexual dysfunction

  • trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

  • trouble sleeping

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature below 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Do not freeze. Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Updated:  

March 21, 2017

Sources:  

U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert