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Thioridazine Hcl

(other types of Thioridazine Hcl)
brand name(s): Mellaril (learn more about brand vs. generic drugs)

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Information on Thioridazine Hcl

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Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects .

Tablets
Chemical Name: THIORIDAZINE (thye-oh-RID-a-zeen)

Common uses
This medicine is a phenothiazine used to treat an emotional disorder (schizophrenia) that is untreatable with other medicines.

Before using
WARNING: Serious, even fatal heart problems (QTc interval prolongation) have occurred in patients taking thioridazine. This medicine should be used only when treatment with other drugs have failed. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking astemizole, cisapride, dofetilide, fluvoxamine, fluoxetine, paroxetine, pindolol, propranolol, terfenadine, or tramadol. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking guanadrel, guanethidine, levodopa, macrolide antibiotics, tricyclic antidepressants, or medicine for bladder or bowel spasms (anticholinergics) or high blood pressure or heart conditions (e.g., beta blockers). USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you have a history of irregular heartbeat, or liver disease (especially reduced cytochrome P450 enzymes). Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.

Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If you are taking 1 dose at bedtime and do not remember until the next morning, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Cautions
KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are using this medicine. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE drowsiness, dizziness, or fainting. Stand up slowly. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. DO NOT BECOME OVERHEATED in hot weather or during exercise or other activities since heat stroke may occur while you are using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE increased sensitivity to the sun. Avoid exposure to the sun or sunlamps until you know how you react to this medicine. Use a sunscreen or protective clothing if you must be outside for a prolonged period. DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL while you are taking this medicine. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes phenylpropanolamine. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.

Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include drowsiness, dizziness, nasal congestion, blurred vision, dry mouth, or constipation. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience changes in vision; changes in breasts; changes in menstrual period; prolonged or painful erection; sore throat; inability to move eyes; muscle spasms of face, neck, or back; difficulty swallowing; mask-like face; tremors of hands; restlessness; tension in legs; shuffling walk or stiff arms or legs; puffing of cheeks; lip smacking or puckering; twitching or twisting movements; or weakness of arms or legs. CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience irregular heartbeat, or fainting. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions

If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include restlessness, muscle spasms, tremors, twitching, deep sleep or loss of consciousness, and seizures.

Additional information
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Selected data included with permission and copyrighted by Medi-Span, 2009. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a Licensed data provider and is not for distribution in professional healthcare settings.