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Can you take Chlorpromazine with Diltiazem?

1 drug interaction and 39 additional warnings found for the following 2 drugs:

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Drug interactions

Moderate drug interactions

Moderate:

dilTIAZem chlorproMAZINE

Applies to: diltiazem and chlorpromazine

ChlorproMAZINE and dilTIAZem may have additive effects in lowering your blood pressure. You may experience headache, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, and/or changes in pulse or heart rate. These side effects are most likely to be seen at the beginning of treatment, following a dose increase, or when treatment is restarted after an interruption. Let your doctor know if you develop these symptoms and they do not go away after a few days or they become troublesome. Avoid activities requiring mental alertness such as driving or operating hazardous machinery until you know how the medications affect you, and use caution when getting up from a sitting or lying position. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Food/lifestyle interactions

Moderate food/lifestyle interactions

Moderate:

dilTIAZem Food/Lifestyle

Applies to: diltiazem

Alcohol can lower your blood pressure and add to the effects of dilTIAZem. You may experience dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, or a rapid heartbeat if you drink alcohol with dilTIAZem, especially when you first start taking the medication or just after a dose increase. Grapefruit juice may also increase the effects of dilTIAZem in some people by increasing its levels in the blood. You may want to limit alcohol intake and avoid excessive consumption of grapefruit and grapefruit juice during treatment with dilTIAZem. However, if you have been regularly consuming grapefruit or grapefruit juice with dilTIAZem, do not alter the amounts of these products in your diet without first talking to your doctor or other healthcare professional. Contact your doctor if your condition changes or you experience increased side effects of dilTIAZem such as headache, irregular heartbeat, swelling, unexplained weight gain, or chest pain. Orange juice is not expected to interact.

Moderate:

chlorproMAZINE Alcohol (Ethanol)

Applies to: chlorpromazine

Ask your doctor before using chlorproMAZINE together with ethanol (alcohol). This can cause uncontrollable movements, agitation, seizures, severe dizziness or fainting, coma, very deep sleep, irregular heartbeats, and high or low body temperature. Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities, these medicaions may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Moderate:

dilTIAZem multivitamins with minerals

Applies to: diltiazem

Using dilTIAZem together with multivitamins with minerals can decrease the effects of dilTIAZem. Talk with your doctor before using dilTIAZem and multivitamins with minerals together. You may need a dose adjustment or need your blood pressure checked more often if you take both medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Moderate:

chlorproMAZINE Nicotine

Applies to: chlorpromazine

As you stop smoking during treatment with nicotine, your dosage requirement of chlorproMAZINE may need to be changed. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. Your doctor may be able to prescribe alternatives that do not interact, or you may need a dose adjustment or more frequent monitoring by your doctor to safely use both medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Disease interactions

35 potential interactions Applies to: 32 conditions, including High Blood Pressure, Heart Failure, Heart Attack, Seizures, and Arrhythmia.

Acute Alcohol Intoxication

Major:

chlorpromazine

chlorproMAZINE has a major potential interaction with Acute Alcohol Intoxication.

Phenothiazines are contraindicated in the presence of large amounts of central nervous system depressants such as alcohol. The risk of suicide and the danger of overdose may be increased in patients who use alcohol excessively. Phenothiazines should be used with caution in patients experiencing alcohol withdrawal.

Alcoholism

Major:

chlorpromazine

chlorproMAZINE has a major potential interaction with Alcoholism.

Phenothiazines are contraindicated in the presence of large amounts of central nervous system depressants such as alcohol. The risk of suicide and the danger of overdose may be increased in patients who use alcohol excessively. Phenothiazines should be used with caution in patients experiencing alcohol withdrawal.

Altered Consciousness

Major:

chlorpromazine

chlorproMAZINE has a major potential interaction with Altered Consciousness.

The use of phenothiazines is contraindicated in comatose patients and patients with severe central nervous system depression. Phenothiazines may potentiate the CNS and respiratory depression in these patients.

Aortic Stenosis

Major:

diltiazem

dilTIAZem has a major potential interaction with Aortic Stenosis.

The use of some calcium channel blockers (CCBs) is contraindicated in patients with advanced aortic stenosis. CCBs whose pharmacologic effect is partially dependent on their ability to reduce afterload (e.g., diltiazem, nicardipine, nifedipine, verapamil) may be of less benefit in these patients due to a fixed impedance to flow across the aortic valve and may, in fact, worsen rather than improve myocardial oxygen balance. Rarely, heart failure has developed following the initiation of these CCBs, particularly in patients receiving concomitant beta-blocker therapy.

Arrhythmia

Major:

chlorpromazine

chlorproMAZINE has a major potential interaction with Arrhythmia.

Phenothiazines may cause hypotension. Patients with pheochromocytoma, cerebral vascular or renal insufficiency, cardiovascular disease, or a severe cardiac reserve deficiency (e.g., mitral insufficiency) may be more prone to hypotensive reactions. Close monitoring is recommended during treatment if used in at-risk patients; some products may be contraindicated (e.g., thioridazine). Large doses and parenteral administration should be used cautiously, or avoided, in patients with impaired cardiovascular systems.

Bone Marrow Depression/Low Blood Counts

Major:

chlorpromazine

chlorproMAZINE has a major potential interaction with Bone Marrow Depression/Low Blood Counts.

Phenothiazines may cause hematologic toxicity. In patients with preexisting blood dyscrasias, bone marrow suppression, or a history of drug-induced leukopenia or neutropenia, phenothiazines should not be used or are contraindicated. Complete blood counts should be regularly monitored in patients with risk factors for blood dyscrasias. If white blood cell counts indicate cellular depression, discontinue treatment and institute appropriate therapy.

Breast Cancer

Moderate:

chlorpromazine

chlorproMAZINE has a moderate potential interaction with Breast Cancer.

The chronic use of phenothiazines is associated with persistent elevations in prolactin levels. The clinical significance in patients with a history of breast cancer is unknown and should be considered prior to therapy; approximately one-third of human breast cancers are thought to be prolactin-dependent. Chronic administration of neuroleptic drugs has been associated with mammary tumorigenesis in animal studies; however, evidence is inconclusive in humans.

Cardiogenic Shock

Major:

diltiazem

dilTIAZem has a major potential interaction with Cardiogenic Shock.

In general, calcium channel blockers (CCBs) should not be used in patients with hypotension (systolic pressure < 90 mm Hg) or cardiogenic shock. Due to potential negative inotropic and peripheral vasodilating effects, the use of CCBs may further depress cardiac output and blood pressure, which can be detrimental in these patients. The use of verapamil and diltiazem is specifically contraindicated under these circumstances.

Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders

Major:

chlorpromazine

chlorproMAZINE has a major potential interaction with Cardiovascular Conditions and Disorders.

Phenothiazines may cause hypotension. Patients with pheochromocytoma, cerebral vascular or renal insufficiency, cardiovascular disease, or a severe cardiac reserve deficiency (e.g., mitral insufficiency) may be more prone to hypotensive reactions. Close monitoring is recommended during treatment if used in at-risk patients; some products may be contraindicated (e.g., thioridazine). Large doses and parenteral administration should be used cautiously, or avoided, in patients with impaired cardiovascular systems.

Central Nervous System Disorders

Moderate:

chlorpromazine

chlorproMAZINE has a moderate potential interaction with Central Nervous System Disorders.

Phenothiazines can lower the seizure threshold. Caution is recommended during administration in patients with a history of convulsive disorders or EEG abnormalities. Anticonvulsant therapy should be maintained or adequately adjusted during phenothiazine treatment.

Cerebrovascular Insufficiency

Major:

chlorpromazine

chlorproMAZINE has a major potential interaction with Cerebrovascular Insufficiency.

Phenothiazines may cause hypotension. Patients with pheochromocytoma, cerebral vascular or renal insufficiency, cardiovascular disease, or a severe cardiac reserve deficiency (e.g., mitral insufficiency) may be more prone to hypotensive reactions. Close monitoring is recommended during treatment if used in at-risk patients; some products may be contraindicated (e.g., thioridazine). Large doses and parenteral administration should be used cautiously, or avoided, in patients with impaired cardiovascular systems.

Dementia

Major:

chlorpromazine

chlorproMAZINE has a major potential interaction with Dementia.

Antipsychotic drugs are not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis. Older patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with antipsychotic drugs are at an increased risk of death; although the causes were varied, most of the deaths appeared to be either cardiovascular (e.g., heart failure, sudden death) or infectious (e.g., pneumonia) in nature. A causal relationship with antipsychotic use has not been established. In controlled trials in older patients with dementia-related psychosis, patients randomized to risperidone, aripiprazole, and olanzapine had higher incidence of cerebrovascular adverse events (e.g., stroke, transient ischemic attack), including fatalities, compared to patients treated with placebo.

Glaucoma/Intraocular Hypertension

Moderate:

chlorpromazine

chlorproMAZINE has a moderate potential interaction with Glaucoma/Intraocular Hypertension.

Phenothiazines have anticholinergic activity, which may cause mydriasis. Caution is recommended in patients with preexisting conditions that are likely to be exacerbated by anticholinergic activity, such as glaucoma. Older patients may be particularly sensitive.

Heart Attack

Major:

diltiazem

dilTIAZem has a major potential interaction with Heart Attack.

Diltiazem has demonstrated a negative inotropic effect in isolated animal tissue preparations but rarely in clinical situations. Hemodynamic studies in humans with normal ventricular function and in patients with a compromised myocardium have not shown a reduction in cardiac index nor consistent negative effects on contractility. However, worsening of congestive heart failure has been reported in patients with preexisting impairment of ventricular function. Therapy with diltiazem should be administered cautiously, if at all, in patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction (e.g., ejection fraction < 30%) or moderate to severe symptoms of cardiac failure and in patients with any degree of ventricular dysfunction if they are receiving a beta-adrenergic blocker. Likewise, diltiazem should not be given to patients with acute myocardial infarction and pulmonary congestion documented by X-ray on admission, since associated heart failure may be acutely worsened. Mild symptoms of cardiac failure should be under control, if possible, prior to initiating diltiazem therapy.

Heart Block

Major:

diltiazem

dilTIAZem has a major potential interaction with Heart Block.

The use of some calcium channel blockers (CCBs) is contraindicated in patients with severe bradyarrhythmia, sick sinus syndrome (unless a functioning pacemaker is present), or heart block greater than the first degree (unless a functioning pacemaker is present). CCBs like bepridil, diltiazem and verapamil have a negative effect on AV conduction and the SA node and may exacerbate these conditions.

Heart Failure

Major:

diltiazem

dilTIAZem has a major potential interaction with Heart Failure.

Diltiazem has demonstrated a negative inotropic effect in isolated animal tissue preparations but rarely in clinical situations. Hemodynamic studies in humans with normal ventricular function and in patients with a compromised myocardium have not shown a reduction in cardiac index nor consistent negative effects on contractility. However, worsening of congestive heart failure has been reported in patients with preexisting impairment of ventricular function. Therapy with diltiazem should be administered cautiously, if at all, in patients with severe left ventricular dysfunction (e.g., ejection fraction < 30%) or moderate to severe symptoms of cardiac failure and in patients with any degree of ventricular dysfunction if they are receiving a beta-adrenergic blocker. Likewise, diltiazem should not be given to patients with acute myocardial infarction and pulmonary congestion documented by X-ray on admission, since associated heart failure may be acutely worsened. Mild symptoms of cardiac failure should be under control, if possible, prior to initiating diltiazem therapy.

High Blood Pressure

Major:

chlorpromazine

chlorproMAZINE has a major potential interaction with High Blood Pressure.

Phenothiazines may cause hypotension. Patients with pheochromocytoma, cerebral vascular or renal insufficiency, cardiovascular disease, or a severe cardiac reserve deficiency (e.g., mitral insufficiency) may be more prone to hypotensive reactions. Close monitoring is recommended during treatment if used in at-risk patients; some products may be contraindicated (e.g., thioridazine). Large doses and parenteral administration should be used cautiously, or avoided, in patients with impaired cardiovascular systems.

History - Cerebrovascular Disease

Major:

chlorpromazine

chlorproMAZINE has a major potential interaction with History - Cerebrovascular Disease.

Phenothiazines may cause hypotension. Patients with pheochromocytoma, cerebral vascular or renal insufficiency, cardiovascular disease, or a severe cardiac reserve deficiency (e.g., mitral insufficiency) may be more prone to hypotensive reactions. Close monitoring is recommended during treatment if used in at-risk patients; some products may be contraindicated (e.g., thioridazine). Large doses and parenteral administration should be used cautiously, or avoided, in patients with impaired cardiovascular systems.

History - Myocardial Infarction

Major:

chlorpromazine

chlorproMAZINE has a major potential interaction with History - Myocardial Infarction.

Phenothiazines may cause hypotension. Patients with pheochromocytoma, cerebral vascular or renal insufficiency, cardiovascular disease, or a severe cardiac reserve deficiency (e.g., mitral insufficiency) may be more prone to hypotensive reactions. Close monitoring is recommended during treatment if used in at-risk patients; some products may be contraindicated (e.g., thioridazine). Large doses and parenteral administration should be used cautiously, or avoided, in patients with impaired cardiovascular systems.

Hypotension

Major:

chlorpromazine

chlorproMAZINE has a major potential interaction with Hypotension.

Phenothiazines may cause hypotension. Patients with pheochromocytoma, cerebral vascular or renal insufficiency, cardiovascular disease, or a severe cardiac reserve deficiency (e.g., mitral insufficiency) may be more prone to hypotensive reactions. Close monitoring is recommended during treatment if used in at-risk patients; some products may be contraindicated (e.g., thioridazine). Large doses and parenteral administration should be used cautiously, or avoided, in patients with impaired cardiovascular systems.

Major:

diltiazem

dilTIAZem has a major potential interaction with Hypotension.

In general, calcium channel blockers (CCBs) should not be used in patients with hypotension (systolic pressure < 90 mm Hg) or cardiogenic shock. Due to potential negative inotropic and peripheral vasodilating effects, the use of CCBs may further depress cardiac output and blood pressure, which can be detrimental in these patients. The use of verapamil and diltiazem is specifically contraindicated under these circumstances.

Ischemic Heart Disease

Major:

diltiazem

dilTIAZem has a major potential interaction with Ischemic Heart Disease.

Increased frequency, duration, and/or severity of angina, as well as acute myocardial infarction, have rarely developed during initiation or dosage increase of calcium channel blockers (CCBs), particularly in patients with severe obstructive coronary artery disease and those treated with immediate-release formulations. The mechanism of this effect is not established. Therapy with CCBs should be administered cautiously in patients with significant coronary artery disease.

Liver Disease

Major:

chlorpromazine

chlorproMAZINE has a major potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Therapy with phenothiazines should be administered cautiously or are contraindicated in patients with preexisting liver disease or with a history of jaundice due to phenothiazine hypersensitivity. Patients with a history of hepatic encephalopathy due to cirrhosis may have increased sensitivity to the central nervous system effects of some phenothiazines (e.g., chlorpromazine). Treatment should be discontinued if jaundice occurs.

Major:

diltiazem

dilTIAZem has a major potential interaction with Liver Disease.

Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are extensively metabolized by the liver. The half-lives of CCBs may be prolonged substantially in patients with severe hepatic impairment, with the potential for significant drug accumulation. In addition, the use of some CCBs has been associated with elevations in serum transaminases, both with and without concomitant elevations in alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin. While these effects may be transient and reversible, some patients have developed cholestasis or hepatocellular injury. Therapy with CCBs should be administered cautiously and often at reduced dosages in patients with significantly impaired hepatic function. Periodic monitoring of liver function is advised.

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

Moderate:

chlorpromazine

chlorproMAZINE has a moderate potential interaction with Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome.

Therapy with phenothiazines may precipitate or aggravate a potentially fatal symptom complex known as neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). Treatment should not be initiated in patients with active NMS, and should be immediately discontinued if currently administered in such patients. In patients with a history of NMS, introduction or reintroduction of phenothiazines should be carefully considered, since NMS may recur.

Pheochromocytoma

Major:

chlorpromazine

chlorproMAZINE has a major potential interaction with Pheochromocytoma.

Phenothiazines may cause hypotension. Patients with pheochromocytoma, cerebral vascular or renal insufficiency, cardiovascular disease, or a severe cardiac reserve deficiency (e.g., mitral insufficiency) may be more prone to hypotensive reactions. Close monitoring is recommended during treatment if used in at-risk patients; some products may be contraindicated (e.g., thioridazine). Large doses and parenteral administration should be used cautiously, or avoided, in patients with impaired cardiovascular systems.

Preexcitation Syndrome

Major:

diltiazem

dilTIAZem has a major potential interaction with Preexcitation Syndrome.

The use of intravenous diltiazem is contraindicated for the management of atrial flutter or fibrillation in patients with an accessory AV tract (e.g., those with Wolff-Parkinson-White or Lown-Ganong-Levine syndrome). Diltiazem can cause ventricular fibrillation and cardiac arrest in such patients, the mechanism of which is related to the drug's ability to shorten the refractory period and accelerate antegrade conduction within the accessory pathway.

Pulmonary Impairment

Moderate:

chlorpromazine

chlorproMAZINE has a moderate potential interaction with Pulmonary Impairment.

Phenothiazines may suppress the cough reflex and central nervous system. Caution is recommended when using phenothiazines in patients with chronic respiratory disorders, including severe asthma, emphysema, or acute respiratory tract infections.

Renal Dysfunction

Moderate:

chlorpromazine

chlorproMAZINE has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Phenothiazines should be used with caution in patients with renal dysfunction. Patients with renal insufficiency may be more prone to hypotension. Periodic renal function tests are recommended for all patients during prolonged therapy.

Moderate:

diltiazem

dilTIAZem has a moderate potential interaction with Renal Dysfunction.

Diltiazem is extensively metabolized by the liver and subsequently excreted in the urine, primarily as metabolites. Limited data suggest that the pharmacokinetic disposition of diltiazem is not altered in the presence of renal insufficiency or even end-stage renal disease. However, the effects of possible metabolite accumulation have not been studied. The manufacturers recommend that therapy with diltiazem be administered cautiously in patients with impaired renal function. Laboratory parameters of renal function should be monitored at regular intervals.

Respiratory Arrest

Major:

chlorpromazine

chlorproMAZINE has a major potential interaction with Respiratory Arrest.

The use of phenothiazines is contraindicated in comatose patients and patients with severe central nervous system depression. Phenothiazines may potentiate the CNS and respiratory depression in these patients.

Seizures

Moderate:

chlorpromazine

chlorproMAZINE has a moderate potential interaction with Seizures.

Phenothiazines can lower the seizure threshold. Caution is recommended during administration in patients with a history of convulsive disorders or EEG abnormalities. Anticonvulsant therapy should be maintained or adequately adjusted during phenothiazine treatment.

Sinus Node Dysfunction

Major:

diltiazem

dilTIAZem has a major potential interaction with Sinus Node Dysfunction.

The use of some calcium channel blockers (CCBs) is contraindicated in patients with severe bradyarrhythmia, sick sinus syndrome (unless a functioning pacemaker is present), or heart block greater than the first degree (unless a functioning pacemaker is present). CCBs like bepridil, diltiazem and verapamil have a negative effect on AV conduction and the SA node and may exacerbate these conditions.

Valvular Heart Disease

Major:

chlorpromazine

chlorproMAZINE has a major potential interaction with Valvular Heart Disease.

Phenothiazines may cause hypotension. Patients with pheochromocytoma, cerebral vascular or renal insufficiency, cardiovascular disease, or a severe cardiac reserve deficiency (e.g., mitral insufficiency) may be more prone to hypotensive reactions. Close monitoring is recommended during treatment if used in at-risk patients; some products may be contraindicated (e.g., thioridazine). Large doses and parenteral administration should be used cautiously, or avoided, in patients with impaired cardiovascular systems.

Ventricular Arrhythmia

Major:

diltiazem

dilTIAZem has a major potential interaction with Ventricular Arrhythmia.

The use of intravenous diltiazem or verapamil is contraindicated in patients with ventricular tachycardia. IV administration of a calcium channel blocker can precipitate cardiac arrest in such patients. Marked hemodynamic deterioration and ventricular fibrillation have occurred in patients with wide-complex ventricular tachycardia (QRS >= 0.12 seconds) treated with IV verapamil.

More resources

chlorpromazine

A total of 756 drugs are known to interact with chlorpromazine.

diltiazem

A total of 771 drugs are known to interact with diltiazem.

Drug Interaction Classification

These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication.
Major Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit.
Moderate Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances.
Minor Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan.
Unknown No interaction information available.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.