Mellaril and Alcohol/Food Interactions

GENERALLY AVOID: Concurrent use of ethanol and phenothiazines may result in additive CNS depression and psychomotor impairment. Also, ethanol may precipitate dystonic reactions in patients who are taking phenothiazines. The two drugs probably act on different sites in the brain, although the exact mechanism of the interaction is not known.

MANAGEMENT: Patients should be advised to avoid alcohol during phenothiazine therapy.

phenothiazines - 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.