What Is Largactil Used For?

Largactil contains chlorpromazine hydrochloride, which belongs to a group of medicines called phenothiazines. It can be used for short-term or long-term treatment depending on your condition.

Primary Uses

Largactil is used to treat severe depression, behavioral disturbances, nausea, vomiting, severe pain, and unstoppable hiccups. Your doctor may prescribe it for other conditions as well.

How to Take Largactil

Your doctor or pharmacist will determine the right dose for you based on your condition and other medicines you may be taking. Take Largactil at the same time each day for best results.

Dosage Instructions

Swallow tablets whole with a full glass of water – do not chew them. For syrup, swallow the prescribed dose and follow with a glass of water. Injections are only given by healthcare professionals. Continue taking until your doctor tells you to stop, even if you feel better.

What If You Miss a Dose?

If you miss a dose, simply continue taking Largactil as advised by your doctor. You do not need to make up for the missed dose.

Available Tablet Strengths

Side Effects

Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.

Common Side Effects

These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:

• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Dry mouth
• Drowsiness or tiredness
• Weight gain
• Constipation
• Nasal congestion
• Weakness
• Agitation
• Confusion
• Skin discoloration
• Blurred vision
• Difficulty urinating
• Impotence

Important Warnings

There are several important conditions and situations where Largactil should not be used or requires special caution.

Who Should Not Take Largactil

Do not use if you have ever had an allergic reaction to Largactil or other phenothiazine medicines, or if you have circulatory problems, blood or bone marrow problems, high blood pressure, liver problems, depression of the central nervous system, or phaeochromocytoma (a rare adrenal gland tumor).

Medical Conditions to Discuss

Tell your doctor if you have asthma, chronic respiratory disorders, kidney or liver disease, heart disease, blood clots, decreased parathyroid activity, low blood calcium levels, Parkinson’s disease, prostate problems, epilepsy, glaucoma, muscle weakness (myasthenia gravis), diabetes, or dementia.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Largactil is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Babies exposed to antipsychotic medicines during the third trimester may experience breathing problems, feeding difficulties, spasms, restlessness, and withdrawal symptoms after delivery.

Drug Interactions

Many medicines can interfere with Largactil and affect how it works. Always tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you are taking.

• Parkinson’s disease medicines (benztropine, levodopa)
• Antimicrobials for infections
• Antacids for stomach upset
• Lithium for mood disorders
• Barbiturates (sedatives)
• Tricyclic antidepressants
• Benzodiazepines for anxiety
• Other antipsychotics
• Heart rhythm medicines (amiodarone, quinidine, disopyramide)
• Heart rate medicines (diltiazem, verapamil, propranolol)
• Diuretics and laxatives
• Pain medicines (opioids)
• Diabetes medicines
• Blood thinners (anticoagulants)
• Epilepsy medicines (phenytoin, valproic acid)

Alcohol & Driving

Largactil can affect your ability to drive safely and may interact dangerously with alcohol. It can also affect your body’s ability to regulate temperature.

Alcohol

Be very careful when drinking alcohol while taking Largactil. The combination can make you more sleepy, dizzy, or light-headed. Your doctor may suggest avoiding alcohol completely during treatment.

Driving and Operating Machinery

Largactil may cause drowsiness, dizziness, and blurred vision. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how the medicine affects you. Get up slowly from sitting or lying positions to prevent dizziness.

Temperature Regulation

Avoid very cold or very hot environments as Largactil may make it difficult for your body to regulate its temperature. Also avoid strong sunlight, sunlamps, or tanning beds as your skin may become much more sensitive to sunlight, causing severe sunburn.

Storage

Store tablets below 30°C. Store syrup and ampoules below 25°C and protect from light. Keep in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Do not store in bathrooms, cars, or on window sills. Keep out of reach of children.

Overdose Information

If you think you have taken too much Largactil, seek immediate medical attention even if you feel fine. Call the Poisons Information Centre at 13 11 26, contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department. Overdose symptoms may include drowsiness, low body temperature, low blood pressure, muscle stiffness, unusual heart beats, difficulty swallowing or breathing, convulsions, or loss of consciousness.

Frequently Asked Questions