chlorpromazine: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Medical
Quick answer
What does “chlorpromazine” mean?
A synthetic antipsychotic drug of the phenothiazine class, used primarily to treat schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, as well as for severe nausea and vomiting.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A synthetic antipsychotic drug of the phenothiazine class, used primarily to treat schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, as well as for severe nausea and vomiting.
Historically significant as the first widely used antipsychotic medication, it revolutionized psychiatric treatment in the mid-20th century. In veterinary medicine, it is sometimes used as a sedative. Its mechanism involves blocking dopamine receptors in the brain.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
In both dialects, it carries strong medical/clinical connotations. It may have historical connotations of older, more sedating psychiatric treatments with significant side effects.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both dialects, confined to medical, psychiatric, pharmacological, and historical contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “chlorpromazine” in a Sentence
The patient was started on [chlorpromazine][Chlorpromazine] is indicated for [condition]To manage agitation, [chlorpromazine] may be used.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chlorpromazine” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The consultant decided to switch the patient from haloperidol to chlorpromazine.
- Chlorpromazine's discovery marked a turning point in institutional care.
American English
- The initial dose of chlorpromazine was 25 mg administered intramuscularly.
- Chlorpromazine is on the WHO List of Essential Medicines.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Extremely rare; only in pharmaceutical industry reports or history of medicine.
Academic
Common in medical, psychiatric, pharmacological, and history of science literature.
Everyday
Virtually never used; a layperson would say 'antipsychotic medication' or refer to a brand name.
Technical
Core term in psychiatry, pharmacology, and medicinal chemistry.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chlorpromazine”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chlorpromazine”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chlorpromazine”
- Misspelling as 'chloropromazine' or 'chlorpromazin'.
- Pronouncing the 'z' as /s/ instead of /z/.
- Using it as a general term for any sedative or antidepressant.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but its use has declined in developed nations due to the side effect profile of typical antipsychotics. It is still used, particularly where cost is a major factor or for specific indications like intractable hiccups or severe nausea.
Common side effects include sedation, weight gain, dry mouth, and blurred vision. More serious potential effects include extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) like tremors and muscle stiffness, tardive dyskinesia, and low blood pressure.
It was the first effective antipsychotic drug, leading to the deinstitutionalization movement by allowing patients with psychosis to be managed outside of psychiatric hospitals. It demonstrated that severe mental illness could be treated pharmacologically.
No. Chlorpromazine is a prescription-only medication due to its potency, potential for serious side effects, and the need for medical supervision.
A synthetic antipsychotic drug of the phenothiazine class, used primarily to treat schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, as well as for severe nausea and vomiting.
Chlorpromazine is usually technical/medical in register.
Chlorpromazine: in British English it is pronounced /klɔːˈprəʊməziːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /klɔːrˈproʊməziːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
CHLORPROM-AZINE: Imagine a CHLORine-based PROMise to calm the mind, ending in the common drug suffix '-AZINE'.
Conceptual Metaphor
A CHEMICAL KEY that blocks disordered thoughts. A HISTORICAL GATEWAY to modern psychiatry.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary clinical use of chlorpromazine?