What is the safety and efficacy of Chlorpromazine (Thorazine) in patients with Chronic Liver Disease (CLD)?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: February 21, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

From the Research

Chlorpromazine (Thorazine) should be used with caution in patients with Chronic Liver Disease (CLD) due to the potential risk of further liver damage and altered drug metabolism. For patients with CLD, treatment depends on the specific underlying cause and severity. Common approaches may include:

  • Lifestyle modifications: Avoiding alcohol, maintaining a healthy diet, and regular exercise.
  • Medications: For viral hepatitis, antiviral drugs like entecavir or tenofovir for hepatitis B, or direct-acting antivirals for hepatitis C.
  • Management of complications: Drugs like diuretics for ascites, beta-blockers for portal hypertension, or lactulose for hepatic encephalopathy.
  • Liver transplantation: For end-stage liver disease. It's crucial to consult with a hepatologist for proper diagnosis and tailored treatment, as many medications require dose adjustments or may be contraindicated in liver disease due to altered drug metabolism and the risk of further liver damage, as noted in studies such as 1. Always inform healthcare providers about liver conditions before starting any new medication. Additionally, some non-antidiabetic drugs, including statins, have shown beneficial effects in improving liver histology and reducing risks of hepatocellular carcinoma and mortality in patients with CLD, as discussed in 2 and 1. However, the safety and efficacy of Chlorpromazine in patients with CLD are not well-established, and its use should be carefully considered in the context of the patient's overall health and medical history.

References

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.