Is Chlorpromazine (Largactil) infusion safe in the elderly?

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Last updated: March 5, 2025 • View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

Chlorpromazine infusion is not recommended in elderly patients due to significant safety concerns, including severe orthostatic hypotension, excessive sedation, anticholinergic effects, and increased risk of falls, as highlighted in the 2021 study on polypharmacy management in older patients 1. When considering antipsychotic treatment in elderly patients, it is essential to prioritize their safety and well-being. The use of chlorpromazine, a first-generation antipsychotic, is particularly problematic in this age group due to its high risk of adverse effects.

Key Considerations

  • Elderly patients are more susceptible to the side effects of chlorpromazine, including orthostatic hypotension, sedation, and anticholinergic effects, which can increase the risk of falls and other injuries 1.
  • Chlorpromazine also carries a higher risk of extrapyramidal symptoms and tardive dyskinesia in older adults, which can have a significant impact on their quality of life 1.
  • The 2018 study on delirium in adult cancer patients suggests that alternative antipsychotics, such as quetiapine or risperidone, may be safer options for elderly patients, with starting doses of 12.5-25mg and 0.25-0.5mg, respectively 1.

Recommendations

  • Avoid using chlorpromazine infusion in elderly patients whenever possible, and instead consider alternative antipsychotics with a more favorable safety profile.
  • If antipsychotic treatment is necessary, use the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration possible, with close monitoring for adverse effects, including cardiac issues, sedation, and movement disorders.
  • A comprehensive geriatric assessment and consideration of non-pharmacological approaches should precede any antipsychotic treatment in this age group, as emphasized in the 2021 study on polypharmacy management in older patients 1.

From the FDA Drug Label

WARNINGS Increased Mortality in Elderly Patients with Dementia-Related Psychosis Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with antipsychotic drugs are at an increased risk of death. Tardive Dyskinesia Tardive dyskinesia, a syndrome consisting of potentially irreversible, involuntary, dyskinetic movements, may develop in patients treated with antipsychotic drugs Although the prevalence of the syndrome appears to be highest among the elderly, especially elderly women, it is impossible to rely upon prevalence estimates to predict, at the inception of antipsychotic treatment, which patients are likely to develop the syndrome.

The use of chlorpromazine infusion in the elderly is not safe due to the increased risk of mortality and tardive dyskinesia. The FDA drug label warns that elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis are at an increased risk of death when treated with antipsychotic drugs, including chlorpromazine. Additionally, the risk of developing tardive dyskinesia is higher in the elderly, especially elderly women. Therefore, chlorpromazine infusion should be used with caution in the elderly, and the potential benefits should be carefully weighed against the potential risks 2.

From the Research

Safety of Chlorpromazine Infusion in the Elderly

There are no direct research papers provided to specifically answer the question of whether Chlorpromazine (Largactil) infusion is safe in the elderly. However, the available studies discuss the use of antipsychotics in older patients and the considerations for medication use in the elderly.

Use of Antipsychotics in Older Patients

  • The study by 3 discusses the use of antipsychotic agents in older patients, including the recommendations for different conditions such as delirium, dementia, schizophrenia, and psychotic mood disorders.
  • The study by 4 evaluates the literature on the pharmacotherapy of psychosis in the elderly and suggests that atypical antipsychotics offer more tolerable adverse effects profiles compared to typical antipsychotics.

Considerations for Medication Use in the Elderly

  • The study by 5 emphasizes the importance of considering the specificities of the elderly, their biological and chronological framework, and applying the principles of rational, conservative, and evidence-based pharmacotherapy when prescribing drugs for the elderly.
  • The study by 6 discusses the use of antidepressant medication in the elderly, highlighting the need to weigh the potential risks with the patient and their families.
  • The study by 7 provides a comprehensive summary of the benefits and risks of the use of antihypertensive drugs in elderly patients, highlighting the need for careful consideration of the potential risks and benefits of medication use in this population.

General Safety Considerations

  • The available studies suggest that elderly patients are prone to develop adverse side-effects to usual dosages of medications and that the side-effects are even more frequent in elderly than in younger patients 5.
  • The studies also emphasize the importance of considering potential drug-to-drug interactions and compromised pharmacokinetic dynamics in the aging body when prescribing medications for the elderly 5.

References

1
Guideline

Guideline Directed Topic Overview

Dr.Oracle Medical Advisory Board & Editors, 2025

3
Research

Using antipsychotic agents in older patients.

The Journal of clinical psychiatry, 2004

4
Research

Advances in pharmacotherapy of psychotic disorders in the elderly.

The Consultant pharmacist : the journal of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists, 2003

6
Research

Should antidepressant medication be used in the elderly?

Expert review of neurotherapeutics, 2015

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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.

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