Monograph Details

Central Nervous System > Psychosis
MELLARIL
Manufacturer
Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp
Legal Classification
Rx
Pharmacological Class
Piperidine phenothiazine.
Generic Name
Thioridazine HCl 10mg, 15mg, 25mg, 50mg, 100mg, 150mg, 200mg; tabs.
Also
MELLARIL-S SUSPENSION
MELLARIL CONCENTRATE
Indications
Schizophrenia unresponsive to (preferably 2) other antipsychotic drugs.
Children
Initially 0.5mg/kg per day in divided doses; may increase gradually to max 3mg/kg per day.
Adults
Initially 50–100mg three times daily; may increase gradually to max 800mg/day in 2–4 divided doses.
Contraindications
History of arrhythmias. Congenital long QT syndrome. QTc interval >450msec. Concomitant drugs that prolong QTc interval, CYP2D6 inhibitors (eg, fluoxetine within past 5 weeks, paroxetine), or others that inhibit thioridazine metabolism (eg, duloxetine, fluvoxamine, propranolol, pindolol). Reduced CYP2D6 activity. Coma. CNS or bone marrow depression. Severe hyper- or hypotensive heart disease.
Precautions
Discontinue if QTc interval >500msec occurs. Obtain ECG and K+ levels at baseline, then periodically (esp. after changing dose). Evaluate cardiac function if syncope, dizziness, palpitations, or other symptoms of torsade de pointes occurs. Bradycardia. Hypokalemia (correct K+ before starting). History of breast cancer. Seizure disorders. Monitor blood, liver and visual function. Pregnancy. Nursing mothers.
Interactions
See Contraindications. QTc interval prolongation with CYP2D6 inhibitors (eg, fluoxetine, paroxetine) or inhibitors of thioridazine metabolism (eg, duloxetine, fluvoxamine, propranolol, pindolol). Potentiates CNS depression with alcohol, other CNS depressants. Potentiates atropine, organophosphate toxicity. Antagonizes quetiapine. May cause false (+) pregnancy test.
Adverse Reactions
Drowsiness, other CNS effects, anticholinergic effects, QT prolongation, arrhythmias, hyperprolactinemia, amenorrhea, ejaculation inhibition, edema, tardive dyskinesia, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, blood dyscrasias, jaundice, gynecomastia, weight gain, pigmentary retinopathy, orthostatic hypotension, hyperpyrexia, paradoxical reaction.
How Supplied
Tabs 10mg, 25mg, 50mg, 100mg—100, 1000
15mg, 150mg, 200mg—100
Conc—4oz (w. cal. dropper)
Susp—pt
Additional Resources
Related Prescribing Note