What is Sparine?

Phenothiazine overdose?

DefinitionPhenothiazine is a medication used to treat serious mental and emotional disorders. This article discusses an overdose of phenothiazine. Overdose occurs when someone accidentally or intentionally takes more than the normal or recommended amount of a certain substance.This article is for information only, NOT for use in treating or managing an actual overdose. If you have overdosed or been exposed to poison, you should call your local emergency number (such as 911) or the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222.Poisonous IngredientThe poisonous ingredient is phenothiazine, which may be found in a variety of medications.Where FoundAcetophenazineChlorpromazine (Thorazine)Chlorprothixene (Taractan)Clozapine (Clozaril)Fluphenazine (Prolixin)Haloperidol (Haldol)Loxapine (Loxitane)Mesoridazine (Serentil)Molindone (Moban)Perphenazine (Trilafon)Pimozide (Orap)Prochlorperazine (Compazine)Promazine (Sparine)Thioridazine (Mellaril)Thiothixene (Navane)Trifluoperazine (Stelazine)TriflupromazinePromethazine (Phenergan)Note: This list may not be all inclusive.SymptomsAirways and lungs No breathingRapid breathingShallow breathingBladder and kidneys Retention of urine (unable to empty bladder)Eyes, ears, nose, mouth, and throat Blurred visionCongested noseDroolingDry mouthSwallowing difficultiesUlcers in the mouth, on the tongue, or in the throatVision color changes (things look brownish)Yellow eyesHeart and blood High or severely low blood pressureIrregular heartbeatRapid heartbeatMuscles and joints Muscle spasms, particularly of the neck, face, and backMuscle stiffnessNervous system AgitationClumsinessComaConfusionConvulsionsDeep sleepDifficulty walking or shuffling gaitFaintingHallucinations (rare)IncoordinationIrritabilityNeeding to move, restlessnessTremorWeaknessSkin Rapid sunburn if exposed to the sunSkin discoloration, bluish (changing to purplish)Stomach and intestinal tract ConstipationLoss of appetiteNauseaOther Changes in menstrual pattern (in women, from chronic doses)FeverLow body temperature (hypothermia)Home TreatmentSeek immediate medical help.Do NOT make a person throw up unless told to do so by poison control or a health care professional.Before Calling EmergencyDetermine the following information:Patient's age, weight, and conditionThe name of the product (ingredients and strengths, if known)The amount swallowedThe time it was swallowedIf the medication was prescribed for the patientPoison Control, or a local emergency numberThe National Poison Control Center (1-800-222-1222) can be called from anywhere in the United States. This national hotline number will let you talk to experts in poisoning. They will give you further instructions.This is a free and confidential service. All local poison control centers in the United States use this national number. You should call if you have any questions about poisoning or poison prevention. It does NOT need to be an emergency. You can call for any reason, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.Take the container with you to the hospital, if possible.See: Poison control center - emergency numberWhat to expect at the emergency roomThe health care provider will measure and monitor the patient's vital signs, including temperature, pulse, breathing rate, and blood pressure. Symptoms will be treated as appropriate. The patient may receive:Activated charcoalBreathing supportFluids through a vein (IV)LaxativeMedication to help reverse the effect of the poisonTube through the mouth into the stomach to empty the stomach (gastric lavage)Expectations (prognosis)Recovery depends on the amount of damage. Survival past 2 days is usually a good sign. The most serious side effects are usually due to damage to the heart. If heart damage can be stabilized, recovery is likely.ReferencesNockowitz RA, Rund DA. Psychotropic medications. In: Tintinalli JE, Kelen GD, Stapczynski JS, Ma OJ, Cline DM, eds. Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide. 6th ed. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill; 2004:chap 290.