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. 2021 Mar 31;11(2):40-44.
doi: 10.9740/mhc.2021.03.040. eCollection 2021 Mar.

Evaluation of the use of chlorpromazine for agitation in pediatric patients

Rajwoana Ahmed  1 , Megan Maroney  2 , Germin Fahim  3 , Hoytin Lee Ghin  4 , Andrew Scott Mathis  5
Affiliations

Evaluation of the use of chlorpromazine for agitation in pediatric patients

Rajwoana Ahmed et al. Ment Health Clin. .

Abstract

Introduction: Chlorpromazine is a first-generation antipsychotic used for behavioral problems in pediatric patients. However, other therapies may demonstrate both improved outcomes and fewer side effects. Within our institution, chlorpromazine has been the standard medication used for treatment of pediatric agitation. The study objective was to evaluate the appropriateness of chlorpromazine use (including efficacy, appropriate dosing, drug interactions, and tolerability) to optimize the treatment of pediatric agitation.

Methods: Data regarding drug interactions, patient behavior, dosing, and side effects was collected for each patient administered chlorpromazine from January 2019 through June 2019. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics assessing the incidence of drug-drug interactions (DDIs), incidences of inefficacy, inappropriate dosing, and side effects.

Results: A total of 70 patients and 130 administrations of oral or intramuscular chlorpromazine were evaluated. Of these administrations, 49 (38%) resulted in a DDI. Eighteen (14%) administrations were ineffective for managing symptoms of agitation. Eleven (8%) administrations were dosed inappropriately, and 46 (35%) administrations resulted in side effects possibly caused by chlorpromazine.

Discussion: Results from this study demonstrate opportunities for improvement in patient care due to instances of drug interactions, inefficacy, inappropriate dosing, and side effects with the use of chlorpromazine.

Keywords: agitation; chlorpromazine; olanzapine; pediatrics; sedation.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosures: M.M. reports personal fees from Novus Medical Education, American College of Clinical Pharmacy, American Journal of Managed Care, American Physician Institute, College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists, Pharmacy Times, PlatformQ Health, Specialty Pharma Education Center, and Otsuka Pharmaceuticals outside the submitted work. All other authors have nothing to disclose.

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