Active Learning Template for Medications
Student Name: Mackenzie Guinn
Medication: Chlorpromazine (Thoraxine)
Category Class: Antipsychotic: First-Generation (Conventional)
Expected Pharmacological Action / Mechanism
Block dopamine (D2), acetylcholine, histamine, and norepinephrine receptors in the
brain and periphery
Inhibition of psychotic manifestations, believed to be a result of D2 blockade in the
brain
Therapeutic Use
Acute and chronic psychotic disorders
Schizophrenia spectrum disorders
Bipolar disorders (primarily the manic phase)
Tourette syndrome
Agitation
Prevention of nausea/vomiting through blocking of dopamine in the chemoreceptor
trigger zone of the medulla
Complications (Adverse Effects)
Extrapyramidal effects
Acute dystonia (the client experiences severe spasms of the tongue, neck, face, and
back. If the laryngeal muscles are affected, respiration can decrease This is a crisis
situation, which requires rapid treatment)
Parkinsonism (bradykinesia, rigidity, shuffling gait, drooling, and tremors
Akathisia (client is unable to stand still or sit, and is continually pacing and agitated)
Tardive dyskinesia (TD) (manifestations include involuntary movements of the tongue
and face, such as lip-smacking, which causes speech and/or eating disturbances, and
can also include involuntary movements of arms, legs, or trunk)
Other effects
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (life-threatening medical emergency. Manifestations
include sudden high-grade fever, blood pressure fluctuations, dysrhythmias, muscle
rigidity, diaphoresis, tachycardia, and change in level of consciousness developing
into coma)
Anticholinergic effects (dry mouth, blurred vision, photophobia, urinary
hesitancy/retention, constipation and tachycardia)
Neuroendocrine effects (gynecomastia [breast enlargement], galactorrhea, and
menstrual irregularities)
Seizures (greatest risk for developing seizures is existing seizure disorders)
Skin effects (include photosensitivity resulting in severe sunburn, and contact
dermatitis from handling medications
Orthostatic hypotension
Student Name: Mackenzie Guinn
Medication: Chlorpromazine (Thoraxine)
Category Class: Antipsychotic: First-Generation (Conventional)
Expected Pharmacological Action / Mechanism
Block dopamine (D2), acetylcholine, histamine, and norepinephrine receptors in the
brain and periphery
Inhibition of psychotic manifestations, believed to be a result of D2 blockade in the
brain
Therapeutic Use
Acute and chronic psychotic disorders
Schizophrenia spectrum disorders
Bipolar disorders (primarily the manic phase)
Tourette syndrome
Agitation
Prevention of nausea/vomiting through blocking of dopamine in the chemoreceptor
trigger zone of the medulla
Complications (Adverse Effects)
Extrapyramidal effects
Acute dystonia (the client experiences severe spasms of the tongue, neck, face, and
back. If the laryngeal muscles are affected, respiration can decrease This is a crisis
situation, which requires rapid treatment)
Parkinsonism (bradykinesia, rigidity, shuffling gait, drooling, and tremors
Akathisia (client is unable to stand still or sit, and is continually pacing and agitated)
Tardive dyskinesia (TD) (manifestations include involuntary movements of the tongue
and face, such as lip-smacking, which causes speech and/or eating disturbances, and
can also include involuntary movements of arms, legs, or trunk)
Other effects
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (life-threatening medical emergency. Manifestations
include sudden high-grade fever, blood pressure fluctuations, dysrhythmias, muscle
rigidity, diaphoresis, tachycardia, and change in level of consciousness developing
into coma)
Anticholinergic effects (dry mouth, blurred vision, photophobia, urinary
hesitancy/retention, constipation and tachycardia)
Neuroendocrine effects (gynecomastia [breast enlargement], galactorrhea, and
menstrual irregularities)
Seizures (greatest risk for developing seizures is existing seizure disorders)
Skin effects (include photosensitivity resulting in severe sunburn, and contact
dermatitis from handling medications
Orthostatic hypotension
