Melleril

What is it?

A phenothiazine group II antipsychotic drug available as white, film-coated tablets in 4 different strengths containing 10mg, 25mg, 50mg and 100mg of thioridazine hydrochloride, respectively. All are marked with strength and MEL. AIso, MELLERIL SYRUP containing 25mg of thioridazine hydrochloride per 5ml. Also, MELLERIL SUSPENSION in 2 strengths containing 25mg and 100mg of thioridazine base per 5ml.

Medical Uses

Schizophrenia.

Dosage

Adults, in hospital for acute schizophrenia, 10010 600mg each day; in institution for chronic schizophrenia, 100 to 600mg each day; outpatient treatment for chronic schizophrenia, 5010 300mg each day. All patients to be given lowest dose to start and then gradually increased doses, in 100mg increments, once each week until optimal response is achieved.

Special Care

Myasthenia gravis, epilepsy, phaeochromocytoma, enlarged prostate gland, Parkinsonism, heart and circulatory diseases, urine retention, glaucoma, liver or kidney disorders, severe respiratory diseases, low blood pressure on rising upright, chronic constipation. Treatment must be under expert, specialist supervision. Blood pressure should be monitored prior to treatment; Also, ECG and electrolyte levels. Drug should be gradually withdrawn and this should take place if QTc interval is found to be prolonged. Patients who have been receiving drug should be regularly reevaluated.

Avoid Use

Children, pregnancy, breastfeeding, slow heartbeat, history of blood changes, coma, angina, heart block, other serious heart or circulatory diseases, QTc prolongation or family history of such, low blood levels of magnesium or potassium, severe sensitivity to light or other allergy, severe depression of central nervous system, porphyria, dementia, deficiency in enzyme CYP 2D6.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

See manufacturer's literature; drugs that prolong QZc interval, substrates or inhibitors of CYP 2D6.

Known Side Effects

Qtc prolongation with potentially fatal results. In rare cases, retinopathy with pigmentation (eye disease), neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Also, see manufacturer's literature.