thioridazine

Thioridazine is a first-generation (typical) antipsychotic of the phenothiazine class, primarily used in the management of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. It acts mainly by blocking postsynaptic mesolimbic dopaminergic D1 and D2 receptors in the brain, reducing abnormal excitement and psychotic symptoms. Thioridazine also blocks alpha-adrenergic receptors and depresses hypothalamic and hypophyseal hormone release, affecting basal metabolism, body temperature, wakefulness, vasomotor tone, and emesis. It has a higher incidence of antimuscarinic effects but a lower risk of extrapyramidal symptoms compared to some other phenothiazines like chlorpromazine. Due to its association with potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmias (notably QT prolongation), thioridazine was withdrawn from most markets worldwide in 2005. Before withdrawal, it was reserved for patients with schizophrenia who had not responded adequately to at least two other antipsychotics or could not tolerate them due to side effects[1][2][5][8].

Brand names

MellarilMellaril-S

Other names

thioridazine hydrochloride