Description

Phenothiazines can have a number of adverse effects, especially when taken in an overdose.


Clinical findings may include:

(1) anticholinergic effects (dry mouth, urinary retention, delirium, ileus)

(2) extrapyramidal reactions (dystonia, akathisia, tardive dyskinesia, pseudo-parkinsonism)

(3) cardiac toxicity (ventricular tachycardia, bundle branch block, prolonged QTc)

(4) ocular changes (rapid eyelid tremor, diplopia, oculogyric crises, miosis, blurred vision)

(5) seizures

(6) tachypnea

(7) hypothermia

(8) photosensitivity

(9) neuroleptic malignant syndrome

(10) reduced level of consciousness

 

Factors impacting an individial patient:

(1) presence of other medications

(2) cause of the overdose (accident versus intentional)


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