Less frequently, cases related to chlorpromazine and rarely to other
phenothiazines are reported.
The use of an antihistamine ([H.sub.1]-receptor antagonist) or a
phenothiazine may be limited by sedation, particularly with increasing doses.
Phenothiazine derivatives, such as acepromazine (ACP), are widely used in veterinary medicine with the aim to produce sedation in dogs.
If the antihistamines as a class are not effective, the
phenothiazines are a good choice.
(11) Wood et al compared antihistamines to
phenothiazines, anticholinergics, sympathomimetics, and various combinations.
Metoclopramide appears to result in roughly the same incidence of acute dystonic reactions, akathisia, or hypotension as the
phenothiazines.
Substance abuse is another potential contributor to hypothermia; alcohol and drug use (e.g., sedatives or
phenothiazines) can suppress vasoconstriction and the shivering response through cutaneous vasodilation, alter decision-making, and decrease awareness of and response to hazardous environmental conditions (3).
These symptoms are seen with overdoses of such drugs as diphenhydramine (Benadryl and other drugs),
phenothiazines (Thorazine and others), tricyclic antidepressants (Elavil and others), some stomach products like dicyclomine (Bentyl), and many over the counter cold remedies and sleep aids.
* Antipsychotic agents (
phenothiazines, haloperidol).
Medications, particularly benzodiazepines,
phenothiazines and anti-depressants, have been implicated as a risk factor for falls in patients with dementia [1, 3, 4, 11, 12], via the proposed mechanisms of central sedation, orthostatic hypotension and extra-pyramidal side-effects [13].
For instance,
phenothiazines detected by TLC screening were being confirmed by GC/MS - a long and tedious process.
Abusers of caffeine are likely to be treated with
phenothiazines or antidepressants (Winstead, 1976); higher doses of
phenothiazines may be prescribed due to the clinician's failure to recognize caffeine's ability to increase catecholamine output (Greden, Fontaine, Lubetsky, & Chamberline, 1978) and observable initial agitation or excitement (Shisslak, Beutler, Scheiber, Gaines, La Wall, & Crago, 1985).
