Observations on an effective antiemetic-chlorpromazine.

Abstract

CHLORPROMAZINE (10-[y - dimethylaminopropyl] - 2 - chlorophenothiazine hydrochloride) is a new drug that effectively protects dogs from apomorphineinduced emesis and motion sickness.* It acts by depressing the emetic chemoreceptor trigger zone and the vomiting reflex site within the central nervous system. 3 Laboratory toxicity studies indicated that chlorpromazine is relatively safe for use in man. 4 Therefore, we undertook a further evaluation of hemodynamic and toxicological effects in dogs and in man. These are briefly summarized in Figure 2. Upon completion of the hemodynamic and toxicity studies, an effort was made to evaluate the clinical effectiveness of chlorpromazine as an antiemetic. These observations are briefly summarized in Figures 3 to 5. The chlorpromazine was administered to patients with persistent vomiting who had failed to respond to commonly employed antiemetic measures and had become definite therapeutic problems. In each patient, the cause of nausea and vomiting has been reasonably well established before starting