Products
Thioridazine has been off the market in many countries since 2005 because of cardiac risks. Melleril and Mellerette tablets are out of commerce. In Germany and other countries, thioridazine remains on the market.
Structure and properties
Thioridazine (C21H26N2S2, Mr = 370.6 g/mol) is a phenothiazine derivative with a piperidinyl alkyl side chain. In drugs, it is present as thioridazine hydrochloride, a white to pale yellow crystalline powder that is soluble in water.
Effects
Thioridazine (ATC N05AC02) is antipsychotic. The effects are due in part to antagonism at dopamine receptors. Thioridazine has additional antimicrobial properties.
Indications
For the treatment of patients with chronic schizophrenic and other psychoses. Thioridazine may be useful in the treatment of tuberculosis but has not been approved for this purpose.
Adverse effects
Thioridazine is a substrate of CYP2D6 and may prolong the QT interval and cause cardiac arrhythmias. This combination is dangerous when CYP2D6 inhibitors are administered or patients cannot adequately metabolize thioridazine due to polymorphism. There is a risk of sudden cardiac death.
