THORAZINE Meaning and
Definition
-
Thorazine is a trade name for the drug chlorpromazine, which belongs to a class of medications known as phenothiazines. It is primarily used as an antipsychotic and tranquilizing agent in the treatment of various mental health conditions.
Therapeutically, thorazine is prescribed to manage symptoms of psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and severe agitation. It works by altering the balance of certain natural substances (neurotransmitters) in the brain, particularly dopamine, which is responsible for transmitting signals between neurons. By blocking dopamine receptors, thorazine helps to regulate abnormal brain activity, diminishing hallucinations, delusions, and other symptoms associated with psychosis.
Beyond its psychiatric applications, thorazine may be employed as an antiemetic to alleviate nausea and vomiting, particularly in cases of surgical procedures, cancer treatments, or severe illnesses. Additionally, it has been used off-label to complement anesthesia during surgery or manage intractable hiccups.
Thornazine is typically administered orally or via injection. Oral tablets and elixirs may differ regarding dosage and frequency, depending on the patient's condition and response. Its dosage for intramuscular or intravenous injection is typically more concentrated due to the immediate effect desired in acute situations.
Despite its therapeutic benefits, thorazine is associated with potential side effects, including drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, dry mouth, constipation, and weight gain. More severe but less common side effects may include neuroleptic malignant syndrome, which is a life-threatening condition characterized by fever, muscle stiffness, and altered mental status. Given these potential side effects, thorazine is usually prescribed judiciously under close medical supervision.
Common Misspellings for THORAZINE
Etymology of THORAZINE
The word "Thorazine" has an interesting etymology. It is derived from two components: "Thor-" and "-azine".
1. "Thor-" comes from the chemical compound's initial identification with Thorndike Laboratories, which was a division of the American Home Products Corporation. This division was responsible for discovering and developing the compound that would later be known as Thorazine.
2. "-azine" is a common suffix used in pharmacology to indicate a class of medications that possess certain chemical properties. For example, "phenothiazine" is another example of a medication with this suffix.
Therefore, the word "Thorazine" specifically refers to the compound developed by Thorndike Laboratories, falling into the category of "-azine" drugs.
Similar spelling words for THORAZINE
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
