Generic Name: mesoridazine

What is the most important information I should know about mesoridazine?

In rare cases, mesoridazine has caused serious irregular heartbeats, sometimes resulting in death. Do not take mesoridazine if you have any of the following conditions or a history of these conditions: heart disease; an irregular heartbeat or a history of irregular heartbeats; a history of prolonged QT intervals; a family history of congenital long QT syndrome; hypokalemia (low levels of potassium in your blood); slow heartbeats that require treatment; or other heartbeat disturbances. These conditions may increase the risk of irregular heartbeats, heart attack, and death while taking mesoridazine. Do not take mesoridazine with other drugs that can affect heartbeat rhythms such as quinidine (Cardioquin, Quinaglute, Quinidex, others), procainamide (Procan, Procanbid, Pronestyl), disopyramide (Norpace), and others. Taken with any of these drugs, mesoridazine (Serentil) may cause irregular heartbeats that could lead to death. This is not a complete list of drugs that may interact with mesoridazine and cause heart problems. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medications. Call your doctor immediately if you have uncontrollable movements of the mouth, tongue, cheeks, jaw, arms, or legs; fever; muscle rigidity; sweating; irregular pulse; or fast or irregular heartbeats. Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Mesoridazine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

Dizziness may be more likely to occur when you rise from a sitting or lying position. Rise slowly to prevent dizziness and a possible fall.

Mesoridazine may interact with other drugs that cause drowsiness, including alcohol, antidepressants, antihistamines, pain relievers, anxiety medicines, seizure medicines, and muscle relaxants. Dangerous sedation, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur if mesoridazine is taken with alcohol or any of these medications. Talk to your doctor before taking mesoridazine in combination with alcohol or any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines. Do not mix the liquid form of this medication with coffee, cola, or tea.

What is mesoridazine?

Mesoridazine is in a class of drugs called phenothiazines. It works by changing the actions of chemicals in your brain.

Mesoridazine is used to treat schizophrenia.

Mesoridazine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take mesoridazine?

In rare cases, mesoridazine has caused serious irregular heartbeats, sometimes resulting in death. Do not take mesoridazine if you have any of the following conditions or a history of these conditions: heart disease; an irregular heartbeat or a history of irregular heartbeats; a history of prolonged QT intervals; a family history of congenital long QT syndrome; hypokalemia (low levels of potassium in your blood); slow heartbeats that require treatment; or other heartbeat disturbances. These conditions may increase the risk of irregular heartbeats, heart attack, and death while taking mesoridazine.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have

• a bone marrow disease,

• glaucoma,

• seizures,

• Parkinson's disease,

• an enlarged prostate or difficulty urinating,

• liver disease, or
• kidney disease.

You may not be able to take mesoridazine, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

It is not known whether mesoridazine will harm an unborn baby. Do not take mesoridazine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant. It is not known whether mesoridazine passes into breast milk. Do not take mesoridazine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. If you are over 60 years of age, you may be more likely to experience side effects from mesoridazine. You may require a lower dose of this medication.