Which listed drug is Thorazine (chlorpromazine), a classic antipsychotic?

Which listed drug is Thorazine (chlorpromazine), a classic antipsychotic?

• A. Haldol
• B. Thorazine
• C. Mellaril
• D. Clozaril

Answer: (B)

The main concept here is recognizing a brand name and its exact generic counterpart, along with knowing what makes a drug a “classic” antipsychotic. Thorazine is the brand name for chlorpromazine, which is a classic first-generation antipsychotic in the phenothiazine class. Classic antipsychotics were among the earliest treatments for psychosis and work mainly by blocking dopamine D2 receptors, effectively reducing positive symptoms but often with a higher risk of movement-related side effects and sedation. Among the listed drugs, the others are different antipsychotics: haloperidol is a high-potency typical antipsychotic, thioridazine (Mellaril) is another phenothiazine but not Thorazine, and clozapine (Clozaril) is an atypical antipsychotic with a different side-effect profile. Since Thorazine refers specifically to chlorpromazine, it is the correct choice.

The main concept here is recognizing a brand name and its exact generic counterpart, along with knowing what makes a drug a “classic” antipsychotic. Thorazine is the brand name for chlorpromazine, which is a classic first-generation antipsychotic in the phenothiazine class. Classic antipsychotics were among the earliest treatments for psychosis and work mainly by blocking dopamine D2 receptors, effectively reducing positive symptoms but often with a higher risk of movement-related side effects and sedation.

Among the listed drugs, the others are different antipsychotics: haloperidol is a high-potency typical antipsychotic, thioridazine (Mellaril) is another phenothiazine but not Thorazine, and clozapine (Clozaril) is an atypical antipsychotic with a different side-effect profile. Since Thorazine refers specifically to chlorpromazine, it is the correct choice.