In some unexpected deaths, myocardial lesions have been observed. Several patients have shown sudden exacerbations of psychotic behavior patterns shortly before death. Autopsy findings have also revealed acute fulminating pneumonia or pneumonitis and aspiration of gastric contents. The physician should therefore be alerted to the possible development of silent pneumonias . Coma and areflexia in more severe cases.
Respiratory depression is a late manifestation of severe phenothiazine intoxication.
Motor restlessness, convulsions, acute extrapyramidal symptoms such as dystonia and oculogyric crisis have not been reported but are possible. Elimination of the offending drug should be attempted by emesis or gastric lavage followed by the administration of activated charcoal, cathartic diuresis, exchange transfusion in children. Dialysis has been found ineffective. Maintenance of adequate pulmonary ventilation. Correction of hypotension.