In vivo observations of chlorpromazine ocular deposits in a patient on long-term chlorpromazine therapy

Clin Exp Ophthalmol. 2008 Aug;36(6):560-3. doi: 10.1111/j.1442-9071.2008.01832.x.

Abstract

Chlorpromazine is known to deposit in ocular tissues when taken at high doses for prolonged periods. Chlorpromazine therapy in a 59-year-old schizophrenic man with a cumulative dosage exceeding 2500 g resulted in multiple white deposits in both corneas especially in the endothelium. Confocal microscopy revealed significant pleomorphism and polymegethism of endothelial cells. The anterior lens capsules opacities were star-shaped and concentrated in the centre. Because of cataract and chronic angle closure glaucoma our high-myopic patient underwent surgery, and light microscopic evaluation of the obtained anterior lens capsule during cataract surgery showed golden brown cytoplasmic deposits in the central epithelial cells and capsule. The peripheral epithelial cells of the removed capsule had no deposit. There were no sign of retinal deposits in the fundoscopy, optical coherence tomography and fluorescein angiography. In this patient chlorpromazine deposited mainly in the corneal endothelium, central anterior lens capsule and epithelial cells.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Antipsychotic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Antipsychotic Agents / pharmacokinetics*
  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Chlorpromazine / administration & dosage*
  • Chlorpromazine / pharmacokinetics*
  • Chlorpromazine / therapeutic use
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Endothelium, Corneal / metabolism
  • Epithelial Cells / metabolism
  • Eye / metabolism*
  • Eye / pathology
  • Humans
  • Lens, Crystalline / metabolism
  • Male
  • Microscopy
  • Microscopy, Confocal
  • Middle Aged
  • Schizophrenia / drug therapy*
  • Schizophrenia / metabolism*
  • Tissue Distribution

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Chlorpromazine