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Norzine: Full Drug Profile

Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026

Norzine - General Information

A dopamine antagonist that is particularly useful in treating the nausea and vomiting associated with anesthesia, mildly emetic cancer chemotherapy agents, radiation therapy, and toxins. This piperazine phenothiazine does not prevent vertigo or motion sickness. (From AMA Drug Evaluations Annual, 1994, p457)

 

Pharmacology of Norzine

Norzine, an atypical antipsychotic agent, is used to treat both negative and positive symptoms of schizophrenia, acute mania with bipolar disorder, agitation, and psychotic symptoms in dementia. Future uses may include the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder and severe behavioral disorders in autism. Structurally and pharmacologically similar to clozapine, Norzine binds to alpha(1), dopamine, histamine H1, muscarinic, and serotonin type 2 (5-HT2) receptors.

 

Norzine for patients

Patients receiving TORECAN (thiethylperazine) should be cautioned about possible combined effects with alcohol and other CNS depressants. Patients should be cautioned not to operate machinery or drive a motor vehicle after ingesting the drug.

 

Norzine Interactions

Phenothiazines are capable of potentiating CNS depressants (e.g., barbiturates, anesthetics, opiates, alcohol, etc.) as well as atropine and phosphorous insecticides.

 

Norzine Contraindications

Severe central nervous system (CNS) depression and comatose states. Use of TORECAN (thiethylperazine) is contraindicated in patients who have demonstrated a hypersensitivity reaction (e.g., blood dyscrasias, jaundice) to phenothiazines.

Because severe hypotension has been reported after the intravenous administration of phenothiazines, this route of administration is contraindicated.

Usage in Pregnancy

TORECAN (thiethylperazine) is contraindicated in pregnancy.

 

Additional information about Norzine

Norzine Indication

For the treatment or relief of nausea and vomiting.

Mechanism Of Action
Norzine is an antagonist at types 1, 2, and 4 dopamine receptors, 5-HT receptor types 2A and 2C, muscarinic receptors 1 through 5, alpha(1)-receptors, and histamine H1-receptors. Norzine's antipsychotic effect is due to antagonism at dopamine and serotonin type 2 receptors, with greater activity at serotonin 5-HT2 receptors than at dopamine type-2 receptors. This may explain the lack of extrapyramidal effects. Norzine does not appear to block dopamine within the tubero-infundibular tract, explaining the lower incidence of hyperprolactinemia than with typical antipsychotic agents or risperidone. Antagonism at muscarinic receptors, H1-receptors, and alpha(1)-receptors also occurs with thiethylperazine.
Generic Name
Thiethylperazine
Synonyms
Ethylthioperazine; Theithylperazine
Drug Category
Anti-emetics
Drug Type
Small Molecule; Approved
Other Brand Names containing Thiethylperazine
Norzine; Torecan;
Toxicity (Overdose)
Manifestations of acute overdosage of TORECAN (thiethylperazine) can be expected to reflect the CNS effects of the drug and include extrapyramidal symptoms (E.P.S), confusion and convulsions with reduced or absent reflexes, respiratory depression and hypotension.
Protein Binding
60%
Dosage Forms of Norzine
Tablet Oral
Chemical IUPAC Name
2-ethylsulfanyl-10-[3-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)propyl]phenothiazine
Chemical Formula
C22H29N3S2
Organisms Affected
Humans and other mammals