Chlorpromazine and Thioridazine belong to which drug class?

• A. Phenothiazines
• B. Benzodiazepines
• C. Beta blockers
• D. SSRIs

Answer: (A)

Chlorpromazine and thioridazine are classic antipsychotics belonging to the phenothiazine family. This class is defined by a shared chemical structure and their role as dopamine D2 receptor antagonists in the brain, which helps alleviate positive symptoms of schizophrenia. They’re part of the first generation, or typical, antipsychotics, and their effects come with side effects related to widespread dopamine blockade, such as movement disorders and sedation. The other options don’t fit because benzodiazepines are GABAergic sedatives, beta blockers target the cardiovascular system, and SSRIs are antidepressants that increase serotonin reuptake inhibition.