Multiple non-psychiatric effects of phenothiazines: A review

The phenothiazine group of drugs has long been known as antipsychotic drugs and previously it was extensively used for the treatment of anxiety. Several pieces of evidence have shown that they interfere with a variety of cellular processes and in vitro can interact with biomolecules like DNA, proteins etc. Recent reports have also revealed some new properties like antimicrobial, antiprionic, anticancerous activities of certain members of the phenothiazine group. Appropriate clinical application of phenothiazines can be developed in the future after gaining a comprehensive knowledge about their function. Information relating to the toxic and beneficial effects of these drugs has been discussed in this review.