Fluphenazine
Description
Fluphenazine is used in the treatment of psychotic symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations. It is not recommended for use in children and in elderly patients with dementia.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Fluphenazine
- Akathisia
- Dystonia
- Dyskinesia
- Muscle stiffness
- Sedation
- Weight gain
- Erectile dysfunction
- Orthostatic Hypotension
- Anorexia
Uses of Fluphenazine
What is it prescribed for?
- Psychotic disorders
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe effect of this medicine can be observed within 24 to 72 hours.
- Duration of effectThe effect of this medicine lasts for an average duration of 4 weeks.
- Safe with alcohol?Consumption of alcohol during treatment with this medicine is not recommended due to the increased risk of dizziness, drowsiness, impaired judgment, and difficulty in concentration. It is advised that you do not perform any activities that require high mental alertness such as driving a vehicle or operating heavy machinery if you consume alcohol during treatment with this medicine.
- Is it habit forming?No habit forming tendency has been reported.
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. Discuss all the risks and benefits with your doctor before taking this medicine. If the medicine is used, the infant should be monitored closely for any adverse effects.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to fluphenazine.
Coma
Fluphenazine is not recommended for use in comatose patients due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition.
Narrow angle glaucoma
Fluphenazine is not recommended for use in patients with a known history of narrow-angle glaucoma due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor before taking this medicine.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary. Discuss all the risks and benefits with your doctor before taking this medicine. If the medicine is used, the infant should be monitored closely for any adverse effects.
General warnings
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
Fluphenazine should be discontinued immediately if the patient develops neuroleptic malignant syndrome which is characterized by an increase in the body temperature, muscle rigidity, altered consciousness, and cardiac arrhythmias.
Tardive dyskinesia
Fluphenazine may cause involuntary movements of the tongue, lips, and face. Inform the doctor immediately if you experience any of these symptoms. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be required based on the clinical condition.
Missed Dose
If you miss an appointment for a dose of Fluphenazine, contact your doctor immediately and set up an appointment as soon as possible.
Overdose
Since this medicine is administered in a clinical or hospital setup, the likelihood of an overdose is very low. However, emergency medical treatment will be initiated by your doctor if an overdose of this medicine is suspected.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
N/A
Instructions
Consumption of alcohol during treatment with this medicine is not recommended due to the increased risk of dizziness, drowsiness, impaired judgment, and difficulty in concentration. It is advised that you do not perform any activities that require high mental alertness such as driving a vehicle or operating heavy machinery if you consume alcohol during treatment with this medicine.
Interaction with Medicine
Citalopram
Clozapine
Haloperidol
Amiodarone
Sotalol
Disease interactions
Dementia
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with dementia-related psychosis due to the increased risk of heart diseases such as heart failure and infectious diseases such as pneumonia. An alternate medicine should be considered based on the clinical condition.
Liver Disease
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with a known history of liver diseases due to the increased risk of severe side effects. Appropropriate dose adjustments should be done based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Fluphenazine is usually administered by a qualified healthcare professional. Consult the doctor if you experience any undesirable side effects. Ensure that the course of treatment is completed. Do not stop the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Miscelleneous
How it works
It blocks the release of certain chemical substances in the brain that cause psychotic symptoms.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Phenothiazine antipsychotics
Schedule
Schedule H
DailyMed - Fluphenazine decanoate injection [Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2017 [cited 19 August 2017]. Available from:
Fluphenazine - DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2017 [cited 19 August 2017]. Available from:
Fluphenazine: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Medlineplus.gov. 2017 [cited 19 August 2017]. Available from:
Prescribing medicines in pregnancy database [Internet]. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). 2017 [cited 19 August 2017]. Available from:
Toxnet [Internet]. Toxnet.nlm.nih.gov. 2017 [cited 19 August 2017]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 4 Sep 2017
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.