Flupenthixol
Tranquilizer, Sedative/Hypnotic · Thioxanthine
Indications
ORAL: Short-term treatment of mild to moderate depression, with or without anxiety. INJECTION: Treatment and maintenance of schizophrenia; relieves thought disorders, hallucinations and delusions.
Dosage
ORAL: Adults: 1-2 mg as a single dose in morning; max 3 mg daily in divided doses. Elderly: 0.5 mg as a single dose in morning; max 2 mg daily in divided doses. INJECTION: Adults: By deep IM injection into the upper outer buttock or lateral thigh not for IV use, test dose 20 mg, then after at least 7 days 20-40 mg repeated at intervals of 2-4 wk, adjusted according to response; max 400 mg weekly; usual maintenance dose 50 mg every 4 wk to 300 mg every 2 wk. Elderly: Initially quarter to half adult dose. Children: Not recommended.
Administration
Administer by deep IM only. Stability: Store at room temperature. Protect from light.
Adverse Effects
Blood dyscrasias, hyperprolactinaemia, acute dystonias and dyskinesias, akathisia, Parkinsonism, hypotension, anticholinergic effects (e.g. dry mouth, blurred vision), respiratory depression, nasal stuffiness, rash, photosensitivity, hyperglycaemia, impaired temperature regulation, convulsions, male sexual dysfunction, gynaecomastia, amenorrhoea, galactorrhoea, hyperhidrosis, altered appetite, dyspnoea, abnormal LFTs, myalgia, somnolence, fatigue, GI upset, agranulocytosis, jaundice, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, QT prolongation, hot flush, pruritus, dermatitis, headache, dizziness, anxiety, agitation, confusion, appetite changes, wt gain.
Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)
Pregnancy: Positive evidence of risk: Use only when no safer alternative exists for a serious problem. Lactation: Contraindicated or not recommended. Contraindications: Severe depression requiring hospitalisation or ECT, states of excitement or over-activity, including mania. Circulatory collapse, depressed level of consciousness, coma. Precautions: Renal, hepatic, respiratory or cardiovascular disease, arrhythmias, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, glaucoma, prostatic hypertrophy, thyroid disorders, Myasthaenia gravis, pheochromocytoma, risk factors for stroke, QT prolongation or venous thromboembolism, Risk of neuroleptic malignant syndrome; discontinue treatment if occurs. Risk of blood dyscrasias; monitor for suicidal ideation. Elderly. Withdraw gradually.
Interactions
Adrenaline, alcohol, barbiturates, CNS depressants, antipsychotics, anticholinergics, levodopa, antihypertensives, anticonvulsants, drugs that prolong the QT interval (e.g. class I and III antiarrhythmics, thioridazine, erythromycin. Moxifloxacin, some antihistamines), drugs known to cause electrolytes disturbances, lithium, metoclopramide, general anaesthetics, anticoagulants, neuromuscular blocking agents, quinidine, corticosteroids, digoxin.
Advice to Patient
Take oral form with or without meals. Do not stop taking medication abruptly, gradually lower the dose and then stop. Contact prescriber if there is restlessness, muscle stiffness, weakness, difficulty in speaking, loss of balance, mask-like facial expression, trembling or shaking, confusion, dizziness, lip smacking or other uncontrollable movements, difficulty in urination, skin rash or discoloration, sore throat, unusual bleeding or bruising, stomach pain, yellowing of eyes or skin, dark urine, hot dry skin, vomiting, irregular heartbeat, increased sweating. Avoid alcohol during therapy. Avoid direct sunlight. Use sunscreen, wear proper clothing and eyewear to prevent photosensitivity. Avoid exercising in hot weather.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset: Oral: Within 2-3 days. IM: 24-72 hrs. Duration: Oral: 8 hrs. IM: 2-4 wks. Absorption: Oral: Readily absorbed from the GI tract. IM: Slowly released from IM inj sites. Metabolism: Hepatic. Bioavailability: Oral: 40%. Half-life elimination: Oral: 35 hrs. IM: 3 wks. Time to peak, plasma: Oral: 4 hrs. IM: 4-7 days. Excretion: Urine. Faeces.
Brands with this active ingredient
Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →
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