Trifluoperazine
Tranquilizer, Sedative/Hypnotic · Phenothiazine
Indications
Low dosage: Mild mental & emotional states; nausea & vomiting. High dosage: Schizophrenia, psychosis.
Dosage
Adults: Low dosage: 1 mg to 2 mg twice daily. High dosage: 5 mg to 20 mg daily in two doses. Children: Schizophrenia and other psychoses, short-term adjunctive management of psychomotor agitation, excitement and violent or dangerously impulsive behavior: 12-18 yr, initially 5 mg twice daily, increased by 5 mg daily after 1 wk, then at intervals of 3 days, according to response. Short-term adjunctive management of severe anxiety: 3-6 yr, up to 500 mcg twice daily; 6-12 yr, up to 2 mg twice daily; 12-18 yr, 1-2 mg twice daily, increased if necessary to 3 mg twice daily. Severe nausea and vomiting unresponsive to other antiemetics: 3-5 yr, up to 500 mcg twice daily; 6-12 yr, up to 2 mg twice daily; 12-18 yr, 1-2 mg twice daily, max 3 mg twice daily.
Adverse Effects
Leucopenia, thrombocytopenia, hyperprolactinaemia, acute dystonias and dyskinesias, Parkinsonism, drowsiness, insomnia, tachycardia, hypotension, erythemas, anticholinergic effects, anorexia, depression, rash, photosensitivity, convulsions, blood dyscrasias, extrapyramidal symptoms, agitation, mental dullness, dizziness, ECG changes. Rarely, agranulocytosis, jaundice, neuroleptic malignant syndrome (discontinue).
Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)
Pregnancy: Risk cannot be ruled out. Lactation: Contraindicated or not recommended. Contraindications: Comatose states, bone marrow depression, liver damage, blood dyscrasias, uncontrolled cardiac failure. Precautions: Elderly. Cardiovascular disease, undiagnosed vomiting, angina, arrhythmia, Parkinsonism, epilepsy, risk factors for stroke, QT prolongation or VTE. Renal or hepatic impairment. Narrow-angle glaucoma, myasthenia gravis, prostatic hypertrophy, extremes of temperature. Monitor for tardive dyskinesia, ocular changes, blood dyscrasias, hepatic impairment, cardiac conduction defects. Warn patients of impaired judgment and dexterity. Withdraw gradually. Elderly.
Interactions
Ephedrine, barbiturates, CNS depressants, anticholinergics, antacids, oral hypoglycaemias, antihypertensives, anticonvulsants, drugs that prolong QT interval, alcohol, dopaminergics, lithium, metoclopramide, desferrioxamine.
Advice to Patient
Take with meals. Do not take medication within 2 hours of taking an antacid. Discontinue medication and report immediately if there is difficulty in swallowing or speaking and tongue protrusion from mouth. Contact prescriber if there is severe dizziness, change in skin colour (gray-blue), change in vision, change in urinary pattern or unrelieved urinary retention, change in menstrual pattern, change in libido, chest pain, palpitations, fast heartbeat, swelling or pain in breasts (male or female), trembling in fingers, change in gait, increased sleepiness, anxiety, seizures, unusual movements, confusion, abnormal thoughts, change in personality, skin rash, skin irritation. Empty bladder before taking medication. Avoid alcohol and caffeine during therapy. Avoid direct sunlight. Use sunscreen, wear proper clothing and eyewear to prevent photosensitivity. Avoid exercising in hot weather.
Pharmacokinetics
Duration: 4-6 hrs. Absorption: Readily absorbed from the GI tract. Metabolism: In the gastric mucosa (gut) and in liver (first-pass). Half-life elimination: Multiphasic. Terminal: 22 hrs. Time to peak, plasma: Oral: 1.5-6 hrs. Excretion: Urine and faeces.
Brands with this active ingredient
Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →
Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.