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Medicines/Generics/Fluphenazine

Fluphenazine

Generic medicine reference

Not yet clinically reviewed

This entry was migrated from the earlier Pharmapedia app bundle and has not been reviewed by a named clinician on this site. It is provided for educational reference only — verify dosage and safety information against current, authoritative sources and a qualified healthcare professional before any clinical use.

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Overview
Fluphenazine is a phenothiazine (FEEN-oh-THYE-a-zeen) antipsychotic medicine that is used to treat psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia . Fluphenazine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Indications
Fluphenazine is a phenothiazine (FEEN-oh-THYE-a-zeen) antipsychotic medicine that is used to treat psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia . Fluphenazine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Contraindications
You should not use fluphenazine if you are allergic to fluphenazine or other phenothiazines ( chlorpromazine , perphenazine , prochlorperazine , promethazine , thioridazine , trifluoperazine ), or if you have: liver disease; brain damage; severe depression; or a blood cell disorder (such as low platelets or low red or white blood cell counts). Do not use fluphenazine if you have recently used large amounts of alcohol or medicine that makes you sleepy. Fluphenazine may increase the risk of death in older adults with dementia-related psychosis and is not approved for this use. Tell your doctor if you have ever had: heart problems; liver or kidney disease; low white blood cell (WBC) counts; breast cancer ; glaucoma; Parkinson's disease ; seizures; or pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland). Tell your doctor if you will be exposed to extreme heat or cold, or to insecticide poisons while you are using fluphenazine. Fluphenazine is not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 years old. Using antipsychotic medicine in the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause breathing problems, feeding problems, or withdrawal symptoms in the newborn . If you get pregnant, tell your doctor right away. Do not stop using fluphenazine without your doctor's advice. Fluphenazine may cause false results on a pregnancy test. Tell your doctor if you think you might be pregnant. It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.
Side Effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat , burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling). High doses or long-term use of fluphenazine can cause a serious movement disorder that may not be reversible. The longer you use fluphenazine, the more likely you are to develop this disorder, especially if you are an older adult. Fluphenazine may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have: uncontrolled muscle movements in your face (chewing, lip smacking, frowning, tongue movement, blinking or eye movement); extreme drowsiness or light-headed feeling (like you might pass out); strange dreams, or if you feel restless or excited; blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights; painful or difficult urination; severe constipation , stomach pain, bloating; jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); a seizure; or low white blood cell counts --fever, chills, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough, trouble breathing, feeling light-headed. Common side effects of fluphenazine may include: drowsiness, headache, blurred vision; problems with balance or muscle movement; nausea, loss of appetite, constipation; swelling, weight changes; stuffy nose, dry mouth , or drooling; increased sweating or urination; breast swelling or tenderness; or impotence, trouble having an orgasm. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
You should not use fluphenazine if you have liver disease , brain damage, severe depression , a blood cell disorder, or if you are also using large amounts of alcohol or medicines that make you sleepy. Fluphenazine is not approved for use in older adults with dementia-related psychosis. Call your doctor at once if you have uncontrollable movements of your eyes, lips, tongue, face, arms, or legs. These could be early signs of dangerous side effects.
High Risk Groups
You should not use fluphenazine if you have liver disease , brain damage, severe depression , a blood cell disorder, or if you are also using large amounts of alcohol or medicines that make you sleepy. Fluphenazine is not approved for use in older adults with dementia-related psychosis. Call your doctor at once if you have uncontrollable movements of your eyes, lips, tongue, face, arms, or legs. These could be early signs of dangerous side effects.
Adult Dosage
12.5 to 25 mg (19 (18.75)) As recommended. IM — Initial 25 to 100 mg (62 (62.5)) As recommended. IM — Maintenance with 2-5 week dose intervals
Child Dosage
( ) — Not recommended in this age group
Neonatal Dosage
( ) — Not recommended in this age group
Drug Interactions
Using fluphenazine with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures. Other drugs may affect fluphenazine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products . Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.
Storage
Inj Store Below 40°C. Do not Freeze. Protect from Sunlight and Moisture.