FLUPHENAZINE

These are high potency piperazine side chain phenothiazines. They have minimum autonomic actions; hypotension & sedation are not significant. They are less likely to cause jaundice, hypersensitivity reactions & precipitate seizure in epileptics.

Indications

Hallucinations, schizophrenia, mania, delusions, agitation, organic brain syndrome, tension headache.

Dosage

-Adults: Typically, the starting dose is 2.5 to 10 mg, taken 2 to 3 times daily. The dose may be adjusted based on response and tolerability, up to a maximum of 40 mg per day. -Children: Dosage must be carefully adjusted based on the child’s weight and the severity of the condition. Consult a healthcare provider for specific dosing guidelines.

Contra-Indications

Comatose or severely depressed states. Blood dyscarasias, hepatic or renal impairment.

Special Precautions

Intestinal obstruction, cardiovascular disease, epilepsy, glaucoma, pregnancy, lactation, pheochromocytoma. Suspected or established brain damage.

Side Effects

Dry mouth, constipation, difficulty in urination, agitation, insomnia, depression, convulsions, E.C.G. changes, tachycardia, hypotension. Extrapyramidal reactions, drowsiness.

Drug Interactions

Potentiates other CNS depressants. Orthostatic hypotension with MAOIs. Reverse antihypertensive effect of guanethidine, methyldopa and clonidine.Reduced bioavailability with antacids.