General Information
Uses
What should I know before taking this drug
Precautions
Dosage information
Adverse reactions
Storage
Additional information if any
Fluphenazine is a prescription drug available from your pharmacy store only with the prescription of a qualified medical practitioner.
Fluphenazine is pronounced as: floo-FEN-a-zeen
Fluphenazine is an anti psychotic medication belonging to phenothiazine group of drugs.
Fluphenazine is used in the treatment of following condition
- Short term management of severe anxiety or behavioural problems
- Take fluphenazine at regular intervals every 4-6 wks as advised by your doctor for it to be effective.
- Fluphenazine may take up to 2-3 days to show its beneficial effects. Do not take the medication in larger amounts or for longer duration than recommended by your doctor as it may lead to drug- dependence.
- Do not skip doses or stop taking fluphenazine without consulting your doctor.
- Always remember to inform your health expert if you are currently taking any OTC or prescription drugs like,
- Diuretics like furosemide etc
- Anti histamine like terbenafine, Astemizole
- Anti convulsants like phenytoin. Phenobarbitone, carbamazepine
- Antibiotics like erythromycin, Rifampicin
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Anti hypertensive’s or other heart medication
- Lithium (mood stabilizer)
- Inform your doctor if you have following medical diseases , as Fluphenazine should be used cautiously in these conditions
- Bone marrow depression
- Benign hyperplasia of prostate
- Pheochromocytoma (adrenal gland tumour)
- Seizure disorder
- Myasthenia gravis
- Parkinson’s disease
- Closed angle glaucoma
- Cerebrovascular, reapiratory disease
Do not use fluphenazin if you are taking any other CNS depressants or you have taken large amount of alcohol.
Children:
Old people: Fluphenazine should be used cautiously in older people as they more prone for side effects like muscle stiffness, involuntary movements etc
Pregnant woman: Fluphenazin belongs to FDA pregnancy category C. This means that fluphenazin may harm an unborn baby if used during pregnancy but potential benefit may warrant use of the drug in pregnant woman despite potential risks. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or are planning for conception.
Lactating women: It is not known whether fluphenazin passes into breast milk or if it could harm the baby. Do not take fluphenazin with out first talking to doctor if you are breast feeding a baby.
Other:
Fluphenazin is available in the form of injection.
Use as directed by your physician, your physician prescribes depending on the severity of disease. Use the complete course of medication as prescribed by your physician even though you feel better after one or two days of usage of medication.
If it is almost the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not take two doses at same time to cover up the missed dose.
In case of overdose contact your nearest poison control centre or emergency medical centre for immediate care by physician.
The overdose symptoms of Fluphenazine include
Fluphenazine may cause following side effects
- Increased sensitivity to light
Consult your doctor immediately if notice following symptoms.
- Allergic reaction like swollen lips, hives, difficulty in breathing, rashes. Peeling of skin etc
- Uncontrolled movements of the hands, legs, tongue, face
- Tremors, Jerking movements or stiffness
- Decrease in sexual interest and performance
- Breast enlargement in men
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin eyes)
Store fluphenazine at room temp (15 – 30 degrees C). Avoid excessive heat, moisture or direct sunlight, never store in the bathroom.
Keep it out of reach of children. Make sure that any leftover portion is disposed off safely.
- Avoid getting dehydrated or extreme heat as Fluphenazine may increase the risk of having heat stroke. Take plenty of oral fluids in hot weather and during exercise
- Fluphenazine causes giddiness, drowsiness and visual disturbances as side effects. Therefore when affected do not drive, operate heavy machinery or perform unsafe tasks and also avoid alcohol
- Fluphenazine increases sensitivity to sunlight causing sunburn. Avoid prolonged exposure in the sun and wear long sleeved clothing and use a good sunscreen.
- Fluphenazine may rarely cause a group of symptoms called as Neuroleptic Malignant syndrome characterised by difficulty in swallowing, Muscle stiffness, rapid heart rate, visual disturbances, etc, stop the drug immediately and consult your doctor.
- Inform your doctor and dentist regarding Fluphenazine medication prior to any planned procedure.
- Regular monitoring of your liver function test, complete cell counts, renal function test and eye examination is required when on this medication to look for possible side effects.
It is imp to read manufacturing packaging instruction carefully if available and always do not hesitate to consult pharmacist or physician for any information.
Written by: Healthplus24 team
Date last updated: November 15,2011