Generic

Fluphenazine Decanoate

Indications

Long-term management of mental disorders includes: 

• Schizophrenia, 
• Mania, and 
• Organic brain syndrome.

Pharmacology

Fluphenazine blocks postsynaptic midbrain dopamine D1 and D2 receptors in the brain; it inhibits the release of hypothalamic and pituitary hormones, and is believed to inhibit the reticulated activation system, which affects basal metabolism, body temperature, wakefulness, and blood vessels. Relieves tension and vomiting.

Dosage & Administration

Fluphenazine Decanoate by deep intramuscular injection into the gluteal muscle, test dose 12.5 mg (6.25 mg in elderly), then after 4-7 days 12.5-100 mg repeated at intervals of 14-35 days, adjusted according to response; it is not recommended for children.

Interaction

Fluphenazine can reverse the antihypertensive effects of guanethidine, methyldopa and clonidine. It also causes lithium poisoning by interacting with it. Antacids can reduce the bioavailability of phenothiazine. Alcohol, barbiturates, hypnotics, sedatives, opioids and antihistamines produce additional central nervous system depression.

Contraindications

Patients who are allergic to this product should not use fluphenazine caprate oily injection. It is also contraindicated in coma or extreme depression, blood cachexia, liver disease, pregnancy (third trimester), and lactation.

Side Effects

Side effects include tardive dyskinesia, sedation, and confusion; hypotension; hyperprolactinemia causing galactorrhea and amenorrhea in women; decreased libido, impotence and infertility in men. It also includes allergic reactions, cholestatic jaundice, corneal and lens deposits, and skin pigmentation. Other potential adverse reactions are agranulocytosis; neuroleptic syndrome.

Pregnancy & Lactation

The safety of fluphenazine decanoate during pregnancy has not been established; therefore, the possible harms and potential benefits should be weighed when administering this medication to pregnant patients.

Precautions & Warnings

Particular care should be taken in the presence of epilepsy; liver, kidney, cerebrovascular, respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Caution should also be given to pheochromocytoma; bone marrow suppression; elderly or frail patients.

Therapeutic Class

Phenothiazine drugs

Storage Conditions

Store at 15-30°C.

Phamaceutical Name

Incepta Pharmaceuticals Ltd.