Description
Trifluoperazine is one of the phenothiazine class of compounds and as such has many pharmacodynamic effects which relate to its therapeutic actions and side effects. The most notable action of phenothiazines is antagonism at dopamine receptors in the CNS. It is hypothesised that this action in the limbic system and associated areas of cerebral cortex is the basis of the antipsychotic action of phenothiazines, whilst in the medullary chemoreceptor trigger zone it appears to be responsible for the antiemetic effect of these agents.
Indications
Trifluoperazine is a piperazine phenothiazine tranquilliser with potent antipsychotic, anxiolytic and anti-emetic activity, and a pharmacological profile of moderate sedative and hypotensive properties, and fairly pronounced tendency to cause extrapyramidal reactions.
Dosage & Administration
Schizophrenia and other psychoses:
- Adults and child over 12 years: Recommended starting dose is 2-5 mg b.i.d, increased by 5 mg daily after 1 week then at interval of 3 days, according to response.
- Children (6-12 years): Dosage should be adjusted to the weight of the child and severity of the symptoms. The starting dosage is 1 mg b.i.d. Dosage may be increased gradually until symptoms are controlled or until side effects become troublesome. While it is usually not necessary to exceed dosages of 15 mg daily.
- Elderly: Reduce initial dose by at least half
Short-term management of severe anxiety:
- Adult and child over 12 years: 1-2 mg b.i.d, increased if necessary to 6 mg daily.
- Child (3-5 years): 1 mg daily
- Child (6-12 years): Up to 4 mg daily in divided dose.
- Elderly: Reduce initial dose by at least half
Antiemetic:
- Adult: 2-4 mg daily in divided doses; max. 6 mg daily;
- Child 3-5 years: up to 1 mg daily, 6-12 years up to 4 mg daily.
Side Effects
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy: Safety for the use of trifluoperazine during pregnancy has not been established. Therefore, it is not recommended that the drug be given to pregnant patients except when, in the judgement of the physician, it is essential. The potential benefits should clearly outweigh possible hazards. There are reported instances of prolonged jaundices, extrapyramidal signs, hyperreflexia or hypoflexia in newborn infants whose mother received phenothiazines.
Lactation: Adequate human data are not available in case of lactation.
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