Trifluoperazine
Generic Details
Generic Name
Trifluoperazine
Other Names
- Stelazine
Drug Class
- Typical antipsychotic
Chemical Formula
C21H24F3N3S
Molecular Weight
407.5 g/mol
Mechanism of Action
- Blocks dopamine receptors in the brain
Indications
- Schizophrenia
- Acute psychoses
- Anxiety
- Bipolar disorder
Common Dosage Forms
- Tablet
- Injection
Typical Dosage
- 2-10 mg orally once or twice daily
Pediatric Dosage
- Not established
Geriatric Dosage
- Lower doses may be necessary in the elderly
Side Effects
- Extrapyramidal symptoms
- Weight gain
- Sedation
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to trifluoperazine
- Coma
- CNS depression
Pregnancy Category
- C - Risk cannot be ruled out
Lactation Safety
- L3 - Moderately safe
Drug Interactions
- Alcohol
- Anticholinergic drugs
- Central nervous system depressants
Overdose Symptoms
- Extreme drowsiness
- Seizures
- Coma
Antidote for Overdose
- No specific antidote, manage symptoms supportively
Storage Conditions
- Store at room temperature away from light and moisture
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption: Rapidly absorbed from the GI tract
- Distribution: Crosses the blood-brain barrier and placenta, excreted in breast milk
- Metabolism: Metabolized in the liver to active metabolites
- Excretion: Excreted in the urine and feces
Precautions
- Caution in elderly patients
- Monitor for signs of neuroleptic malignant syndrome
Warnings
- May cause orthostatic hypotension
- Avoid sudden discontinuation to prevent withdrawal symptoms