Trifluoperazine
Mechanism :
It is a high potency phenothiazine having minimum autonomic actions (hypotension, sedation). It is used in the treatment of mania, schizophrenia. It is contraindicated in children less than 6 years of age.
Indication :
- Schizophrenia
- Short-term treatment of certain types of anxiety
Contraindications :
Allergic to any ingredient in trifluoperazine or to other phenothiazines (e.g. chlorpromazine)
Severe drowsiness, decreased bone marrow function, blood problems, or liver damage.
Large amounts of alcohol or medicines that may cause drowsiness, such as barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital) or narcotic pain medicines (e.g., codeine).
Astemizole, cabergoline, cisapride, metoclopramide, pergolide, terfenadine, or tramadol.
Dosing :
6 to 12 years (patients who are hospitalized or under close supervision):
Oral:
Initial dose: 1 mg once or twice a day. Dosage may be increased gradually until symptoms are controlled or until side effects become troublesome. Max: 15 mg/day.
>12 years:
2-5 mg every 12 hours. May increase to 15-20 mg/day. Max: 40 mg/day.
Adverse Effect :
Dry mouth, constipation, convulsions, extrapyramidal reactions, drowsiness.
Interaction :
Citalopram: Combining these medications can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious.
Metoprolol: Trifluoperazine and metoprolol may have additive effects in lowering your blood pressure. You may experience headache, dizziness, light-headedness, fainting, and/or changes in pulse or heart rate. These side effects are most likely to be seen at the beginning of treatment.
Renal Dose :
Dose in Renal Impairment GFR (mL/min)
| 20-50 | Dose as in normal renal function. Start with low dose |
| 10-20 | Dose as in normal renal function. Start with low dose |
| <10 | Dose as in normal renal function. Start with low dose |
Dose in Patients undergoing Renal Replacement Therapies
| CAPD | Not dialysed. Dose as in GFR<10 mL/min |
| HD | Not dialysed. Dose as in GFR<10 mL/min |
| HDF/High flux | Unknown dialysability. Dose as in GFR<10 mL/min |
| CAV/VVHD | Unlikely to be dialysed. Dose as in GFR=10–20 mL/min |
Hepatic Dose :
Dose adjustment guidelines are not available. However in patients’ with significant hepatic impairment this drug’s use is contraindicated.