Trifluoperazine belongs to a class of medications called typical antipsychotics. It works by balancing the chemicals and decreasing abnormal excitement in the brain, and hence restores normal mood, mind, and behaviour.
Trifluoperazine is used to relieve nausea and vomiting, anxiety, and is also used to treat psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia.
Trifluoperazine can be taken by mouth. It should be taken with food, which may help to reduce gastrointestinal discomfort. Do not take Trifluoperazine within 2 hours of taking antacids.
Nausea and vomiting
Adult
Initially 1-2 mg twice daily. Adjust dose according to response and severity. May increase to a maximum of 6 mg daily in divided doses if necessary.
Elderly
Initiate at a reduced dose, then gradually increase based on response and tolerability.
Short term management of anxiety
Adult
As adjunct therapy. Initially 1-2 mg twice daily. Adjust dose according to response and severity. May increase to a maximum of 6 mg daily in divided doses if necessary. Maximum treatment duration is 12 weeks.
Elderly
Initiate at a reduced dose, then gradually increase based on response and tolerability.
Schizophrenia, psychoses
Adult
Initially 2-5 mg twice daily, then gradually increase to the usual dose range of 15-20 mg daily. Adjust dose according to response and tolerability. Doses of 40 mg daily may be required in severe or resistant cases.
Elderly
Initiate at a reduced dose, then gradually increase based on response and tolerability.
Common side effects of Trifluoperazine include reduced alertness, anxiety, reduced appetite, confusion, fatigue, agitation, amenorrhoea, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, erectile dysfunction, insomnia, parkinsonism, seizure, tremor and vomiting.
Common dosing schedule:
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Trifluoperazine may interact with:
Trifluoperazine may interact with many other medications. Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medications, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Trifluoperazine is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Trifluoperazine in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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