Trifluoperazine - oral


Patient Medicine Information
Why do I need this medicine?
Trifluoperazine is used to treat schizophrenia (a long-term mental disorder that causes changes in thoughts, feelings, and behaviour) and other mood disorders.

This medicine may also be used to relieve nausea and vomiting or manage short-term anxiety.
How do I take this medicine?
Take Trifluoperazine exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

You may take this medicine with food to reduce any stomach discomfort that it may cause. Try to take it at the same time each day.

Trifluoperazine is available as a tablet or an oral solution/syrup.

If you are taking an oral solution or syrup, shake the bottle well before you take it to ensure that the liquid is evenly mixed. Use the measuring dropper, spoon or cup provided to measure your dose.

The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the severity of your condition and response to the medication.

Trifluoperazine must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it suddenly as this may worsen your condition.
What should I do if I have forgotten to take this medicine?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
When should I not use this medicine?
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
  • bone marrow suppression (a condition in which the blood cells are low)
  • blood disorders
  • phaeochromocytoma (a rare tumour of the adrenal gland causing high blood pressure)
  • liver disease
as Trifluoperazine may not be suitable for you.
What should I take note of while taking this medicine?
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
  • heart disease e.g. heart rhythm problems, chest pain
  • low volume of blood and fluids in the body
  • diabetes
  • history of low white blood cell count caused by drug use
  • paralytic ileus (bowel obstruction caused by slow movement or paralysis of the intestines)
  • prostate enlargement
  • glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
  • recent brain injury
  • with or a history of epilepsy (fits or seizures)
  • myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder)
  • Alzheimer’s disease (a progressive disease which destroys memory and other important mental functions)
  • Parkinson’s disease (disorder that affects the movement of a person, causing symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, slowed movement and impaired balance or walking)
Trifluoperazine is not intended for the treatment of individuals with dementia-related psychosis.

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving this medicine to a child, the elderly or those who are debilitated (a person who is physically or mentally weak usually due to illness or old age). Children, elderly and debilitated people may be more sensitive to the side effects.

Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
  • Routine tests (e.g. complete blood count, liver function, cholesterol/sugar/electrolyte levels, eye examination) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
  • Regular monitoring for signs of abnormal involuntary movements and changes in mental status may also be needed.
What lifestyle changes should I make?

Trifluoperazine may affect the ability of your body to adjust to temperature changes in the environment. Avoid exposure to very cold or very hot environments. Avoid strenuous exercise and activities like going to the sauna. Drink more water to prevent dehydration.
What side effects could I experience?
Trifluoperazine may cause drowsiness, dizziness or some problems with your eyesight. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.

This medicine may cause your blood pressure to fall suddenly when you get up from a sitting or lying down position and you may feel giddy. To minimise this problem, stand up slowly.

Other side effects include any of the following: headache, dry mouth, constipation, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weight gain, difficulty sleeping, feeling agitated, menstrual irregularities, difficulty urinating, and muscle weakness.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following:
  • fast or irregular heartbeat, chest pain
  • yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
  • fits or seizures
  • unexplained very high fever, muscle stiffness, excessive sweating, and mental status changes
  • uncontrolled muscle movements of your body or face, such as sticking out of the tongue, smacking of the lips
Trifluoperazine may cause the level of your red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets to drop.

Red blood cells carry oxygen around your body. A fall in the level of red blood cells may make you feel tired and worn out.

White blood cells help your body to fight infections. A fall in the level of your white blood cells may put you at higher risk for infections, such as coughs, colds and flu, which may lead to more serious infections. Avoid crowded places and people who are sick. Inform your doctor if you have a fever or a cough or flu that does not go away.

Platelets help your blood to clot when there is a cut in the skin. A fall in the level of your platelets may put you at risk of bleeding more than usual. Do not take part in activities where you may fall or get injured, such as contact sports. Inform your doctor if you get any unusual bruising (large bruises or several bruises, especially if the bruises appeared on their own) or bleeding that takes a long time to stop (for example, too much bleeding when you floss or brush your teeth).

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Can I take this with other medicines?
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
  • medicines for high blood pressure e.g. guanethidine, clonidine
  • lithium (medicine for mood disorders)
  • levodopa (medicine to treat Parkinson’s disease)
  • blood-thinning medicines
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Trifluoperazine.

This medicine should not be taken with antacids as antacids could reduce the effectiveness of Trifluoperazine. If you must take antacids, take between meals at least 2 hours after you have taken this medicine.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Avoid alcohol. Alcohol intake may worsen the dizziness and drowsiness caused by Trifluoperazine.
How should I store this medicine?
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Protect from light and moisture.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
This information is independently developed by MIMS based on trifluoperazine - oral and is provided for your reference only. It is not a replacement for and should only be used in conjunction with full consultation with a licensed healthcare professional, the information provided by your pharmacist and/or the manufacturer of the medication. It may not contain all the available information you require and cannot substitute professional medical care, nor does it take into account all individual circumstances. Although great effort has been made to ensure content accuracy, we shall not be held responsible or liable for any claims or damages arising from the use or misuse of the information contained herein, its contents or omissions, or otherwise. Copyright © 2024 MIMS. All rights reserved. Powered by MIMS.com
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