Fluphenazine oral concentrate, elixir or solution

November 15, 2020

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Fluphenazine oral concentrate, elixir or solution

What is this medicine?

FLUPHENAZINE (floo FEN a zeen) helps to treat disordered thoughts and some other emotional, nervous, and mental problems.

How should I use this medicine?

Elixir or solution: Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Shake gently before use. Use a specially marked dropper or spoon to measure your medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking this medicine except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Oral concentrated solution: Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Shake gently before use. Use a specially marked dropper or spoon to measure your medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. Measure the concentrated solution and dilute just before use in at least 2 ounces of milk, tomato or fruit juice, water, or soup. Do not mix with apple juice. Do not mix with caffeinated drinks (examples; coffee, tea, colas). Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking this medicine except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

  • abnormal production of milk

  • breast enlargement in both males and females

  • changes in vision

  • chest pain

  • confusion

  • fast, irregular heartbeat

  • fever, chills, sore throat

  • seizures

  • signs and symptoms of high blood sugar such as being more thirsty or hungry or having to urinate more than normal. You may also feel very tired or have blurry vision.

  • signs and symptoms of liver injury like dark yellow or brown urine; general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms; light-colored stools; loss of appetite; nausea; right upper belly pain; unusually weak or tired; yellowing of the eyes or skin

  • signs and symptoms of low blood pressure like dizziness; feeling faint or lightheaded, falls; unusually weak or tired

  • trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

  • trouble swallowing

  • uncontrollable movements of the arms, face, head, mouth, neck, or upper body

  • unusual bruising or bleeding

  • unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • constipation

  • drowsiness

  • dry mouth

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

  • cisapride

  • dronedarone

  • metoclopramide

  • pimozide

  • saquinavir

  • thioridazine

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

  • alcohol

  • antihistamines for allergy, cough, and cold

  • atropine

  • certain medicines for anxiety or sleep

  • certain medicines for bladder problems like oxybutynin, tolterodine

  • certain medicines for depression like amitriptyline, fluoxetine, sertraline

  • certain medicines for stomach problems like dicyclomine, hyoscyamine

  • certain medicines for travel sickness like scopolamine

  • epinephrine

  • general anesthetics like halothane, isoflurane, methoxyflurane, propofol

  • ipratropium

  • levodopa or other medicines for Parkinson's disease

  • lithium

  • medicines for blood pressure

  • medicines for seizures like phenobarbital, primidone, phenytoin

  • medicines that relax muscles for surgery

  • narcotic medicines for pain

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Do not freeze. Protect from light. Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • blockage in your bowel

  • brain tumor

  • dementia

  • diabetes

  • difficulty swallowing

  • glaucoma

  • have trouble controlling your muscles

  • head injury

  • heart disease

  • history of irregular heartbeat

  • if you often drink alcohol

  • liver disease

  • low blood counts, like low white cell, platelet, or red cell counts

  • low blood pressure

  • lung or breathing disease, like asthma

  • Parkinson's disease

  • prostate disease

  • seizures

  • trouble passing urine

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to fluphenazine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Tell your health care professional if symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. Do not stop taking except on your health care professional's advice. You may develop a severe reaction. Your health care professional will tell you how much medicine to take.

You may get drowsy, dizzy, or have blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can increase possible dizziness or drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

This drug can cause problems with controlling your body temperature. It can lower the response of your body to cold temperatures. If possible, stay indoors during cold weather. If you must go outdoors, wear warm clothes. It can also lower the response of your body to heat. Do not overheat. Do not over-exercise. Stay out of the sun when possible. If you must be in the sun, wear cool clothing. Drink plenty of water. If you have trouble controlling your body temperature, call your health care provider right away.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

This medicine may increase blood sugar. Ask your health care provider if changes in diet or medicines are needed if you have diabetes.

If you are going to have surgery, tell your doctor or health care professional that you are taking this medicine.

Do not spill any of the solution on the skin, it can cause skin irritation.

Updated:  

November 15, 2020