Fluphenazine HCl injection
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Fluphenazine HCl injection
What is this medicine?
FLUPHENAZINE (floo FEN a zeen) is used to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia and other mental disorders. Not all fluphenazine injections are the same. Do not change the brand you are using without checking with your doctor or health care professional.
How should I use this medicine?
This medicine is for injection into a muscle. It is given by a health-care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.
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
pain, redness, or irritation at site where injected
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?
This does not apply.
Where should I keep my medicine?
This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.
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?
Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine. Tell your health care professional if symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. 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 may interfere with the effect of this medicine. 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.
Updated:  
November 15, 2020