$Unique_ID{BRK02173}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{TRIFLUOPERAZINE}
$Subject{Stelazine (Smith Kline & French)
trifluoperazine (various manufacturers)}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Stelazine*0217301.scf}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


TRIFLUOPERAZINE
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     Stelazine (Smith Kline & French)
     trifluoperazine (various manufacturers)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Phenothiazine tranquilizer
INGREDIENT:
     trifluoperazine
DOSAGE FORMS:
     Tablets (1 mg, 2 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg)
     Oral concentrate (10 mg per ml)
STORAGE:
     The tablet form of this medication should be stored at room temperature
       in a tightly closed, light-resistant container.  The oral concentrate
       form should be stored in the refrigerator (never frozen) in a tightly
       closed, light-resistant container.  If the oral concentrate turns
       slightly yellowish, the medicine is still effective and can be used.
       However, if it changes color markedly or has particles floating in it,
       it should not be used; instead, it should be discarded down the sink.
       Discard any outdated medication.

USES

     Trifluoperazine is prescribed to treat the symptoms of certain types of
mental illness, such as emotional symptoms of psychosis, the manic phase of
manic-depressive illness, and severe behavioral problems in children.  This
medication is thought to relieve the symptoms of mental illness by blocking
certain chemicals involved with nerve transmission in the brain.

TREATMENT

     In order to avoid stomach irritation, you can take the tablet form of
this medication with a meal or with a glass of water or milk (unless your
doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     The oral concentrate form of this medication should be measured carefully
with the dropper provided and then added to four ounces (1/2 cup) or more of
water, milk, or a carbonated beverage or to applesauce or pudding immediately
prior to administration.  Because of a possible loss of effectiveness, the
medication should not be diluted with tea, coffee, or apple juice.
     Antacids and antidiarrheal medications may decrease the absorption of
this medication from the gastrointestinal tract.  Therefore, at least one hour
should separate doses of one of these medicines and trifluoperazine.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is almost time for the next dose.  In that case, do not
take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do
not double the next dose (unless your doctor directs you to do so).
     The full effects of this medication for the control of emotional or
mental symptoms may not become apparent for at least two weeks after you start
to take it.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Blurred vision, constipation, decreased sweating, diarrhea, dizziness,
drooling, drowsiness, dry mouth, fatigue, jitteriness, menstrual
irregularities, nasal congestion, restlessness, vomiting, or weight gain.  As
your body adjusts to the medication, these side effects should disappear.
     This medication can cause increased sensitivity to sunlight.  It is,
therefore, important to avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and sunlamps.
Wear protective clothing, and use an effective sunscreen.
     Trifluoperazine can also cause discoloration of the urine to red, pink,
or red-brown.  This is a harmless effect.
     If you are constipated, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh
fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and
drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     Chew sugarless gum or suck on ice chips or a piece of hard candy to
reduce mouth dryness.
     To avoid dizziness or light-headedness when you stand, contract and relax
the muscles of your legs for a few moments before rising.  Do this by pushing
one foot against the floor while raising the other foot slightly, alternating
feet so that you are "pumping" your legs in a pedaling motion.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
breast enlargement (in both sexes); chest pain; convulsions; darkened skin;
difficulty in swallowing or breathing; fainting; fever; impotence; involuntary
movements of the face, mouth, jaw, or tongue; palpitations; rash; sleep
disorders; sore throat; suicidal tendencies; tremors; uncoordinated movements;
unusual bleeding or bruising; visual disturbances; or yellowing of the eyes or
skin.

INTERACTIONS
     Trifluoperazine interacts with several other types of drugs:
     1. It can cause extreme drowsiness when combined with alcohol or other
central nervous system depressants (drugs that slow the activity of the brain
and spinal cord), such as barbiturates, benzodiazepine tranquilizers, muscle
relaxants, narcotics, and pain medications, or with tricyclic antidepressants.
     2. Trifluoperazine can decrease the effectiveness of amphetamines,
guanethidine, anticonvulsants, and levodopa.
     3. The side effects of epinephrine, monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors,
propranolol, phenytoin, and tricyclic antidepressants may be increased by this
medication.  At least 14 days should separate the use of this drug and the use
of an MAO inhibitor.
     4. Lithium may increase the side effects and decrease the effectiveness
of this medication.
     5. Trifluoperazine used with methyldopa may increase blood pressure.
     6. False positive pregnancy tests may occur.  If you think you may be
pregnant, call your doctor.
     Before starting to take trifluoperazine, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR
about any medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed
above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to trifluoperazine or other phenothiazine
tranquilizers (such as chlorpromazine, fluphenazine, mesoridazine,
perphenazine, prochlorperazine, promazine, thioridazine, and triflupromazine)
or to loxapine.
     * Tell your doctor if you have a history of alcoholism or if you now have
or have ever had blood disease, bone marrow disease, brain disease, breast
cancer, blockage of the urinary or digestive tract, drug-induced depression,
epilepsy, high or low blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, glaucoma, heart or
circulatory disease, liver disease, lung disease, Parkinson's disease, peptic
ulcers, or an enlarged prostate gland.
     * Tell your doctor about any recent exposure to a pesticide or an
insecticide.  Trifluoperazine may increase the side effects from the exposure.
     * To prevent oversedation, avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while
taking this medication.
     * If this drug makes you dizzy or drowsy, avoid any activity that
requires alertness, such as driving a car or operating dangerous machinery.
Be careful on stairs, and avoid getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting
position.
     * Prior to surgery or other medical or dental treatment, tell your doctor
or dentist you are taking this drug.
     * Some of the side effects caused by this drug can be prevented by taking
an antiparkinsonism drug.  Discuss this with your doctor.
     * This medication can decrease sweating and heat release from the body.
You should, therefore, try not to get overheated (avoid exercising strenuously
in hot weather, and do not take hot baths, showers, and saunas).
     * Do not stop taking this medication suddenly.  If the drug is stopped
abruptly, you may experience nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, headache,
increased heart rate, insomnia, tremors, or a worsening of your condition.
Your doctor may want to reduce the dosage gradually.
     * If you are planning to have a myelogram or any other procedure in which
dye will be injected into your spinal cord, tell your doctor that you are
taking this medication.
     * Avoid spilling the oral concentrate form of this drug on your skin or
clothing; it may cause redness and skin irritation.
     * While taking this medication, do not take any over-the-counter
(nonprescription) medication for weight control or for cough, cold, allergy,
asthma, or sinus problems unless you first check with your doctor.  The
combination of these medications with trifluoperazine may cause high blood
pressure.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Small amounts of this
medication cross the placenta.  Although there are reports of safe use of this
drug during pregnancy, there are also reports of liver disease and tremors in
newborn infants whose mothers received this medication close to term.  Also,
tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  Small amounts of this
medication pass into breast milk and may cause unwanted effects in nursing
infants.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
