Introduction

A phenothiazine used in the treatment of psychoses. Its properties and uses are generally similar to those of chlorpromazine.

Uses

Fluphenazine is a phenothiazine used to treat patients requiring long-term neuroleptic therapy.

For management of manifestations of psychotic disorders.

Associated Conditions

Chorea
Depression
Gilles de la Tourette's Syndrome
Psychosis
Sedation

Pharmacodynamics

Fluphenazine is a trifluoro-methyl phenothiazine derivative intended for the management of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. Fluphenazine has not been shown effective in the management of behaviorial complications in patients with mental retardation.

Mechanism of Action

Fluphenazine blocks postsynaptic mesolimbic dopaminergic D1 and D2 receptors in the brain; depresses the release of hypothalamic and hypophyseal hormones and is believed to depress the reticular activating system thus affecting basal metabolism, body temperature, wakefulness, vasomotor tone, and emesis.

Food Interactions

Avoid alcohol.
Take with food. Food reduces irritation.

Dosage

Fluphenazine Decanoate by deep intramuscular injection into the gluteal muscle, test dose 12.5 mg (6.25 mg in elderly), then after 4-7 days 12.5-100 mg repeated at intervals of 14-35 days, adjusted according to response; it is not recommended for children.

Medical review

Last reviewed: 24 Jul 2026

Medically reviewed by:

This is general information, not personal medical advice. Consult a doctor before taking any medicine.