Drugs & Vitamins

Active Ingredients: Fluphenazine
Other Names: Fluphenazine Hydrochloride Oral Solution
Drug Class: Typical Antipsychotics
Rx Status: Available by prescription only
Generic Available: Yes
Product Images & Descriptions:

What is/are Fluphenazine Oral Solution? (Back to top)
FLUPHENAZINE helps to treat disordered thoughts and some other emotional, nervous, and mental problems. This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine? (Back to top)
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• blood disorders or disease
• dementia
• head injury
• heart disease
• liver disease
• Parkinson's disease
• Reye's syndrome
• uncontrollable movement disorder
• an unusual or allergic reaction to fluphenazine, tartrazine dye, other medicines foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine? (Back to top)
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 solution and dilute just before use in at least 2 ounces of milk, tomato or fruit juice, water, or soup. Do not mix with caffeinated drinks or apple juice. 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. While this medicine may be prescribed for children as young as 5 years of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose? (Back to top)
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.

What may interact with this medicine? (Back to top)
Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

• amoxapine
• certain antibiotics like gatifloxacin, grepafloxacin, sparfloxacin
• cisapride
• clozapine
• dofetilide
• droperidol
• ephedrine
• medicines for mental depression like escitalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline
• ibutilide
• levomethadyl
• maprotiline
• other phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, and thioridazine
• pimozide
• pindolol
• propranolol
• risperidone
• sotalol
• trimethobenzamide
• ziprasidone

• atropine
• some medications for high blood pressure or heart problems

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine? (Back to top)
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
• blurred vision
• breast enlargement in men or women
• breast milk in women who are not breast-feeding
• chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat
• confusion, restlessness
• dark yellow or brown urine
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• dizziness or fainting spells
• drooling, shaking
• fever, chills, sore throat
• involuntary or uncontrollable movements of the eyes, mouth, head, arms, and legs
• seizures
• stomach area pain
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusually weak or tired
• yellowing of skin or eyes

• difficulty sleeping
• difficulty passing urine
• headache
• sexual dysfunction
  

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

What should I watch for while using this medicine? (Back to top)
Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress.

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 medicine can reduce the response of your body to heat or cold. Try not to get overheated. Avoid temperature extremes, such as saunas, hot tubs, or very hot or cold baths or showers. Dress warmly in cold weather.

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.

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

Where should I keep this medicine? (Back to top)
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.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Last Updated:June 23, 2008

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