What is Fluphenazine: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Fluphenazine overview

BRAND NAMES:

Generic Names:

  • Fluphenazine Hcl

Uses:

  • Treats schizophrenia and different types of behavior problems. Belongs to a class of drugs called phenothiazines.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Analgesic, Antipsychotic

Forms:

  • Tablet, Liquid

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Fluphenazine used for?

What form(s) does Fluphenazine come in

  • Tablet

  • Liquid

What are common Fluphenazine doses?

  • Tablet 1MG

  • Tablet 2.5MG

  • Tablet 5MG

  • Tablet 10MG

  • Vial 10ML of 2.5MG/ML

  • Bottle 60ML of 2.5MG/5ML

  • Bottle 120ML of 5MG/ML

Common Fluphenazine prescriptions

  • fluPHENAZine HCl
    60ml of 2.5mg/5ml bottle

  • fluPHENAZine HCl
    10mg tablet

  • fluPHENAZine HCl
    1mg tablet

  • fluPHENAZine HCl
    2.5mg tablet

  • fluPHENAZine HCl
    5mg tablet

How to take Fluphenazine

  • Your doctor will tell you how much to take and how often.

  • Take with food or drink to avoid stomach upset.

  • Gently shake the oral liquid before use. Carefully measure the dose using the marked dropper that comes with the medicine.

  • The oral liquid may be mixed with one-half glass of water, orange juice, or grape juice. Do not mix with liquids that contain caffeine (such as coffee, tea, or cola). Mix the medicine just before taking the dose. Drink the mixture right away.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much to take and how often.

  • Take with food or drink to avoid stomach upset.

  • Gently shake the oral liquid before use. Carefully measure the dose using the marked dropper that comes with the medicine.

  • The oral liquid may be mixed with one-half glass of water, orange juice, or grape juice. Do not mix with liquids that contain caffeine (such as coffee, tea, or cola). Mix the medicine just before taking the dose. Drink the mixture right away.

What to do if you miss a dose of Fluphenazine

  • Take the missed dose as soon as possible.

  • Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose.

  • You should not use two doses at the same time.

Fluphenazine contraindications

  • You should not use this medicine if you have had a previous allergic reaction to fluphenazine or to any other phenothiazines, such as Thorazine®, Mellaril®, or Stelazine®.

Fluphenazine warnings

  • Check with your doctor before taking fluphenazine if you have a history of breast cancer, seizures, glaucoma, heart, liver, or kidney disease.

  • If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.

  • Fluphenazine can make some people feel dizzy or drowsy. Be careful if driving a car or operating machinery.

  • Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine without checking with your doctor.

  • You may be more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures while taking this medicine.

  • There is a risk of side effects that include muscle spasms, twitching in the face and body, and uncontrolled tongue or jaw movement. Talk to your doctor about this risk.

  • This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Try not to spend long periods in direct sunlight.

Fluphenazine interactions

  • Avoid drinking alcohol.

  • Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking any other drugs that could make you sleepy such as narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, sedatives, or cold or allergy medicine.

  • Fluphenazine can make some people feel dizzy or drowsy. Be careful if driving a car or operating machinery.

  • Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine without checking with your doctor.

  • This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Try not to spend long periods in direct sunlight.

  • You may be more sensitive to hot and cold temperatures while taking this medicine.

  • There is a risk of side effects that include muscle spasms, twitching in the face and body, and uncontrolled tongue or jaw movement. Talk to your doctor about this risk.

Fluphenazine side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Fever, severe muscle stiffness

  • Rapid breathing or heartbeat

  • Spasms of the neck, face, or back

  • Muscle twitching or jerking

  • Headache

  • Changes in vision, such as difficulty focusing

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Headache

  • Agitation or restlessness

  • Changes in vision, such as difficulty focusing

  • Dry mouth, loss of appetite, nausea

  • Constipation

  • Drowsiness or dizziness

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