What is Perphenazine: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Perphenazine overview

BRAND NAMES:

Generic Names:

  • Perphenazine

Uses:

  • Treats schizophrenia. May also be used to treat nausea and vomiting.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antiemetic, Antipsychotic

Forms:

  • Tablet, Liquid

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Perphenazine used for?

Perphenazine is a prescription only medication indicated for the treatment of certain psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, manic phase of bipolar disorder, schizoaffective disorder. Perphenazine makes you feel less nervous and helps you to think more clearly. It can also decrease hallucinations and minimize aggressive behaviour. This drug may also be used to control severe nausea and vomiting.

What form(s) does Perphenazine come in

  • Tablet

  • Liquid

What are common Perphenazine doses?

  • Tablet 2MG

  • Tablet 4MG

  • Tablet 8MG

  • Tablet 16MG

Common Perphenazine prescriptions

  • Perphenazine
    16mg tablet

  • Perphenazine
    2mg tablet

  • Perphenazine
    4mg tablet

  • Perphenazine
    8mg tablet

How to take Perphenazine

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

What to do if you miss a dose of Perphenazine

Perphenazine contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to perphenazine, or if you have a blood disorder, a bone marrow disorder, or liver damage.

Perphenazine warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart, liver, or kidney disease, asthma or emphysema, seizures, or a history of depression.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems: Tardive dyskinesia, a disorder that causes involuntary movements, and that could be permanentNeuroleptic malignant syndromeSensitivity to hot and cold temperatures

  • This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.

  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. Rise slowly from a sitting position if you feel dizzy.

  • Jerky muscle movements that you cannot control (often in your face, tongue, or jaw)

  • Seizures

  • Severe stomach pain, constipation, vomiting

  • Trouble breathing

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

  • Yellow eyes or skin

Perphenazine interactions

  • Some medicines and foods can affect how perphenazine works. Tell your doctor if you are taking medicine to treat depression, or any medicine that makes you sleepy (such as cold or allergy medicine, sleeping pills, sedatives, muscle relaxants, tranquilizers, or narcotic pain medicine).

  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

  • This medicine may make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Wear sunscreen. Do not use sunlamps or tanning beds.

  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. Rise slowly from a sitting position if you feel dizzy.

Perphenazine side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat, dizziness, lightheadedness

  • Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches

  • Fever, sweating, confusion, uneven heartbeat, muscle stiffness

  • Seizures

  • Severe stomach pain, constipation, vomiting

  • Yellow eyes or skin

  • Trouble breathing

  • Jerky muscle movements that you cannot control (often in your face, tongue, or jaw)

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Blurred vision

  • Stuffy nose

  • Drowsiness or dizziness

  • Dry mouth

Subscribe to our savings newsletter

Health education, drug info, wellness & more

By clicking 'Subscribe', I agree to SingleCare's Terms & Conditions.