Fentazin

How does it work?

Perphenazine belongs to a group of medications known as the phenothiazine antipsychotics. It is sometimes referred to as a 'major tranquilliser'. It acts by blocking a variety of receptors in the brain, particularly dopamine receptors. Dopamine is involved in transmitting signals between brain cells. When there is an excess amount of dopamine in the brain it causes over-stimulation of dopamine receptors. These receptors normally act to modify behaviour and over-stimulation may result in psychotic illness. Perphenazine blocks these receptors and stops them becoming over-stimulated, thereby helping to control psychotic illness. Although perphenazine is used primarily in the control of psychotic conditions such as schizophrenia, it also affects receptors in an area of the brain that controls nausea and vomiting. For this reason, it is also useful in the treatment of severe nausea and vomiting, especially when it is caused by medication or radiation treatment.

What is it used for?

A mild degree of mania (hypomania)

Agitated and excited states

Anxiety (short term use)

Mania

Nausea and vomiting

Persistant hiccups

Psychotic illness

Schizophrenia

Violent and dangerous behaviour

Warning!

You should not suddenly stop taking this medicine unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

Do not drink alcohol whilst taking this medicine.

Use with caution in

Abnormal heart rhythm seen on the heart monitoring trace (ECG) as a 'prolonged QT interval'

Abnormal muscle weakness

Agitation and restlessness

Alcohol withdrawal

Brain damage

Closed angle glaucoma

Coronary heart disease

Disease involving the heart and blood vessels

Elderly people

Epilepsy

Heart failure

Hypothyroidism

Irregular heart beats (arrhythmias)

Kidney failure

Liver disease

Parkinson's disease

People with conditions that increase the risk of epilepsy or convulsions, eg brain damage

Pregnancy

Severe disease affecting the airways or lungs

Tumour of the adrenal gland (phaeochromocytoma)

Not to be used in

Breastfeeding

Children under the age of 14 years

Decreased blood cell production by the bone marrow

Low white blood cell count (leucopenia)

Unresponsive unconscious states (comatose states)

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine during pregnancy has not been established. The manufacturer therefore advises that it should be avoided during pregnancy. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Significant amounts of this medicine may pass into breast milk. It should not be used by breastfeeding mothers. Discuss this with your doctor.

Label warnings

This medication may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery. Avoid alcoholic drink.

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