Modecate

How does it work?

Fluphenazine decanoate belongs to a group of medicines known as the phenothiazine antipsychotics. It is sometimes described 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. Fluphenazine decanoate blocks these receptors and stops them becoming over-stimulated, thereby helping to control psychotic illness. Fluphenazine decanoate has been prepared as an oily injection which releases the medicine slowly over a period of 2-5 weeks. This is known as a "depot" injection.

What is it used for?

Psychotic illness

Schizophrenia

Warning!

Do not drink alcohol whilst taking this medicine.

Contains sesame oil, therefore persons with known allergy should avoid this medicine.

Use with caution in

Abnormal muscle weakness

Closed angle glaucoma

Disease involving the heart and blood vessels

Elderly people

Enlarged prostate gland

Epilepsy

Hypothyroidism

Irregular heart beats (arrhythmias)

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

Thyrotoxicosis

Not to be used in

Blood disorders

Children

Kidney failure

Liver failure

Severe depression

Severe disorder of blood flow to the brain (severe cerebral insufficiency)

Severe heart failure

Tumour of the adrenal gland (phaeochromocytoma)

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.

This medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine passes into breast milk. It is recommended that mothers should avoid using this medicine while breastfeeding. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Constipation

Blurred vision

Dry mouth

A drop in blood pressure that occurs when going from lying down to sitting or standing, which results in dizziness and lightheadedness (postural hypotension)

Drowsiness

Rash (allergic reaction)

Difficulty in passing urine (urinary retention)

Abnormal movements of the hands, legs, face, neck and tongue, eg tremor, twitching, rigidity (extrapyramidal effects)

High blood prolactin (milk producing hormone) level (hyperprolactinaemia). Sometimes this can lead to symptoms such as breast enlargement, production of milk and stopping of menstrual periods.

Rhythmical involuntary movement of the tongue, face, mouth and jaw, which may sometimes be accompanied by involuntary movements of the arms and legs (tardive dyskinesia)

Sexual problems

Uncontrolled rolling of the eyes and neck (oculogyric crisis). Requires immediate treatment.

High temperature combined with falling levels of consciousness, paleness, sweating and a fast heart beat (neuroleptic malignant syndrome). Requires stopping the medicine and immediate medical treatment.

Blood disorders

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Go To Next Page>>
The documents contained in this web site are presented for information purposes only. The material is in no way intended to replace professional medical care or attention by a qualified practitioner. The materials in this web site cannot and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or choice of treatment. Conditions for use



© Copyright 1998 - 2004 NetDoctor.co.uk - All rights reserved