Flupentixol: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use it

What Drug Flupentixol?

What is flupentixol for?

Flupentixol is generally used to relieve symptoms of schizophrenia and other similar mental disorders that affect how you think, feel, or behave. This disorder is also known as psychotic. Flupentixol works to balance a number of chemical compounds in the brain. Taking flupetixol tablets will help relieve your symptoms, and will also prevent recurrent episodes.

How do I use flupentixol?

Please read the medication manual and the Patient Information Leaflet that is included in the medicine package before you start treatment. In the brochure, there is complete information about the flupentixol product brands that have been prescribed by a special doctor for you. Information regarding a list of any side effects that you may experience is also included in the brochure.

The dose given depends on the reason why you were prescribed flupentixol by your doctor, so make sure to take the tablets according to your doctor's instructions. As a guideline, flupentixol tablets are generally prescribed for regular consumption one to two times a day. Make it a habit to take the drug at the same time every day to avoid skipping doses. You can take flupentixol before or after food.

Flupentixol causes drowsiness. However, this drug has been reported to have an alarming effect in a number of patients. It is better to take this medicine in the morning until no later than 4 pm, rather than taking it at night.

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is nearing the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

How is flupentixol stored?

This medication is best stored at room temperature, away from direct light and damp places. Don't keep it in the bathroom. Don't freeze it. Other brands of this drug may have different storage rules. Observe the storage instructions on the product package or ask your pharmacist. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.
Do not flush medicines down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Discard this product when it has expired or when it is no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company about how to safely dispose of your product.

Flupentixol dosage

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dose of flupentixol for adults?

Follow the rules given by your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment. If you have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

What is the dose of flupentixol for children?

There is no prescribed dosage for this drug for children. This medicine can be dangerous for children. It is important to understand the safety of drugs before use. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

In what dosage is flupentixol available?

Flupentixol is available in the following dosages.
Solution, injection: 20 mg / mL, 100 mg / mL

Flupentixol side effects

What side effects can be experienced due to flupentixol?

Side effects include:

abnormal movements of the hands, feet, neck, and tongue, eg tremor, twitching, stiffness (extrapyramidal effect)
anxiety disorders, restlessness and restlessness, irritability (akathasia)
excess saliva production or dry mouth
easily drowsy, often sleeps
uncontrolled rhythmic movements of the tongue, face, mouth, and jaw, which are usually followed by uncontrolled movements of the hands and feet (tardive dyskinesia - see Warning section)
increased heart rate (tachycardia), sensation of a pounding heart (palpitations), or an irregular heartbeat rhythm
drastic drop in blood pressure (hypotension) which causes head to feel dizzy
impaired body temperature regulation (more common in elderly patients and can cause heatstroke in hot weather or hypothermia in cold weather)
headache
changes in appetite and weight
difficulty concentrating or speaking
nervous or irritable
difficulty sleeping (insomnia)
visual disturbances, such as blurred vision
indigestion, such as constipation, diarrhea, dyspepsia (discomfort in the upper abdomen during or after eating), gas, nausea, vomiting
difficulty urinating
excessive sweating
allergic skin reactions, such as red rash, hives, sensitivity to sun exposure
sexual problems, such as erectile dysfunction, impaired sex drive, or difficulty having an orgasm
seizures (convulsions)
blood sugar levels increase. Tell your doctor if you notice any sudden changes, such as unusual thirst or hunger, or urinate more than usual. People with diabetes must regularly manage their blood sugar levels properly
high levels of prolactin (the milk-producing hormone) in the blood, or hyperprolactinaemia. Sometimes, this condition can cause symptoms, such as breast enlargement, increased milk production, or menstrual periods that stop suddenly.
high body temperature, followed by loss of consciousness, pale skin, sweating, and heart palpitations (neuroleptic malignant syndrome). The doctor will stop flupentixol treatment and immediately start medical treatment for these signs - see Warning section
random or circular movements of the eyeballs and neck (oculogyric crisis). Immediate medical attention is required
decreased number of white blood cells or platelets in the blood (leucopenia or thrombocytopenia). Tell your doctor if you experience sudden bruising or bleeding, purple spots, sore throat, stomach ulcers, high fever, fatigue or general pain while taking this medicine. These signs indicate a problem with your white blood cells. Your doctor may recommend that you have a blood test to check your levels of white blood cells
jaundice (jaundice) or liver disorders. Tell your doctor right away if you notice yellowing of your eyes or skin while taking this medicine
abnormal blood clots in the vessels (venous thromboembolism - see Warning section)

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Drug Cautions and Warnings Flupentixol

What should be known before using flupentixol?

Tell your doctor if you:

pregnant or breastfeeding
have heart disease or disease around the blood vessels
have liver, kidney, thyroid, or prostate disorders
have breathing problems
have one of the following conditions: epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, glaucoma (pressure on the eyeball), or myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness)
have a history of jaundice or blood disorders
have an adrenal gland tumor (pheochromocytoma)
have porphyria
have had an allergic reaction to certain medications
are using or consuming other drugs, including non-prescription drugs, herbs, and supporting supplements

Is flupentixol safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There is no adequate research on the risks of using flupentixol in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using flupentixol. flupentixol is included in the risk of pregnancy category C according to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

The following references the pregnancy risk categories according to the FDA:

A = no risk
B = no risk in several studies
C = possibly risky
D = there is positive evidence of risk
X = contraindicated
N = unknown

Flupentixol is easily absorbed in breast milk. If this medication is deemed necessary for nursing mothers, they will be advised to temporarily stop breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions of Flupentixol

What medicines may interact with flupentixol?

Drug interactions can change the performance of your medications or increase the risk of serious side effects. Not all possible drug interactions are listed in this document. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription / non-prescription drugs and herbal products) and consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without your doctor's approval.

The anticholinergic effect of atropine or other drugs that contain anticholinergic properties may be increased. Concomitant use of metoclopramide, piperazine, or antiparkinsonian drugs can increase the risk of extrapyramidal effects, such as tardive dyskinesia. Combined anticycotic therapy and lithium or sibutramine has been associated with an increased risk of neurotoxicity (nerve poisoning).

Antipsychotics can amplify the cardiac depressant effect of quinidine; absorption of corticosteroids and digoxin. The hypontensive effect of vasodilator antihypertensive agents, such as hydralazine and α-blockers (for example, doxazosin), or methyl-dopa can be increased.

The increase in the QT interval associated with antipsychotic therapy can be exacerbated by the presence of other drugs that can increase the QT interval.

Medicines listed above should be avoided, including:

class IA and III arrhythmia drugs (quinidine, amiodarone, sotalol, dofetilide)
some other antipsychotics, such as thioridazine
some macrolides, such as erythromycin
antihistamines
quinolone antibiotics, such as moxifloxacin

The list of drugs above is not exhaustive, and other individual drugs that are known to significantly increase the QT interval (eg cisapride, lithium) should be avoided.

Medicines known to cause electrolyte disturbances, such as thiazide diuretics (hypokalaemia) and drugs that cause increased plasma concentrations of flupentixol should be used with caution, as they increase the risk of QT prolongation and malignant arrhythmias.

Antipsychotics can exacerbate the adrenaline and sympathomimetic effects, and reverse the antihypertensive effects of guanethidine and other similar adrenergic-blocking agents. Antipsychotics can also impair the effects of levodopa, adrenergic drugs, and anticonvulsants.

Tricyclic antidepressant metabolism can be slowed and diabetes control can be impaired.

Can food or alcohol interact with flupentixol?

Certain drugs should not be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss your use of drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco with your health care provider.

What health conditions can interact with flupentixol?

Any other health conditions you have can affect the use of flupentixol. Always tell your doctor if you have other health problems, especially:

a history of suicidal behavior or desire
decreased liver function or liver disease
kidney failure
severe disease affecting the lungs or airways
heart disease, such as heart failure, recent heart attack, very slow heartbeat (bradycardia) or irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias)
history of prolongation of the QT interval (abnormal heart rhythm seen on ECG)
disturbances in salt (electrolyte) levels in the blood, for example a deficiency of potassium or magnesium
stroke risk factors, for example a history of stroke or mini-stroke (TIA), smoking, diabetes, hypertension, or atrial fibrillation (AF)
a history of blood clots (venous thromboembolism), for example in a vein in the leg (deep vein thrombosis) or in the lungs (pulmonary embolism)
risk factors for blood clots, such as smoking, being overweight, taking the contraceptive pill, being over 40 years old, having recently had major surgery, or having a prolonged physical disability
diabetes. Diabetes patients should closely monitor their blood sugar levels while taking this medicine. Flupentixol can increase the production of blood sugar in the body
epilepsy
conditions that aggravate the convulsion, for example brain damage, or withdrawal symptoms (withdrawal)
Parkinson's disease
myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness)
angle closure glaucoma
enlarged prostate gland (prostatic hypertrophy)
adrenal gland tumor (phaeochromoytoma)
hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism
porphyria