Perphenazine
Perphenazine (Trilafon)
Perphenazine
(per- FEN-ah-zeen)
Pregnancy Category: C Apo-Perphenazine Phenazine PMS-Perphenazine Trilafon (Rx)

Classification: Antipsychotic, antiemetic, piperazine-type phenothiazine

See Also: See also Antipsychotic Agents, Phenothiazines .

Action/Kinetics: Resembles chlorpromazine. High incidence of extrapyramidal effects; strong antiemetic effects; moderate anticholinergic effects; and a low incidence of orthostatic hypotension and sedation. Onset, IM: 10 min. Maximum effect, IM: 1-2 hr. Duration, IM: 6 hr (up to 24 hr).

Uses: Psychotic disorders. IV to treat severe N&V; and intractable hiccoughs.

Special Concerns: Use during pregnancy only if benefits clearly outweigh risks. Dosage has not been established in children less than 12 years of age. Geriatric, emaciated, or debilitated clients usually require a lower initial dose.

How Supplied: Concentrate: 16 mg/5 mL; Injection: 5 mg/mL; Tablet: 2 mg, 4 mg, 8 mg, 16 mg

Dosage
?Concentrate, Tablets Psychoses.
Nonhospitalized clients: 4-8 mg t.i.d. Hospitalized clients: 8-16 mg b.i.d.-q.i.d. Avoid doses greater than 64 mg/day.
?IM Psychotic disorders.
Adults and adolescents, nonhospitalized: 5 mg q 6 hr, not to exceed 15 mg/day. Hospitalized clients: initial, 5-10 mg; total daily dose should not exceed 30 mg.
?IV Severe N&V.;
Adults: Up to 5 mg diluted to 0.5 mg/mL with 0.9% sodium chloride injection. Give in divided doses of not more than 1 mg q 1-3 hr. Can also be given as an infusion at a rate not to exceed 1 mg/min. Restrict use to hospitalized recumbent adults. Do not exceed a single dose of 5 mg.