Fluphenazine use while Breastfeeding

Drugs containing Fluphenazine: Prolixin, Prolixin Decanoate, Prolixin Enanthate, Permitil

Fluphenazine Levels and Effects while Breastfeeding

Summary of Use during Lactation

There is no published experience with fluphenazine during breastfeeding. Very limited long-term follow-up data indicate no adverse developmental effects when other phenothiazines are used alone. However, combinations of antipsychotic agents can negatively affect development. Because of the lack of published experience with fluphenazine during breastfeeding, other antipsychotic agents may be preferred, especially wile nursing an newborn or preterm infant.

Drug Levels

Maternal Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Effects in Breastfed Infants

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Possible Effects on Lactation

Phenothiazines cause galactorrhea in 26 to 40% of female patients.[1][2] Hyperprolactinemia appears to be the cause of the galactorrhea.[3][4][5] The hyperprolactinemia is caused by the drug's dopamine-blocking action in the tuberoinfundibular pathway.[6]

Fluphenazine elevates serum prolactin similar to other phenothiazines and has caused galactorrhea. The elevation is related to serum levels and lasts 2 to 4 weeks with the depot injectable formulation.[2][7] The maternal prolactin level in a mother with established lactation may not affect her ability to breastfeed.

Alternate Drugs to Consider

Haloperidol, Risperidone

References

1. Polishuk WZ, Kulcsar S. Effects of chlorpromazine on pituitary function. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1956;16:292-3. PMID: 13286329

2. Hooper JH Jr, Welch VC, Shackelford RT. Abnormal lactation associated with tranquilizing drug therapy. JAMA. 1961;178:506-7. PMID: 14448766

3. Turkington RW. Prolactin secretion in patients treated with various drugs: phenothiazines, tricyclic antidepressants, reserpine, and methyldopa. Arch Intern Med. 1972;130(3):349-54. PMID: 4560178

4. Turkington RW. Serum prolactin levels in patients with gynecomastia. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1972;34(1):62-6. PMID: 5061776

5. Meltzer HY, Fang VS. The effect of neuroleptics on serum prolactin in schizophrenic patients. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1976;33:279-86. PMID: 1259521

6. Maguire GA. Prolactin elevation with antipsychotic medications: mechanisms of action and clinical consequences. J Clin Psychiatry. 2002;63(suppl 4):56-62. PMID: 11913677

7. Meltzer HY, Fang VS, Goode DJ. Prolactin and neuroleptics: clinical implications for efficacy and toxicity. The effect of neuroleptics and alpha-methyl-para-tyrosine on serum prolactin levels in laboratory animals and man. Psychopharmacol Bull. 1978;14:5-7. PMID: 625539

Fluphenazine Identification

Substance Name

Fluphenazine

CAS Registry Number

69-23-8

Drug Class

• Antipsychotic Agents
• Phenothiazines

Administrative Information

LactMed Record Number

116

Information from the National Library of Medicine's LactMed Database.

Last Revision Date

2010-11-01

Disclaimer

Information presented in this database is not meant as a substitute for professional judgment. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. The U.S. government does not warrant or assume any liability or responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information on this Site.

See Also...

• Fluphenazine use during Pregnancy
• Fluphenazine Consumer Information
• Breastfeeding Support Group
• Safe Medications during Breastfeeding
• Medicine use while Breastfeeding
• Medicine use during Pregnancy

Disclaimer: This information is not intended as a substitute for professional judgment. You should consult your healthcare provider for breastfeeding advice related to your particular situation. Use of this website signifies your agreement to the Terms of Use and Online Privacy Policy.