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Trifluoperazine Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 14, 2023.

Applies to the following strengths: 10 mg/mL; 2 mg/mL; 1 mg; 2 mg; 5 mg; 10 mg

Usual Adult Dose for:

Usual Geriatric Dose for:

Usual Pediatric Dose for:

Additional dosage information:

Usual Adult Dose for Schizophrenia

Initial dose: 2 to 5 mg orally 2 times a day
Maintenance dose: 15 to 20 mg/day
Maximum dose: 40 mg/day

Comment:

  • Most patients should reach therapeutic levels in 2 to 3 weeks.

Use: Management of schizophrenia

Usual Adult Dose for Anxiety

Recommended dose: 1 to 2 mg orally 2 times a day
Maximum dose: 6 mg/day
Duration of therapy: Up to 12 weeks

Comment:

  • The lowest effective dosage should be used for the shortest duration of time.

Use: Treatment of non-psychotic anxiety

Usual Geriatric Dose for Schizophrenia

Initial dose: 2 mg orally 2 times a day
Maintenance dose: 15 to 20 mg/day
Maximum dose: 40 mg/day

Comment:

  • Most patients should reach therapeutic levels in 2 to 3 weeks

Use: Management of schizophrenia

Usual Geriatric Dose for Anxiety

Initial dose: 1 mg orally 2 times a day
Maximum dose: 6 mg/day
Duration of therapy: Up to 12 weeks

Comments:

  • Due to the long half-life of this drug, this drug may be given as a once a day dose.
  • The lowest effective dosage should be used for the shortest duration of time.

Use: Treatment of non-psychotic anxiety

Usual Pediatric Dose for Schizophrenia

6 to 12 years:

  • Initial dose: 1 mg once a day OR 2 times a day
  • Maintenance dose: 1 to 15 mg/day

12 years and older:
  • Initial dose: 2 to 5 mg orally 2 times a day
  • Maintenance dose: 15 to 20 mg/day
  • Maximum dose: 40 mg/day

Comments:
  • Pediatric patients should be closely monitored or hospitalized.
  • Dosing should be determined by symptom severity and the weight of the child. Patients may undergo gradual dose titration until symptoms are controlled or side effects become intolerable.
  • Older patients with severe schizophrenia may require doses greater than 15 mg/day to manage their symptoms.
  • Most patients should reach therapeutic levels in 2 to 3 weeks.

Use: Management of schizophrenia

Renal Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Liver Dose Adjustments

Use is contraindicated in patients with known liver damage.

Dose Adjustments

Small/emaciated patients should begin on the lower end of the dosing range for the management of schizophrenia.

Precautions

US BOXED WARNING:

  • INCREASED MORTALITY IN ELDERLY PATIENTS WITH DEMENTIA-RELATED PSYCHOSIS: This drug has an increased risk of mortality when administered to elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis. Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with antipsychotic drugs have an increased risk of death. This drug is not approved for use in patients with dementia-related psychosis.

Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 6 years.

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

Administration advice:

  • Due to the long half-life of this drug, this drug may be given as a once a day dose.
  • Use of the liquid formulations should be considered in patients with difficulty taking tablets, who are uncooperative, or pediatric patients.

Storage requirements:
  • See manufacturer product information.

Reconstitution/preparation techniques:
  • See manufacturer product information.

General:
  • All patients on prolonged treatment should be reassessed regularly.
  • Use should be avoided as first-line therapy for non-psychotic anxiety.
  • This drug has not been effective in the management of behavioral complications in patients with intellectual disabilities.
  • Some capsule formulations are equivalent to tablet formulations, but are given once a day. The manufacturer product information should be consulted for more details.
  • Treatment is not indicated for symptom improvement and relapse prevention in depressive psychoses.

Monitoring:
  • Periodic WBC with differential tests, especially in patients with signs/symptoms of infection/sore throat or with a history of low WBCs or drug-induced neutropenia/leukopenia
  • Periodic liver function tests, with increased frequency in patients with signs/symptoms of liver dysfunction
  • Blood pressure, especially in patients with impaired cardiovascular systems
  • Eye examinations, especially in patients on prolonged treatment
  • Heart rate, especially in patients with arrhythmias and/or taking QT prolonging drugs concurrently
  • Periodic renal function tests

Patient advice:
  • Patients should be warned to avoid abrupt discontinuation of this drug.
  • Patients should be instructed to immediately report any signs/symptoms of neutropenia/leukopenia, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, or tardive dyskinesia.
  • Inform patients that this drug may cause or impair mental/physical abilities, and they should avoid driving or operating machinery until the full effects of the drug are seen.
  • Patients should be advised to speak to a healthcare provider if they are pregnant, intend to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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