Trifluoperazine Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 14, 2025.

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.

Frequently asked questions

• What drugs cause tardive dyskinesia?

See also:

Further information

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

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