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Perphenazine Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 6, 2023.

Applies to perphenazine: oral fixed-combination tablets, oral tablets.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

    Increased Mortality in Geriatric Patients with Dementia-related Psychosis
  • Geriatric patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with antipsychotic agents are at an increased risk of death.100 101 102 103 104 o p

  • Analyses of 17 placebo-controlled trials in geriatric patients mainly receiving atypical antipsychotic agents revealed an approximate 1.6- to 1.7-fold increase in mortality compared with that in patients receiving placebo.100 101 p

  • Most fatalities appeared to result from cardiovascular-related events (e.g., heart failure, sudden death) or infections (mostly pneumonia).100 101 p

  • Observational studies suggest that conventional or first-generation antipsychotic agents also may increase mortality in such patients.100 101 103 104

  • Antipsychotic agents, including perphenazine, are not approved for the treatment of dementia-related psychosis.100 101 p

Side effects include:

Extrapyramidal reactions (e.g., Parkinson-like symptoms, dystonia, akathisia, tardive dyskinesia), drowsiness, muscular weakness, dry mouth, blurred vision, weight gain, skin reactions, amenorrhea, galactorrhea.

For healthcare professionals

Applies to perphenazine: compounding powder, injectable solution, oral concentrate, oral tablet.

Nervous system

Convulsive seizures occurred most frequently in patients with EEG abnormalities and/or patients with a history of convulsive seizures.

Drowsiness usually occurred within the first 1 to 2 weeks, with gradual disappearance thereafter.

NMS occurred in patients who took neuroleptic drugs, and was fatal in some cases. NMS was characterized by severe extrapyramidal dysfunction, rigidity, stupor, coma, hyperthermia, and/or autonomic disturbances.

Significant autonomic effects were infrequently reported in patients who received less than 24 mg/day.[Ref]

Cardiovascular

Tachycardia occurred more commonly with sudden, marked increases in dose.[Ref]

Dermatologic

Contact dermatitis occurred in nursing personnel who handled the drug.[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Musculoskeletal

Ocular

Psychiatric

Hematologic

Metabolic

Respiratory

Other

Endocrine

Hepatic

Hypersensitivity

Renal

Genitourinary

Immunologic

References

1. (2001) "Product Information. Trilafon (perphenazine)." Schering Corporation

2. Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics."

Further information

Perphenazine side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.