Fluphenazine Hydrochloride Oral tablet

What is this medicine?

FLUPHENAZINE (floo FEN a zeen) helps to treat disordered thoughts and some other emotional, nervous, and mental problems.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• blood disorders or disease
• dementia
• head injury
• heart disease
• liver disease
• Parkinson's disease
• Reye's syndrome
• uncontrollable movement disorder
• an unusual or allergic reaction to fluphenazine, tartrazine dye, other medicines foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking this medicine except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this medicine may be prescribed for children as young as 5 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• amoxapine
• certain antibiotics like gatifloxacin and sparfloxacin
• cisapride
• clozapine
• dofetilide
• droperidol
• ephedrine
• certain medicines for mental depression like escitalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline
• ibutilide
• levomethadyl
• maprotiline
• other phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, and thioridazine
• pimozide
• pindolol
• propranolol
• risperidone
• sotalol
• trimethobenzamide
• ziprasidone

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• atropine
• some medications for high blood pressure or heart problems

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress.

You may get drowsy, dizzy, or have blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can increase possible dizziness or drowsiness. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

This medicine can reduce the response of your body to heat or cold. Try not to get overheated. Avoid temperature extremes, such as saunas, hot tubs, or very hot or cold baths or showers. Dress warmly in cold weather.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• blurred vision
• breast enlargement in men or women
• breast milk in women who are not breast-feeding
• chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat
• confusion, restlessness
• dark yellow or brown urine
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• dizziness or fainting spells
• drooling, shaking
• fever, chills, sore throat
• involuntary or uncontrollable movements of the eyes, mouth, head, arms, and legs
• seizures
• stomach area pain
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusually weak or tired
• yellowing of skin or eyes

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• difficulty sleeping
• difficulty passing urine
• headache
• sexual dysfunction

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE:This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.