Generic Name: fluphenazine (floo FEN a zeen)
Brand Names: Permitil
What is Permitil (fluphenazine)?
Fluphenazine is an anti-psychotic medication in a group of drugs called phenothiazines (FEEN-oh-THYE-a-zeens). It works by changing the actions of chemicals in your brain.
Fluphenazine is used to treat psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia.
Fluphenazine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Permitil (fluphenazine)?
Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have twitching or uncontrollable movements of your eyes, lips, tongue, face, arms, or legs. Fluphenazine is not for use in psychotic conditions related to dementia. Fluphenazine may cause heart failure, sudden death, or pneumonia in older adults with dementia-related conditions. You should not use fluphenazine if you have liver disease, brain damage, bone marrow depression, a blood cell disorder, or if you are also using large amounts of alcohol or medicines that make you sleepy. Do not use if you are allergic to fluphenazine or other phenothiazines.
Before you take fluphenazine, tell your doctor if you have heart disease or high blood pressure, a history of seizures, Parkinson's disease, liver or kidney disease, severe asthma or breathing problem, past or present breast cancer, adrenal gland tumor, enlarged prostate, urination problems, glaucoma, low levels of calcium in your blood, or if you have ever had a serious side effect while using fluphenazine or similar medicines.
Before taking fluphenazine, tell your doctor about all other medications you use.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Permitil (fluphenazine)?
Fluphenazine is not for use in psychotic conditions related to dementia. Fluphenazine may cause heart failure, sudden death, or pneumonia in older adults with dementia-related conditions. You should not use fluphenazine if you have liver disease, brain damage, bone marrow depression, or a blood cell disorder (such as low platelets or low red or white blood cell counts), or if you are also using large amounts of alcohol or medicines that make you sleepy. Do not use if you are allergic to fluphenazine or other phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), perphenazine (Trilafon), prochlorperazine (Compazine, Compro), promethazine (Adgan, Pentazine, Phenergan), thioridazine (Mellaril), or trifluoperazine (Stelazine).
To make sure you can safely take fluphenazine, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
heart disease or high blood pressure;
a history of seizures or brain injury;
Parkinson's disease;
- liver or kidney disease;
severe asthma, emphysema, or other breathing problem;
past or present breast cancer;
adrenal gland tumor (pheochromocytoma);
enlarged prostate or urination problems;
low levels of calcium in your blood (hypocalcemia);
glaucoma; or
if you have ever had a serious side effect while using fluphenazine or any other phenothiazine.
Tell your doctor if you will be exposed to extreme heat or cold, or to insecticide poisons while you are taking fluphenazine.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. Taking antipsychotic medication during the last 3 months of pregnancy may cause problems in the newborn, such as withdrawal symptoms, breathing problems, feeding problems, fussiness, tremors, and limp or stiff muscles. However, you may have withdrawal symptoms or other problems if you stop taking your medicine during pregnancy. If you become pregnant while taking fluphenazine, do not stop taking it without your doctor's advice. It is not known whether fluphenazine passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from this medicine.
How should I take Permitil (fluphenazine)?
Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.
Measure liquid medicine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
Fluphenazine oral solution concentrate solution must be mixed with at least 2 ounces (1/4 cup) of a liquid such as milk, tomato juice, fruit juice (but not apple juice), or a soft drink that does not contain caffeine.
To be sure this medication is not causing harmful effects, your liver and kidney function will need to be checked with frequent blood tests. Visit your doctor regularly.
If you need surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are using fluphenazine. Do not stop using fluphenazine suddenly after long-term use, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to avoid withdrawal symptoms when you stop using fluphenazine. Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light. Do not allow liquid medicine to freeze.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222. Overdose symptoms may include extreme drowsiness, deep sleep, uncontrollable muscle movements, and weak or shallow breathing.
What should I avoid while taking Permitil (fluphenazine)?
Fluphenazine may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy. Get up slowly and steady yourself to prevent a fall. Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of fluphenazine. Avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds. Fluphenazine can make you sunburn more easily. Wear protective clothing and use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when you are outdoors.
Permitil (fluphenazine) side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Stop using fluphenazine and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:
twitching or uncontrollable movements of your eyes, lips, tongue, face, arms, or legs;
tremor (uncontrolled shaking), drooling, trouble swallowing, problems with balance or walking;
feeling like you might pass out;
seizure (convulsions);
blurred vision, eye pain, seeing halos around lights;
pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, mouth sores, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness;
dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);
very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats; or
slow heart rate, weak pulse, fainting, slow breathing (breathing may stop).
Less serious side effects may include:
headache, dizziness, drowsiness;
feeling anxious or restless;
strange dreams;
nausea, constipation, loss of appetite;
mild skin rash;
dry mouth, stuffy nose;
increased sweating or urination;
breast swelling or discharge;
changes in your menstrual periods;
impotence, trouble having an orgasm; or
weight gain, swelling in your hands or feet.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Permitil (fluphenazine)?
Cold or allergy medicine, sedatives, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety can interact with fluphenazine and cause medical problems or increase side effects. Tell your doctor if you regularly use any of these medicines, or any other anti-psychotic medications.
Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:
atropine (Sal-Tropine, Atreza);
lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid);
an antibiotic;
birth control pills or hormone replacement estrogens;
blood pressure medication;
a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin, Jantoven);
certain asthma medications or bronchodilators;
incontinence medications;
insulin or diabetes medications you take by mouth;
medication for nausea, vomiting, or motion sickness;
medications to treat or prevent malaria;
medicines used to prevent organ transplant rejection;
a stimulant or ADHD medication;
ulcer or irritable bowel medications; or
medicines to treat Parkinson's disease, restless leg syndrome, or pituitary gland tumor (prolactinoma).
This list is not complete and there are many other drugs that can interact with fluphenazine. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor. Keep a list of all your medicines and show it to any healthcare provider who treats you.
More Permitil resources
- Permitil Side Effects (in more detail)
- Permitil Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Permitil Drug Interactions
- Permitil Support Group
- 0 Reviews for Permitil - Add your own review/rating
- Fluphenazine MedFacts Consumer Leaflet (Wolters Kluwer)
- Fluphenazine Professional Patient Advice (Wolters Kluwer)
- Prolixin Prescribing Information (FDA)
- Prolixin Decanoate Prescribing Information (FDA)
- fluphenazine decanoate Monograph (AHFS DI)
Compare Permitil with other medications
- Psychosis
Where can I get more information?
- Your pharmacist can provide more information about fluphenazine.
See also: Permitil side effects (in more detail)
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