Stelazine

What is it?

An anxiolytic, antidepressant and anticonvulsant preparation which is a phenothiazine group II drug. It is available as film-coated, blue tablets in 2 strengths containing 1mg and 5mg of trifluoperazine (as hydrochloride), marked SKF. Also, STELAZINE SYRUP containing 1mg of trifluoperazine hydrochloride per 5ml. Also, STELAZINE SPANSULES, available as yellow/ clear, sustained-release capsules containing 2mg of trifluoperazine hydrochloride as white and blue pellets, marked 2.

Medical Uses

Anxiety and agitation which may be accompanied by depression, psychosis, schizophrenia, dangerous, impulsive, disturbed behaviour; vomiting and nausea.

Dosage

Adults, anxiety, agitation, depression, nausea and vomiting, 2 to 4mg each day as divided doses with a maximum of 6mg. Schizophrenia, psychosis, disturbed behaviour, 5mg twice each day at first increasing to 15mg after 7 days. If needed, dosage may be further increased every 3 days by 5mg until condition is controlled and then reduced again for maintenance - consult manufacturer's literature. Elderly persons, all disorders, 1mg each day at first which may require gradual increase according to response. Children, usually use syrup, all disorders, age 3 to 5 years, up to 1mg; 6 to 12 years, up to 4mg, all as daily divided doses.

Special Care

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, elderly, angina, heart disease or disease of heart blood vessels, vomiting of unknown cause, epilepsy, Parkinsonism, vomiting which is undiagnosed. Patients must be warned that dexterity and judgement may be affected.

Avoid Use

Children under 3 years, blood changes, heart failure which is not under control, liver damage, coma.

Possible Drug and Food Interactions

Other antidepressants, anticonvulsants, alcohol, within 2 weeks of taking MAOIs, thyroid drugs, quinidine, phenytoin, carbamazepine, barbiturates, sympathomimetics and those in local anaesthetics, adrenaline, noradrenaline, anti- hypertensives, neurolegtics, anticholinergics, oestrogens, cimetidine.

Known Side Effects

Sleepiness, vertigo, lightheadedness, unsteadiness, disturbance of vision, rash, hypotension, gastro-intestinal upset, changes in libido, retention of urine. Allergic reactions, dry mouth, constipation, palpitations, sweating, tachycardia, nervousness, heart arrhythmias, conduction defects. Impotence, effects on breasts, weight loss or gain. Tinnitus (ringing in ears), effects on central nervous system, changes in blood sugar, blood disorders. Mania and schizophrenic symptoms may rarely be activated, particularly in the elderly.