1. Rifluoperazine 2.5mg Tablet
Indications
- Schizophrenia (acute and chronic)
- Anxiety (short-term management, especially in severe cases)
- Severe nausea and vomiting (as an antiemetic)
Dosage and Administration
Schizophrenia: Start with 2-5 mg/day, gradually increasing up to 10-15 mg/day as needed.
Anxiety: Start with 1-2 mg/day, increasing to 4-6 mg/day, based on response.
Administer 1-3 times daily.
Can be taken with or without food.
Elderly or patients with liver/renal impairment: Start with a lower dose (1-2 mg/day) and increase cautiously.
Precautions
Extrapyramidal symptoms: Tremors, rigidity, and tardive dyskinesia are potential side effects with prolonged use.
Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS): Rare, but serious, presenting with fever, muscle rigidity, altered mental status, and autonomic instability.
Sedation: Can cause drowsiness or dizziness, especially at higher doses.
Cardiovascular effects: Can cause orthostatic hypotension and QT prolongation, requiring monitoring.
Use caution in elderly: Increased risk of side effects, especially in patients with dementia-related psychosis.
Avoid abrupt withdrawal to prevent withdrawal symptoms.
2. Trihexyphenidyl Hydrochloride 2mg
Indications
- Parkinson's disease (to control tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia)
- Extrapyramidal symptoms from antipsychotic medications (e.g., parkinsonism, dystonia, tardive dyskinesia)
Dosage and Administration:
Parkinson's disease: Start with 1-2 mg/day, gradually increasing to 6-10 mg/day based on clinical response.
Extrapyramidal symptoms: 1-2 mg/day, increasing as needed to control symptoms.
Can be taken 1-3 times daily.
Can be taken with or without food.
Precautions:
Anticholinergic effects: Dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, urinary retention, cognitive disturbances.
Glaucoma: Contraindicated in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma.
Elderly: Higher sensitivity to anticholinergic effects like confusion, agitation, and sedation.
Urinary retention or BPH: Use with caution due to potential worsening of symptoms.
Cognitive issues: Use cautiously in patients with dementia or cognitive impairment.