Perphenazine
Perphenazine Oral tablet
What is this medicine?
PERPHENAZINE (per FEN a zeen) is used to treat schizophrenia. It also is used to treat severe nausea and vomiting in adults.
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
liver disease or jaundice
Parkinson's disease
uncontrollable movement disorder
an unusual or allergic reaction to perphenazine, 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.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this medicine may be prescribed for children as young as 12 years of age 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
antidepressants like citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine, and sertraline
certain antibiotics like gatifloxacin, grepafloxacin, sparfloxacin
cisapride
clozapine
dofetilide
droperidol
ibutilide
levomethadyl
maprotiline
phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine
phenylpropanolamine
pimozide
pindolol
propranolol
sotalol
tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline, clomipramine, imipramine, nortriptyline and others
trimethobenzamide
ziprasidone
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
antacids
medicines for colds and flu
medicines for hay fever and other allergies
prescription pain medicines
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 or dizzy. 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 may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
This medicine can reduce the response of your body to heat or cold. Dress warm in cold weather and stay hydrated in hot weather. If possible, avoid extreme temperatures like saunas, hot tubs, very hot or cold showers, or activities that can cause dehydration such as vigorous exercise.
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 passing urine
difficulty sleeping
headache
sexual dysfunction
skin rash, or itching
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 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
Updated:  
March 21, 2017
Sources:  
U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert