Flupentixol Injection

Flupentixol Injection is available with the branding “PSYFLU” and belongs to a group of medicine antipsychotics from the class thioxanthene. This antipsychotic medication is for the treatment of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders that have an impact on patient’s emotions, thoughts or behaviour. Schizophrenia is a psychiatric disorder that makes a person have a sense that is contradictory to reality, an auditory/visual hallucination and paranoid/psychotic ideas.

In Flupentixol Injection, the active ingredient is ‘Flupentixol’ which acts by inhibiting the activity of certain chemical substances, dopamine, in the brain to facilitate change in mood, behaviour and thought. Flupentixol raises the level of the symptoms of the disease and does not allow them to recur.

Medical Benefits

• Flupentixol is a thioxanthine-derived antipsychotic given for schizophrenia symptoms.
• It is also useful for the treatment of other mental illnesses that affect mood, thoughts and behaviour.
• It affects the chemical balance in the brain, especially dopamine to control mood, behaviour and thinking.
• Anti-psychotic drug flupentixol relieves the symptoms of the diseases and prevents their reoccurrence.
• Some brands of Flupentixol are also used to treat depression, with such effects featuring poor concentration, a low mood, and insomnia.

Directions For Use

• Read the details labelled on the instructions as possible.
• Wash your hands and the place to inject.
• Arrange the syringes and drugs.
• Inject at the suitable area i.e into a vein, muscle, or under the skin
• Throw the needle in the bin.
• Do not administer the injection at the site of infection.

Storage

• Store Flupentixol Injection away from light and in a dry cold place.
• Ensure that the injection is shielded from contamination by different materials.
• Never allow the children to access it and do not use it after the stipulated time is over.

Precautions

• Consult your doctor if you’re taking medicines for irregular heartbeat (quinidine, amiodarone, sotalol, dofetilide), some antipsychotics (thioridazine, lithium), antibiotics (erythromycin, moxifloxacin), or stomach acid medicines (cisapride), as Flupentixol may interact with them.
• Flupentixol interactions may occur if taken with alcohol as it decreases blood pressure and may cause increased levels of drowsiness.
• It should not be taken by pregnant women in a drug-free manner although it can prescribed by a doctor.
• Flupentixol may be excreted in breast milk. Consult a doctor before using it.
• It can cause drowsiness so do not drive or use heavy machinery at work before talking to your doctor.
• Flupentixol Injection should not be used for children. Consult your paediatrician before administering it to your child.

Side Effects

• Weight gain
• Tremor
• Muscle stiffness
• Constipation
• Sleepiness
• Dryness in mouth

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can diabetic patients take this injection?

Yes, but it may affect blood sugar levels. Diabetic patients should monitor their blood sugar and consult a doctor before using it.

How can I cope with dry mouth from this injection?

To manage dry mouth, drink water often, chew sugar-free gum, avoid caffeine and alcohol-based mouthwashes, and try to quit smoking.

Does this cause drops in blood pressure?

Yes, it can cause dizziness from sudden drops in blood pressure when standing. If this happens, lie down and get up slowly. Regular blood pressure checks are recommended.

Is this medication useful with other medications?

It can interact with other medicines, so tell your doctor about any other medications you’re taking.