Uses

Indicated as a long-acting injectable antipsychotic for maintenance treatment of schizophrenia and other chronic psychotic disorders, administered as a depot injection typically every 2–4 weeks.

Do not use if

Contraindicated in comatose states, CNS depression, known hypersensitivity to flupentixol or thioxanthenes, and in Parkinson's disease. Caution with concurrent QTc-prolonging drugs.

Side effects

Extrapyramidal side effects including parkinsonism, akathisia, and dystonia are common. Tardive dyskinesia may occur with prolonged use. Sedation, weight gain, hyperprolactinemia, and QTc prolongation have been reported.

Warnings

Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with antipsychotics have an increased risk of death. Monitor for tardive dyskinesia and neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Once injected, the drug cannot be withdrawn rapidly if adverse reactions occur.

How it works

Flupentixol decanoate is a thioxanthene antipsychotic esterified with decanoic acid to form a long-acting depot preparation. After intramuscular injection, the ester is slowly hydrolyzed releasing flupentixol, which blocks dopamine D1 and D2 receptors, producing antipsychotic effects.

Storage

Store below 25°C, protected from light. Do not refrigerate or freeze.