Flupenthixol

Flupenthixol (also known as Fluanxol) is an antipsychotic medication used in the treatment of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. It belongs to the class of drugs known as thioxanthene antipsychotics.

Pharmacology

Flupenthixol primarily acts as an antagonist of the dopamine D1 and D2 receptors. It also has some affinity for the serotonin 5-HT2A receptor. The antagonism of dopamine receptors is believed to be responsible for the antipsychotic effects of flupenthixol.

Clinical Use

Flupenthixol is used in the treatment of chronic schizophrenia and other chronic psychoses. It is also used in the management of acute psychotic episodes and in the maintenance treatment of schizophrenia and other related psychoses.

Side Effects

Common side effects of flupenthixol include drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, and weight gain. Less common side effects can include tardive dyskinesia, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, and extrapyramidal symptoms.

Formulations

Flupenthixol is available in oral tablet form and as a long-acting injectable formulation (flupenthixol decanoate). The injectable form is often used in patients who have difficulty adhering to oral medication regimens.

History

Flupenthixol was first synthesized in the 1960s by the Danish pharmaceutical company Lundbeck. It has been used in clinical practice since the 1970s.

See Also

• Antipsychotic
• Schizophrenia
• Psychotic disorders
• Thioxanthene