Penfluridol

Penfluridol is a highly potent, first generation diphenylbutylpiperidine antipsychotic used in the treatment of schizophrenia. It was discovered at Janssen Pharmaceutica in 1968.

Pharmacology

Penfluridol is a long-acting oral antipsychotic drug that is administered once a week. It is a lipophilic drug that is slowly released from adipose tissues, which is believed to be the reason for its slow onset of action and prolonged duration of action. Penfluridol is a highly potent drug and has a high affinity for the dopamine D2 receptor and the sigma receptor, but has a low affinity for the dopamine D1 receptor.

Medical uses

Penfluridol is used in the treatment of chronic schizophrenia and similar psychotic disorders. It is particularly effective in managing negative symptoms of schizophrenia, such as apathy and lack of emotion, due to its potent antidepressant effects.

Side effects

The most common side effects of penfluridol are similar to those of other antipsychotic drugs and include extrapyramidal symptoms such as tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesia. Other side effects can include drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, and constipation. Rare but serious side effects can include tardive dyskinesia, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, and cardiac arrhythmias.

See also

• List of antipsychotic drugs
• Pharmacology of antipsychotic drugs

Penfluridol Resources
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