What it means
A high-potency typical antipsychotic of the phenothiazine group that blocks dopamine in the brain. The decanoate form is a long-acting injection given every few weeks, which helps clients who find daily pills hard to take. Movement side effects are common: muscle spasms (acute dystonia), restlessness (akathisia), Parkinson-like stiffness and, after long use, tardive dyskinesiaTAR-div dis-kih-NEE-zhuhA movement disorder with repeated movements a person cannot control, most often of the face, lips and tongue.dys- badkinesi/o movement-ia conditionFull entry . A rare, dangerous reaction is neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
For the nurse
Give the decanoate deep IM, often by Z-track. Watch for stiffness, tremor, restlessness and abnormal mouth or tongue movements, and report high fever with rigid muscles at once. Antipsychotics carry a boxed warning for higher death rates in older adults with dementia.
At a glance
| Drug class | first-generation (typical) antipsychotic, phenothiazine |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Prolixin |
| Spanish | flufenazina |
| Also written | Prolixin Decanoate, fluphenazine decanoate |
Related terms
antipsychotic
A drug used to treat psychosis, such as hallucinations and delusions, in conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
tardive dyskinesia
A movement disorder with repeated movements a person cannot control, most often of the face, lips and tongue.