Perphenazine
Perphenazine is a typical antipsychotic medication belonging to the phenothiazine class. It works by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain and is used to treat certain mental/mood disorders. It may also be used for severe nausea and vomiting.
Perphenazine is an antipsychotic used to manage psychotic disorders and severe nausea by blocking dopamine activity in the brain.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N05AB03
- RxNorm
- 8076
- Generic
- Perphenazine
- Class
- atc-n05
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet, solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 4mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 2mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 2mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
7 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits significantly outweigh risks to the fetus
regular fetal monitoring and ultrasound assessments
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesterreduce dose if possible, taper before delivery
use lowest effective dose, consider discontinuation before delivery to prevent neonatal extrapyramidal symptoms
monitor neonates for withdrawal symptoms and extrapyramidal signs after birth
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
nursing mothersdiscontinue breastfeeding
perphenazine passes into breast milk; breastfeeding is not recommended
if breastfeeding continues, monitor infant for sedation and developmental changes
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlystart at 25% of adult dose
use lowest effective dose, increase slowly; increased susceptibility to extrapyramidal symptoms and sedation
regular monitoring of motor function, blood pressure, and cognitive status
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children 12 to 17weight-based dosing, start low
use only for severe psychiatric conditions; not recommended for behavioral problems in children
monitor growth, weight, and motor development
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
moderate to severereduce dose by 25-50%
use with caution; perphenazine metabolites may accumulate
monitor renal function and adjust dose accordingly; watch for sedation and extrapyramidal symptoms
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
moderate to severereduce dose by 25-50%
use with caution; perphenazine is metabolized in liver
regular liver function tests; monitor for sedation and hypotension
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Perphenazine belongs to the phenothiazine class of typical antipsychotics
Introduced
First approved for clinical use in the 1950s
Common uses
Primary therapeutic applications in psychiatry and antiemetic therapy
Mechanism of action
Primary pharmacodynamic action blocks dopamine receptors in the brain
Perphenazine is used to treat schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. It may also be prescribed for severe nausea and vomiting, and sometimes for anxiety that hasn't responded to other treatments.
Perphenazine works by blocking dopamine D2 receptors in the brain, which helps reduce dopamine activity associated with psychotic symptoms. It also has anticholinergic and antihistamine effects.
May cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. Avoid alcohol. May increase sensitivity to sunlight. Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis have an increased risk of death. May cause movement disorders (extrapyramidal symptoms). Should not be stopped suddenly without medical supervision.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 24, 2026. · Read our editorial policy