The Basics
What is Perphenazine?
Used to treat the symptoms of schizophrenia.
Brand names for Perphenazine
Perphenazine Tablets
How Perphenazine is classified
Antipsychotic Agents, Phenothiazines
Perphenazine During Pregnancy
Perphenazine pregnancy category
Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Perphenazine while pregnant
Safe use of perphenazine (perphenazine) during pregnancy and lactation has not been established; therefore, in administering the drug to pregnant patients, nursing mothers, or women who may become pregnant, the possible benefits must be weighed against the possible hazards to mother and child.
Taking Perphenazine While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Perphenazine?
Limited information indicates that maternal doses of perphenazine up to 24 mg daily produce low levels in milk. Very limited long-term follow-up data indicate no adverse developmental effects when other phenothiazines are used alone. Monitor the infant for excessive drowsiness during breastfeeding and for developmental milestones, especially if other antipsychotics are used concurrently.
Maternal / infant drug levels
Limited information indicates that maternal doses of perphenazine up to 24 mg daily produce low levels in milk. Very limited long-term follow-up data indicate no adverse developmental effects when other phenothiazines are used alone. Monitor the infant for excessive drowsiness during breastfeeding and for developmental milestones, especially if other antipsychotics are used concurrently.
Possible effects of Perphenazine on milk supply
Galactorrhea has been reported with perphenazine.[2][3] Hyperprolactinemia appears to be the cause of the galactorrhea.[4][5][6] The hyperprolactinemia is caused by the drug’s dopamine-blocking action in the tuberoinfundibular pathway.[7] The prolactin level in a mother with established lactation may not affect her ability to breastfeed.
Possible alternatives to Perphenazine
Haloperidol, Olanzapine.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Olesen OV, Bartels U, Poulsen JH. Perphenazine in breast milk and serum. Am J Psychiatry. 1990;147:1378-9. PMID: 2400007
2. Basler RSW, Lynch PJ. Black galactorrhea as a consequence of minocycline and phenothiazine therapy. Arch Dermatol. 1985;121:417-8. PMID: 4038862
3. Hooper JH Jr, Welch VC, Shackelford RT. Abnormal lactation associated with tranquilizing drug therapy. JAMA. 1961;178:506-7. PMID: 14448766
4. Turkington RW. Prolactin secretion in patients treated with various drugs: phenothiazines, tricyclic antidepressants, reserpine, and methyldopa. Arch Intern Med. 1972;130:349-54. PMID: 4560178
5. Turkington RW. Serum prolactin levels in patients with gynecomastia. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1972;34:62-6. PMID: 5061776
6. Meltzer HY, Fang VS. The effect of neuroleptics on serum prolactin in schizophrenic patients. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1976;33:279-86. PMID: 1259521
7. Maguire GA. Prolactin elevation with antipsychotic medications: mechanisms of action and clinical consequences. J Clin Psychiatry. 2002;63(suppl 4):56-62. PMID: 11913677
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
