Pronunciation: seh-REN-till
Generic name(s): mesoridazine besylate
Drug Class: phenothiazine/ antipsychotic
Indications: It's most commonly used to treat
schizophrenia; however, it may also be used to treat personality disorders, hyperactivity (particularly
in the mentally retarded, alcoholism, anxiety
How supplied: 10-mg, 25-mg, 50-mg, and 100-mg
tablets; 25 mg/mL liquid; 25 mg/mL ampuls for intramuscular injection
Dosage for adults: 50-400 mg for schizophrenia;
usually less for other conditions
Dosage for children: Not established.
Contraindications: Serentil should not be used in
patients who are taking central nervous system
depressants such as alcohol,
benzodiazepines, barbiturates, etc.
Precautions: May cause a drop in blood
pressure. It may also lower the seizure threshold, increasing the risk
of seizure; therefore, patients with seizure disorders may need a higher
dose of their antiepileptic drugs. Like all
phenothiazines, Serentil raises prolactin levels, which may be
associated with a higher risk for breast cancer.
Interactions: Serentil may have a synergistic
effect with other central nervous system depressants. It may also interact with atropine and phosphorous insecticides.
Common Side-Effects: drowsiness, hypotension,
dry mouth, impotence, itching, tardive dyskinesia,
neuroleptic malignant syndrome
Warnings: Pregnant women should avoid Serentil if at
all possible, as its effects on the fetus are unknown. Long-term use of
all phenothiazines, including Serentil, can cause tardive dyskinesia,
which is a potentially irreversible syndrome involving constant
involuntary movements. This syndrome sometimes--but not always--goes away
when the drug is removed. Therefore, Compazine should be used with extreme
caution and at the lowest possible dose for periods longer than a few
months. Compazine can also cause neuroleptic malignant syndrome, which
involves high fever, muscle rigidity, and irregular pulse or heartbeat.
Date of most recent update: 1/31/03
This writeup is intended only to provide information, not to recommend
the prescription or use of this medication.
Sources: A Primer of Drug Action, Robert Julien
Physicians Desk Reference