TheraRadar
Data updated: May 26, 2026

TRIFLUOPERAZINE HYDROCHLORIDE

CNS Approved 1981-11-20

Trifluoperazine hydrochloride is indicated for the management of schizophrenia and the short-term treatment of generalized non-psychotic anxiety. It is not considered a first-line therapy for anxiety because it carries risks, such as persistent and potentially irreversible tardive dyskinesia, that are not associated with common alternatives like benzodiazepines. When prescribed for non-psychotic anxiety, clinical use is restricted to a maximum dosage of 6 mg per day and a duration of no more than 12 weeks. It has not been demonstrated as effective for managing behavioral complications in patients with mental retardation.

Source: FDA Label • IVAX PHARMS

How TRIFLUOPERAZINE HYDROCHLORIDE Works

Trifluoperazine is a piperazine phenothiazine derivative that acts as a potent antagonist at postsynaptic dopamine D2 receptors, primarily within the mesolimbic and mesocortical pathways of the brain. By inhibiting dopaminergic neurotransmission, it diminishes psychotic symptoms. It also exhibits alpha-adrenergic blocking effects and weak anticholinergic activity. Its exact mechanism in relieving anxiety is not fully established but is thought to be related to its central dopamine receptor antagonism.

Source: FDA Label
7
Indications
--
Phase 3 Trials
44
Years on Market

Details

Status
Discontinued
First Approved
1981-11-20
Routes
ORAL
Dosage Forms
TABLET, CONCENTRATE

TRIFLUOPERAZINE HYDROCHLORIDE Approval History

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Original
New Indication
New Form
Label Update
307 FDA actions from 1981 to 2025
Jan 2025 SUPPL
Label · Labeling
Jan 2025 SUPPL
Label · Labeling
Jan 2025 SUPPL
Label · Labeling

What TRIFLUOPERAZINE HYDROCHLORIDE Treats

2 indications

TRIFLUOPERAZINE HYDROCHLORIDE is approved for 2 conditions since its original approval in 1981. These indications span multiple therapeutic areas including oncology, immunology, and more.

  • Schizophrenia
  • Anxiety
Source: FDA Label

TRIFLUOPERAZINE HYDROCHLORIDE Boxed Warning

WARNING Increased Mortality in Elderly Patients with Dementia-Related Psychosis Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with antipsychotic drugs are at an increased risk of death. Analyses of seventeen placebo-controlled trials (modal duration of 10 weeks), largely in patients taking atypical antipsychotic drugs, revealed a risk of death in drug-treated patients of between 1.6 to 1.7 times the risk of death in placebo-treated patients. Over the course of a typical 10-week contro...

TRIFLUOPERAZINE HYDROCHLORIDE Competitive Set

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Filters applied: drops same-active-ingredient (505(b)(2) reformulations), route-mismatch (topical vs systemic), and cross-therapeutic-area matches in same-indication rings.

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Active Pipeline

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Key Completed Trials

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Trial Timeline

Full development history with FDA approval milestones

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Understanding FDA Approval Types
Count Type What it means
- ORIG Original approval - drug first enters market
- SUPPL - Efficacy New indication (new disease/condition approved)
- SUPPL - Labeling Label text changes (warnings, dosing updates)
- SUPPL - Manufacturing Production changes (new facility)
- SUPPL - Chemistry Formulation changes (new dosage strength)

Green lines in the timeline show ORIG and Efficacy approvals - the clinically meaningful milestones.

TRIFLUOPERAZINE HYDROCHLORIDE FDA Label Details

Indications & Usage

TRIFLUOPERAZINE HYDROCHLORIDE is indicated for the treatment of Schizophrenia; Anxiety.

⚠️ BOXED WARNING

WARNING Increased Mortality in Elderly Patients with Dementia-Related Psychosis Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with antipsychotic drugs are at an increased risk of death. Analyses of seventeen placebo-controlled trials (modal duration of 10 weeks), largely in patients takin...

Looking for the branded version?

TRIFLUOPERAZINE HCL

Full clinical data, patents, trials, and competitive landscape for trifluoperazine hydrochloride.

See TRIFLUOPERAZINE HCL

Data Sources

Data sourced from official FDA and NIH databases. Click links to verify on original sources.