Chemical Name:        Serentil

Brand Name:              Mesoridazine besylate

Manufacturer:            Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

Description:   A phenothiazine tranquilizer, which acts indirectly on the reticular formation and is neurochemically thought to exert its effect by a central adrenergic blocking action.

Indications and Use:  For the treatment of schizophrenia, for the management of hyperactivity and uncooperativeness associated with mental deficiency and chronic brain syndrome, acute and chronic alcoholism and psychoneurotic manifestations.

Contraindications, Warnings and Precautions:  Contraindicated in patients with comatose states or severe central nervous system depression.  The potentially fatal symptom complex of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) has been reported in association with this class of drugs.  Signs of NMS include muscle rigidity, altered mental status, high fever, increased blood pressure, increased heart rate and cardiac dysrhythmia.  Tardive Dyskinisia (TD) is a potentially irreversible, involuntary movement that may develop.  The highest prevalence of TD is in the elderly, particularly women.  The safety of the drug in pregnancy has not been established.  Leukopenia and/or agranulocytosis have been attributed to phenothiazine therapy.  Convulsive seizures have been reported.

Adverse Reactions:  Possible common side effects may include extrapyramidal reactions, hypotension, ocular changes, blurred vision, dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, and mild photosensitivity. Other side effects may include tremor, rigidity, weakness, dizziness, EEG changes, tachycardia, nausea, vomiting, menstrual irregularities, gynecomastia, abnormal liver function test results and nasal congestion.

Dosing Range:  Adjusted according to the needs of the person.  For schizophrenia, a typical starting dose may be 50mg three times daily.  The usual optimum daily dose in schizophrenia is 100 to 400mg.

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© 2000 Red Oak Psychiatry Associates, P.A.    Updated 11/26/2007