Periciazine

Overview

Low-potency phenothiazine. Heavily sedating. Primarily used for acute behavioral disturbances and severe insomnia in psychiatric settings rather than as a primary antipsychotic.

Maximum Dose

Max 75 mg/day (Usually given as 2.5 - 10 mg PRN).

Clinical Focus

High risk of orthostatic hypotension and anticholinergic delirium in the elderly. Often prescribed inappropriately as a 'sleeping pill'.

Bottom Line

Periciazine is a low-potency phenothiazine antipsychotic used for behavioural disturbance, but causes significant sedation and anticholinergic effects with limited antipsychotic efficacy.

Brand Names

Neulactil

Oral Routes

Tablets (2.5 mg, 10 mg). Oral liquid drops (10 mg/mL).

Prescribing & PBS

Unrestricted General Benefit (S4).

Primary

Schizophrenia, acute severe behavioral disturbances, severe impulsivity/aggression.

Clinical Place

A common oral 'rescue' or PRN medication on psychiatric wards to settle agitated patients without needing injections.