by Dr. Manura Nanayakkara

Created on: July 16, 2010   Last Updated: July 18, 2010

Modecate is an injection prepared for intramuscular use in the schizophrenic patients. Its generic name is Fluphenazine deconate. This preparation is especially useful when the patient is not taking oral drugs (poor compliance). One injection has enough drugs for 14 – 35 days.

What is Modecate?

Schizophrenia is a chronic psychiatric disorder, because of that, patients need to take the drugs for a longer duration. Some patients do not take the drugs due to the illness or various other matters. This results in frequent hospital admissions and poor day to day functioning. Modecate is designed for these patients. Once administered, this preparation slowly releases the anti psychotic into the blood stream, resulting in a steady concentration in the blood, without a need of oral drugs.

How it acts?

Modecate blocks dopamine neurotransmitter in certain brain areas. This causes the reduction of psychotic symptoms and induction of side effects.

What are the things doctor will consider before giving Modecate?

If the patient is having Parkinson’s disease, liver problems, kidney problems, cardiovascular diseases, epilepsy, pheochromocytoma, enlarged prostate gland, clinical depression, myasthenia gravis or increased eye pressure, he/she or caretaker must discuss with the doctor before starting Modecate. If the patient is pregnant or breast feeding, then the doctor should know that as well.

What are the common side effects?

Irritation and redness of the injection site is a common side effect. Drowsiness is also common. So the patient should not drive or operate machinery, while on Modecate. Effects of alcohol is enhanced, so patients should not take alcoholic beverages while on Modecate as well.

Most troublesome side effects are the muscle movements without the patient’s knowledge (extra pyramidal symptoms). If a patient develops abnormal movements especially in face, tongue or body, then the doctor’s advice should be sought. Some patients can have features of Parkinson’s disease such as tremors and slowness of the movements. Several patients may have a difficulty in keeping the legs in one place (Akathesia), due to the drug.

Other troublesome side effects are dry mouth, constipation, difficulty in urination and blurred vision. They are called anti - muscarinic side effects.

Some patients can get confused with this medication, especially elderly patients. Decreased blood pressure is another side effect that can cause faintishness.

Some women may get menstrual disturbances and abnormal increase in breast size and abnormal secretion of milk from the breasts. Some men may complain impotence with this medication. Potency of the oral contraceptive pill may reduce with this medication. So women getting this injection must seek other forms of contraception.

Sources

BNF

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