Mesoridazine (By Mouth)

Mesoridazine (mez-oh-RID-a-zeen)

Treats schizophrenia.

Brand Name(s):

Serentil
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not use this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to mesoridazine or to similar medicines such as Mellaril®, Prolixin®, Stelazine®, Thorazine®, or Trilafon®.

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet, Liquid

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to take and how often. Do not take more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• You may take this medicine with food if it upsets your stomach.
• Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon or medicine cup. You may mix the oral liquid with one-half glass of water, orange juice, or grape juice. Drink the mixture right away.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose.
• Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. You may store the oral liquid in the refrigerator, but do not freeze.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using astemizole (Hismanal®), cisapride (Propulsid®), fluoxetine (Prozac®), moxifloxacin (Avalox®), paroxetine (Paxil®), probucol (Lorelco®), sparfloxacin (Zagam®), terfenadine (Seldane®), or zolmitriptan (Zolmig®).
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using any medicines that make you sleepy (such as sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, narcotic pain killers, or sedatives).
• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have heart disease, low potassium levels in your blood (hypokalemia), or a history of breast cancer.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.
• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly without asking your doctor. You may need to slowly decrease your dose before stopping it completely.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
• Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting
• Fever, sweating, confusion, irregular heartbeat, muscle stiffness
• Pounding heartbeat
• Prolonged or painful erection of the penis without arousal
• Slow or irregular heartbeat
• Tremors or shaking
• Uncontrollable muscle movements or twitching
• Unusual bleeding or bruising

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Blurred vision
• Breast enlargement or nipple discharge
• Changes in your menstrual periods
• Dry mouth
• Mild skin rash
• Nausea, vomiting
• Problems having sex

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.