Norfluphenazine

Norfluphenazine is a chemical compound in the phenothiazine class of antipsychotics. It is a nor-derivative of fluphenazine, described in pharmacokinetic literature as N-desmethylfluphenazine, and has been identified as a metabolic product of fluphenazine in some studies.

Pharmacology: As a phenothiazine, norfluphenazine is presumed to act as a dopamine D2 receptor antagonist in the central nervous system, contributing to antipsychotic effects. It may have activity at other receptors as well, but specific binding data are limited and vary by study. It is not widely used as a standalone therapeutic agent.

Clinical use and availability: Norfluphenazine is not established as an independent prescription drug in standard clinical practice. It is primarily discussed in the context of fluphenazine metabolism and pharmacokinetic analyses rather than as a separate treatment option.

Pharmacokinetics and metabolism: The compound is described as a product of hepatic N-demethylation of fluphenazine. It is expected to be eliminated through pathways common to phenothiazines, with excretion via renal and biliary routes and metabolism influenced by liver enzymes.

Safety: The safety profile aligns with that of typical phenothiazines, including risks of extrapyramidal symptoms, sedation, hypotension, and anticholinergic effects. Long-term use carries a risk of tardive dyskinesia. Specific clinical significance of norfluphenazine is limited and not widely delineated in therapeutic guidelines.

See also: Fluphenazine; Phenothiazines.