Definition

The hydrochloride salt of trifluoperazine, a phenothiazine derivative and a dopamine, alpha-adrenergic, and anticholinergic antagonist with antipsychotic, anxiolytic, and antiemetic activities. Trifluoperazine blocks central dopamine receptors, which may prevent or mitigate delusions and hallucinations caused by an excess of dopamine; dopamine blockade in the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) may result in an antiemetic effect. This agent binds to central adrenergic receptors, which may result in anxiolytic effects.Trifluoperazine also functions as a calmodulin inhibitor, elevating cytosolic calcium.