Stela 1 Tablet contains Trifluoperazine Hydrochloride equivalent to Trifluoperazine 1 mg. 
It is manufactured by Delta Pharma Ltd.

Indications:

Stela is indicated for:

• Psychotic disorders, such as acute and chronic schizophrenia, including catatonic, hebephrenic, and paranoid types. It can also be used for psychosis due to organic brain damage, toxic psychosis, and the manic phase of manic-depressive illness.
• Anxiety states, to control excessive anxiety, tension, and agitation seen in neuroses or associated with somatic conditions, particularly for short-term management of severe anxiety.
• The treatment or prevention of nausea and vomiting of various causes.

Pharmacology:

Trifluoperazine is a phenothiazine antipsychotic. It works by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain, which helps to reduce symptoms of psychosis. It also has antiemetic properties by acting on the chemoreceptor trigger zone in the medulla.

Dosage and Administration:

Dosage varies depending on the condition being treated and the patient's response.

• Schizophrenia and other psychoses:
  • Adults and children over 12 years: The usual starting dose is 2-5 mg twice daily, which may be increased gradually. Maintenance doses typically range from 10-15 mg daily, although some patients may require higher doses. Elderly patients usually require lower initial doses.
  • Children (6-12 years): Starting dosage is 1 mg twice daily, which can be gradually increased up to a maximum of 15 mg daily.
• Short-term management of severe anxiety:
  • Adults and children over 12 years: 1-2 mg twice daily, increased if necessary up to 6 mg daily. Elderly patients usually require lower initial doses.
  • Children (3-5 years): Up to 1 mg daily.
  • Children (6-12 years): Up to 4 mg daily in divided doses.
• Antiemetic:
  • Adults: 2-4 mg daily in divided doses, with a maximum of 6 mg daily.
  • Children (3-5 years): Up to 1 mg daily.
  • Children (6-12 years): Up to 4 mg daily.

Side Effects:

Common side effects include:

• Transient restlessness
• Dystonias (involuntary muscle contractions)
• Symptoms resembling Parkinsonism (tremors, rigidity, slow movement)
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Seizures
• Dry mouth

Less common side effects may include peripheral edema, blood dyscrasias, jaundice, tachycardia, constipation, urinary hesitancy and retention, and hyperpyrexia (very high fever).

Precautions:

Care should be taken when treating:

• Elderly patients, who may be more susceptible to side effects, especially extrapyramidal and hypotensive effects. Lower initial doses are usually recommended.
• Patients with cardiovascular disease, including arrhythmias and angina pectoris.
• Patients with a history of seizures.
• Patients with liver or kidney impairment.
• The drug should be used with caution in patients with angle-closure glaucoma.
• Avoid alcohol consumption as it may enhance the sedative effects.
• Use caution while driving or operating machinery as Stela can cause drowsiness and dizziness.

Contraindications:

Stela is contraindicated in:

• Comatose patients.
• Patients with existing blood dyscrasias (blood disorders).
• Patients with known liver damage.
• Patients with hypersensitivity to trifluoperazine or other phenothiazines.

Drug Interactions:

Stela may interact with the following medications:

• Oral anticoagulants: May diminish their effect.
• Propranolol: Concomitant use can increase plasma levels of both drugs.
• Guanethidine and related antihypertensive compounds: Their antihypertensive effects may be counteracted.
• CNS depressants (alcohol, hypnotics, anticonvulsants): Potentiation of sedative effects may occur.

Pregnancy and Lactation:

The safety of trifluoperazine during pregnancy has not been established, and it is not recommended unless the potential benefits clearly outweigh the risks. There have been reports of prolonged jaundice and extrapyramidal signs in newborns whose mothers received phenothiazines during pregnancy.

Trifluoperazine may pass into breast milk, and it is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding while taking this medication.

Storage:

Store at room temperature (15-30°C),away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.

Important Note: This information is for general knowledge and informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for specific instructions and guidance regarding your medication. They can assess your individual medical condition and provide the most appropriate advice.