Last reviewed 2026-04-23 · How we verify

Phase 1: Perphenazine

Perphenazine is a typical antipsychotic that blocks dopamine D2 receptors in the brain to reduce psychotic symptoms.

Perphenazine is a typical antipsychotic that blocks dopamine D2 receptors in the brain to reduce psychotic symptoms. Used for Schizophrenia, Psychotic disorders, Severe nausea and vomiting.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Perphenazine antagonizes dopamine D2 receptors in the mesolimbic and mesocortical pathways, which reduces hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking characteristic of psychotic disorders. It also has some activity at other dopamine receptors and serotonin receptors, contributing to its antipsychotic and antiemetic effects.

Approved indications

• Schizophrenia
• Psychotic disorders
• Severe nausea and vomiting

Common side effects

• Extrapyramidal symptoms (tremor, rigidity, akathisia)
• Tardive dyskinesia
• Sedation
• Orthostatic hypotension
• Prolactin elevation
• Weight gain

Key clinical trials

• Sequential Multiple-Assignment Randomized Trials to Compare Antipsychotic Treatments(SMART-CAT) (PHASE3)
• Efficacy and Safety of Fosaprepitant Dimeglumine in Preventing Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting (MK-0517-031) (PHASE3)
• Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Efficacy of Treatment vs Discontinuation in a First Episode of Non-affective Psychosis (PHASE3)
• Phase IIb-III Study of BL-1020 Small Molecule for Schizophrenia (PHASE2, PHASE3)
• A Six-week, Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-controlled, Parallel Group, Multi-center, Phase II Study (PHASE2)

Primary sources

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