Perphenazine decanoate in sesame oil vs. perphenazine enanthate in sesame oil: a comparative study of pharmacokinetic properties and some clinical implications.

Ten schizophrenic inpatients were each treated with perphenazine enanthate (PE) and perphenazine decanoate (PD). Following a cross-over study design it was possible to evaluate differences in plasma profiles between the two preparations, and to relate these to encountered side effects. All patients had previously been receiving neuroleptic treatment and had been diagnosed according to DSM-III. The dosage and intervals between injections were on an individual basis. The results indicate that at all dosage levels, the decanoate preparation showed significantly lower peak plasma concentrations of perphenazine. Extrapyramidal side effects and sedation were also less pronounced after the administration of PD. The more even and flat plasma concentrations obtained with PD, may facilitate plasma monitored therapy by using minimum concentration values.