What is the typical dosing interval for fluphenazine decanoate (Prolixin) to promote adherence?

• A. Every 1-2 days
• B. Every 7-28 days
• C. Every 6 months
• D. Once daily

Answer: (B)

Long-acting depot antipsychotics like fluphenazine decanoate are used to improve adherence by providing sustained drug levels with infrequent injections. After the injection, the medication is released over days to weeks, so the dosing interval is kept within a span of about one to four weeks. This approach maintains steady receptor occupancy to prevent symptom relapse while allowing clinicians to monitor response and side effects between doses. Therefore, a schedule that falls between seven and twenty-eight days best supports ongoing symptom control and adherence. In contrast, very frequent injections would undermine the goal of less frequent dosing, while a schedule as infrequent as six months risks subtherapeutic levels and relapse.