Name of the Procedure:

Perphenazine, 4 mg, oral, FDA approved prescription anti-emetic (HCPCS Code Q0175)

Summary

Perphenazine is a prescribed oral medication used to prevent nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy. It serves as an alternative to IV anti-emetic treatment, effective for up to 48 hours per dosage regimen.

Purpose

Perphenazine addresses chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, aiming to improve patient comfort and treatment adherence by preventing these side effects.

Indications

• Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
• Patients who prefer oral medication over IV
• Those who do not respond well to or have contraindications for IV anti-emetics

Preparation

• No special preparation required for taking Perphenazine orally.
• Prior consultation with a healthcare provider to adjust other medications, if necessary.

Procedure Description

1. The patient takes Perphenazine orally as per the prescribed dosage regimen.
2. Typical dosage is 4 mg, not exceeding a cumulative 48-hour dosage limit.
3. Swallow the tablet with water.

Tools and Equipment:

• Perphenazine tablets

Duration

The medication is taken over a period not exceeding 48 hours as prescribed.

Setting

Anywhere comfortable for the patient including home, clinic, or outpatient center after receiving prescription guidance.

Personnel

Primarily managed by a prescribing physician and possibly a pharmacist for dispensing the medication.

Risks and Complications

Common Risks:

• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Blurred vision
• Constipation

Rare Risks:

• Severe allergic reactions
• Movement disorders
• Prolonged QT interval which may lead to irregular heartbeats

Management:

• Monitoring by healthcare provider
• Adjusting dosage or switching medications if severe side effects occur

Benefits

• Effective control of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
• Improved patient comfort
• Enhanced adherence to chemotherapy regimen

Recovery

• Follow prescribed dosage instructions carefully
• Report any side effects to the healthcare provider
• No significant recovery time needed; patients can typically continue their daily activities

Alternatives

• IV anti-emetics (e.g., Ondansetron)
• Other oral anti-emetics (e.g., Metoclopramide, Prochlorperazine)

Pros and Cons:

• IV alternatives may offer faster relief but require medical setting for administration.
• Different medications have varying side effect profiles; some might be better suited for individual patient needs.

Patient Experience

During Procedure:

• Expected to swallow the tablet with water.

After Procedure:

• May feel drowsy or experience mild side effects
• Overall comfort due to reduced nausea and vomiting

Pain Management and Comfort Measures:

• Immediate reporting of severe side effects
• Adjusting lifestyle or activities to manage drowsiness or other side effects