Twenty nine chronic schizophrenics maintained on trifluperazinc treatment were included in the trial trifluperazinc was discontinued till relapse occured. Standard injectable trifluperazinc was reinstituted for 10 days. This was replaced by weekly dose of 20-40 mg penfluridol orally for a period of d months. Assessment was done monthly and side effects were monitored. At the end of 6 months, 28 patients not only maintained but improved in the psychiatric status. The trial has confirmed that penfluridol is a safe and effective drug which would be suitable for maintenance therapy in schizophrenic patients.