Aripiprazole
(CNS Preparations) Atypical neuroleptic drugs
Pharmacology :
Aripiprazole is an atypical antipsychotic that has both dopamine and serotonin receptors activity. it's a partial agonist of dopamine D2 receptors that relieves the symptoms of schizophrenia. it's characterized as a dopamine system stabilizer. it's a potent partial agonist at serotonin 5-HT1A receptors and antagonist at 5-HT2A receptors. this is often related to the development of depressive, cognitive, and negative symptoms.
Indications :
- Aripiprazole is indicated for-
- Schizophrenia
- Schizoaffective disorder
- Acute manic and mixed episodes related to Bipolar I Disorder
- Maintaining efficacy in patients with Bipolar I Disorder who are stabilized
Dosage & Administration :
For Schizophrenia: 10 to fifteen mg, once daily, without reference to food. Dose increment shouldn't be made before 2 weeks, the time needed to realize steady-state.
For Bipolar mania: 30 mg, once daily, without reference to food.
Interaction :
Caution should be exercised when aripiprazole is taken together with other centrally acting drugs and alcohol. Carbamazepine could cause a rise in aripiprazole clearance and lower blood levels. Ketoconazole, quinidine, fluoxetine, or paroxetine can inhibit aripiprazole elimination and cause increased blood levels.
Contraindications :
Aripiprazole is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive thereto or to any component of this product.
Side Effects :
Headache, constipation, asthenia, nausea, dyspepsia, vomiting, coughing, abdominal pain.
Pregnancy & Lactation :
Aripiprazole shouldn't be utilized in pregnancy as no human trial is performed. Patients should be advised to not breastfeed an infant if they're taking aripiprazole.
Precautions & Warnings :
Aripiprazole could also be related to postural hypotension (orthostatic lightheadedness).
Aripiprazole should be used with caution in patients with the known disorder (myocardial infarction or an ischaemic heart condition, coronary failure or conduction abnormalities), cerebrovascular disease, or conditions that might predispose patients to hypotension (dehydration, hypovolemia, and treatment with antihypertensive medications).
Seizures occurred in aripiprazole-treated patients. like other antipsychotic drugs, aripiprazole should be used cautiously in patients with Alzheimer's dementia.
Aripiprazole isn't approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis.
Overdose Effects :
Aripiprazole at doses up to 1080 mg causes no fatalities. The signs and symptoms observed with aripiprazole overdose included nausea, vomiting, asthenia, diarrhea, and somnolence.