Ziprasidone medication belong to Atypical Antipsychotic/Benzisoxazole class. Ziprasidone antipsychotic activity, apparently because of dopamine and serotonin receptor antagonism.



How to Take Ziprasidone

Take Ziprasidone exactly as prescribed by health care provider. Ziprasidone is generally available in market in the form Blisters of powder for oral inhalation 5 mg. After dilution, the solution is physically and chemically stable for 24 hr at room temperature and 48 hr if refrigerated. As an additional precaution, administer the diluted solution within 8 hr if stored at room temperature or 24 hr if refrigerated to minimize the potential administration of a microbially contaminated solution. Store undiluted vials at room temperature and protect from light. Do not administer with probenecid, acetaminophen, aspirin, or indomethacin (may inhibit metabolism or decrease clearance of Ziprasidone; serum concentrations may increase to potentially toxic levels).

Dosage Instructions for Ziprasidone Drug

Treatment of schizophrenia; treatment of acute manic or mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder; treatment of acute agitation in schizophrenic patients (injection only). Drugs known to prolong the QT interval (eg, quinidine, pimozide, sotalol); patients with a history of QT prolongation; recent acute MI; uncompensated heart failure; known hypersensitivity to the product.

Interactions of Ziprasidone with other drugs

Alcohol, CNS-acting drugs: May cause additive CNS effects.

Amiodarone, dofetilide, dolasetron, droperidol, levomethadyl, mefloquine, moxifloxacin, pentamidine, pimozide, quinidine, sotalol, sparfloxacin, tacrolimus, thioridazine, any other drug known to prolong the QT interval: Contraindicated because of increased risk of torsades de pointes or other malignant ventricular arrhythmias.

Antihypertensive agents: Hypotensive effects may be enhanced.

Carbamazepine: May reduce ziprasidone levels, decreasing the effectiveness.

Dopamine agonists, levodopa: Effects may be antagonized.

Ketoconazole, other inhibitors of cytochrome P450 3A4 metabolism: May elevate ziprasidone levels, increasing the risk of toxicity.

What are the Side Effects of Ziprasidone -

Like other medicines, Ziprasidone can cause side effects. Some of the more common side effects of Ziprasidone include

* Tachycardia (2%); postural hypotension (1%); hypertension (at least 1%); hypertension, bradycardia, vasodilation (IM).

* Abnormal vision (6%); rhinitis (4%); oculogyric crisis, diplopia (at least 1%).

* Nausea (10%); constipation (9%); dyspepsia (8%); diarrhea, dry mouth (5%); tongue edema (3%); anorexia (2%); vomiting (at least 1%); increased salivation (dose related); tooth disorder (IM).

* Asthenia (6%); accidental injury (4%); myalgia (2%); abdominal pain, flu-like syndrome, fever, accidental fall, face edema, chills, photosensitivity reaction, flank pain, hypothermia, motor vehicle accident (at least 1%); arthralgia (dose related); injection site pain, back pain (IM).

Warnings and precautions before taking Ziprasidone :

* Identify food sources of zinc (eg, seafood, organ meats, wheat germ).

* Instruct patient to not stop taking ziprasidone when feeling better.

* Tell patient t before taking Ziprasidone to immediately report dizziness, palpitations, fainting, high fever, muscle rigidity, altered mental status, irregular pulse, sweating, seizures, or rash to health care provider.

* Advise patient to notify health care provider of the following: excessive drowsiness, weight gain, involuntary body or facial movements, rapid pulse, change in personality or mood.

* Advise patient t before taking Ziprasidone to avoid strenuous activity during periods of high temperature or humidity.

* Instruct patient to avoid alcoholic beverages and sedatives (eg, diazepam) while taking ziprasidone.

* Instruct patient t before taking Ziprasidone to get up slowly from lying or sitting position and to avoid sudden position changes to prevent postural hypotension. Advise patient to report dizziness with position changes to health care provider. Caution patient that hot tubs and hot showers or baths may make dizziness worse.

* Advise patient taking antihypertensives to monitor BP at regular intervals.

* Advise patient that drug may impair judgment, thinking, or motor skills or cause drowsiness and to use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring mental alertness until tolerance is determined.

* Advise woment before taking Ziprasidone to notify health care provider if pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

* Instruct patient t before taking Ziprasidone not to take any prescription or OTC medications, herbal preparations, or dietary supplements unless advised by health care provider.

* Advise patient that follow-up visits will be required to monitor therapy and to keep appointments.

* Caution patient before taking Ziprasidone to inform the health care provider if pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

What if Overdose of Ziprasidone ?

If you think you or anyone else taken overdose of Ziprasidone , immediately telephone your doctor or contact your local or regional Poisons Information Centre Seek medical attention immediately. You may need urgent medical attention. Sedation, slurred speech, transient hypertension are may be the overdose symptoms of Ziprasidone .

What if Missed Dose of Ziprasidone ?

If you miss a dose of Ziprasidone medicine and you remember within an hour or so, take the dose immediately. If you do not remember until later, skip the dose you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage Conditions for Ziprasidone :

Store Ziprasidonecapsules at controlled room temperature (59? to 86'F). Store Ziprasidone powder for injection at controlled room temperature (59? to 86'F). Protect from light. Following reconstitution, the injection can be stored for up to 24 hr at controlled room temperature or up to 7 days if refrigerated (36? to 46'F).