| Aripiprazole Pharmacology |
| Aripiprazole |
| About Aripiprazole |
| Second-Generation Atypical Antipsychotic, dopamine-serotonin stabilizer. |
| Mechanism of Action of Aripiprazole |
| The mechanism of action of Aripiprazole in the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder is unknown. The proposed mechanism is that Aripiprazole acts by combination of partial agonist activity at Dopamine (D2) and Serotonin (5HT1A) receptor and a potent antagonist at 5HT2A receptor. Aripiprazole also has an antagonist activity at alpha1 adrenergic receptors. |
| Pharmacokinets of Aripiprazole |
| Absorption: Aripiprazole is well absorbed after oral administration. Distribution: Aripiprazole is extensively distributed in the body in protein bound form. Metabolism: It undergoes metabolism in the liver by hepatic enzymes. Excretion: Excreted mainly in faeces and small amount in urine also |
| Onset of Action for Aripiprazole |
| N/A |
| Duration of Action for Aripiprazole |
| N/A |
| Half Life of Aripiprazole |
| N/A |
| Side Effects of Aripiprazole |
| 1.Agitation 2.Anxiety 3.Insomnia 4.Somnolence 5.Dyspepsia 6.Nausea 7.Constipation 8.Headache 9.Rash 10.Akathisia 11.Vomiting 12.Lightheadedness 13.Myalgia 14.Pharyngitis 15.Blurred vision 16.Orthostatic hypotension 17.Dry mouth |
| Contra-indications of Aripiprazole |
| 1. Hypersensitivity to Aripiprazole |
| Special Precautions while taking Aripiprazole |
| 1.Renal impairment, 2.Hepatic impairment, 3.Hypotension, 4.Myocardial infarction, 5.Ischemic heart disease, 6.Heart failure, 7.Dehydration, 8.Patient with history of seizure or condition that lower the seizure threshold 9.Aspiration pneumonia 10.Patient should be cautioned about operating hazardous machinery 11.Alcoholics, 12.Alzheimer`s disease and dementia |
| Pregnancy Related Information |
| Use with caution |
| Old Age Related Information |
| Use with caution |
| Breast Feeding Related Information |
| Use with caution |
| Children Related Information |
| contraindicated |
| Indications for Aripiprazole |
| 1.Schizophrenia 2.Bipolar disorder |
| Interactions for Aripiprazole |
| Carbamazepine: It cause an increase in Aripiprazole clearance and lower blood levels Ketoconazole, Quinidine, Fluoxetine, Paroxetine: They inhibt Aripirazole elimination and cause increased blood levels. |
| Typical Dosage for Aripiprazole |
| Adult: Schizophrenia: 10 – 15 mg once daily .If needed dose can be increased after 2 weeks. Bipolar disorder: 30 mg / day |
| Schedule of Aripiprazole |
| H |
| Storage Requirements for Aripiprazole |
| Store ithe drug at 15 – 30 degree C in a tightly closed container. Keep out of the reach of children |
| Effects of Missed Dosage of Aripiprazole |
| Take the missed dose as soon as noticed. If it is the time for next dose then skip the missed dose and continue the regular schedule. Do not double the dose. |
| Effects of Overdose of Aripiprazole |
| Give supportive measures and symptomatic treatment. Absorption of the drug can be reduced by administration of activated charcoal. |