ZIPRASIDONE HYDROCHLORIDE
(zip-ra-si'done)
Geodon
Classifications: central nervous system (cns) agent; psychotherapeutic agent; antipsychotic; atypical
Prototype: Clozapine
Pregnancy Category: C

Availability

20 mg, 40 mg, 60 mg, 80 mg capsules; 20 mg/mL injection

Actions

Unrelated to phenothiazine or butrophenone antipsychotic agents. Exhibits high in vitro binding affinity for the following receptors: dopamine D2 and D3, serotonin 5HT2A, 5HT2C, 5HT1A, 5HT1D, and the alpha-1-adrenergic receptors, and moderate affinity for the histamine H1 receptor. Antagonist at the D2, 5HT2A and 5HT1D receptors, and an agonist at the 5HT1A receptor. Additionally, inhibits synaptic reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine. Antagonism at other receptors may explain some of the other therapeutic and adverse effects (e.g., orthostatic hypotension).

Therapeutic Effects

Mechanism of action is unknown; probably related to inhibition of synaptic reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine through antagonism of dopamine type 2 (D2) and serotonin type 2 (5HT2) antagonism.

Uses

Treatment of schizophrenia, acute bipolar mania.

Unlabeled Uses

Tourette's syndrome.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to ziprasidone; history of QT prolongation including congenital long QT syndrome or with other drugs known to prolong the QT interval; AV block, bundle branch block, cardiac arrhythmias, congenital heart disease, recent MI or uncompensated heart failure; bradycardia, hypokalemia or hypomagnesemia; intravenous administration; neuroleptic malignant syndrome and tardive dyskinesia; dehydration or hypovolemia; UV exposure and tanning beds; pregnancy (category C), lactation. Safety and efficacy in children are not established.

Cautious Use

History of seizures, CVA, dementia, Parkinson's disease, or Alzheimer disease; known cardiovascular disease, conduction abnormalities, treatment with antihypertensive drugs; cerebrovascular disease; hepatic impairment; seizure disorder, seizures; breast cancer; risk factors for elevated core body temperature; esophageal motility disorders and risk of aspiration pneumonia; suicide potential; children >7 y for use in Tourette's syndrome only.

Route & Dosage

Schizophrenia
Adult: PO Start with 20 mg b.i.d. with food, may increase q2d up to 80 mg b.i.d. if needed IM 10 mg q2h or 20 mg q4h up to max of 40 mg/d

Acute Mania
Adult: PO Start with 40 mg b.i.d. with food; may increase q2d up to 80 mg b.i.d. if needed

Administration

Note: CONTRAINDICATIONS for this drug. Do NOT administer to anyone with a history of cardiac arrhythmias or other cardiac disease, hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia, prolonged QT/QTc interval, or to anyone on other drugs known to prolong the QTc interval. Withhold drug and consult physician if any of the foregoing conditions are present.

Oral
Intramuscular

Adverse Effects (1%)

Body as a Whole: Asthenia, myalgia, weight gain, flu-like syndrome, face edema, chills, hypothermia. CNS: Somnolence, akathisia, dizziness, extrapyramidal effects, dystonia, hypertonia, agitation, tremor, dyskinesias, hostility, paresthesia, confusion, vertigo, hypokinesia, hyperkinesias, abnormal gait, oculogyric crisis, hypesthesia, ataxia, amnesia, cogwheel rigidity, delirium, hypotonia, akinesia, dysarthria, withdrawal syndrome, buccoglossal syndrome, choreoathetosis, diplopia, incoordination, neuropathy. CV: Tachycardia, postural hypotension, prolonged QTc interval, hypertension. GI: Nausea, constipation, dyspepsia, diarrhea, dry mouth, anorexia, abdominal pain, vomiting. Metabolic: Hyperglycemia, diabetes mellitus. Respiratory: Rhinitis, increased cough, dyspnea. Skin: Rash, fungal dermatitis, photosensitivity. Special Senses: Abnormal vision.

Interactions

Drug: Carbamazepine may decrease ziprasidone levels; ketoconazole may increase ziprasidone levels; may enhance hypotensive effects of antihypertensive agents; may antagonize effects of levodopa; increased risk of arrhythmias and heart block due to prolonged QTc interval with antiarrhythmic agents, amoxapine, arsenic trioxide, chlorpromazine, clarithromycin, daunorubicin, diltiazem, dolasetron, doxorubicin, droperidol, erythromycin, halofantrine, indapamide, levomethadyl, local anesthetics, maprotiline, mefloquine, mesoridazine, octreotide, pentamidine, pimozide, probucol, gatifloxacin, grepafloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, sparfloxacin, tricyclic antidepressants, tacrolimus, thioridazine, troleandomycin; additive CNS depression with sedative-hypnotics, anxiolytics, ethanol, opiate agonists.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Well absorbed with 60% reaching systemic circulation. Peak: 6–8 h. Metabolism: Extensively metabolized in the liver. Elimination: 20% of metabolites excreted in urine, 66% of metabolites excreted in bile. Half-Life: 7 h.

Nursing Implications

Assessment & Drug Effects

Patient & Family Education


Common adverse effects in italic, life-threatening effects underlined; generic names in bold; classifications in SMALL CAPS; Canadian drug name; Prototype drug