Indications

Aripiprazole is indicated for- Schizophrenia Bipolar disorder Adjunctive treatment of major depressive disorder Irritability associated with autistic disorder Agitation associated with schizophrenia or bipolar mania

Composition

Pharmacology

Aripiprazole is an atypical antipsychotic and it has been proposed that the efficacy of Aripiprazole is mediated through a combination of partial agonist activity at Dopamine D2 and Serotonin 5-HT 1A receptors and antagonist activity at Serotonin 5-HT 2A receptors. This is associated with improvement of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, irritability associated with autistic disorder, and agitation associated with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.

Dosage & Administration

Schizophrenia : adults Initial Dose: 10-15 mg/day Recommended Dose: 10-15 mg/day Maximum Dose: 30 mg/day Schizophrenia : adolescents (ages 13-17 years) Initial Dose: 2 mg/day Recommended Dose: 10 mg/day Maximum Dose: 30 mg/day Bipolar mania : adults: monotherapy Initial Dose: 15 mg/day Recommended Dose: 15 mg/day Maximum Dose: 30 mg/day Bipolar mania : adults: adjunct to lithium or valproate Initial Dose: 10-15 mg/day Recommended Dose: 15 mg/day Maximum Dose: 30 mg/day Bipolar mania : pediatric patients (ages 10-17 years): monotherapy or as an adjunct to lithium or valproate Initial Dose: 2 mg/day Recommended Dose: 10 mg/day Maximum Dose: 30 mg/day As an adjunct to antidepressants for the treatment of major depressive disorder : adults Initial Dose: 2-5 mg/day Recommended Dose: 5-10 mg/day Maximum Dose: 15 mg/day Irritability associated with autistic disorder : pediatric patients (ages 6-17 years): Initial Dose: 2 mg/day Recommended Dose: 5-10 mg/day Maximum Dose: 15 mg/day

Contraindications

Known hypersensitivity to Aripiprazole.

Side Effects

Vomiting, nausea, akathisia, extrapyramidal disorder, somnolence, sedation, dizziness, insomnia, tremor, restlessness, fatigue, blurred vision, salivary hypersecretion, constipation, pyrexia, drooling, decreased appetite.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy category C. It should be avoided during pregnancy. It is recommended that women receiving Aripiprazole should not breast-feed.

Precautions & Warnings

Elderly Patients with Dementia-Related Psychosis : Increased incidence of cerebrovascular adverse events (eg, stroke, transient ischemic attack, including fatalities). Suicidality & antidepressants : Increased risk of suicidality in children, adolescents, young and adults with major depressive disorder. Tardive dyskinesia : Discontinue if clinically appropriate. Metabolic changes : Atypical antipsychotic drugs have been associated with metabolic changes that include hyperglycemia/diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and body weight gain. Orthostatic hypotension : Use with caution in patients with known cardiovascular or cerebrovascular disease. Seizures/Convulsions : Use cautiously in patients with a history of seizures. Use caution when operating machinery.

Therapeutic Class

Atypical neuroleptic drugs

Storage Conditions

Keep below 30°C temperature, away from light & moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.