Ziprasidone Drug Information

Breast-feeding—It is not known if ziprasidone passes into the breast milk. However, ziprasidone is not recommended during breast-feeding, because it may cause unwanted effects in nursing babies.

Children—Studies on this medicine have been conducted in adult patients only, and there is no specific data on comparing the use of ziprasidone in children with the use in other age groups.

Older adults—There are many medicines that have not been studied specifically in older people. Consequently, it may not be known if they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause other side effects or problems in elderly people. There is no specific information comparing use of ziprasidone in the elderly with use in other age groups. This medicine should not be used for behavioral problems in older adults with dementia.

Other medicines—Although some medicines should not be used together at all, there are cases when 2 different medicines maybe used together even if an interaction might occur. In such cases, your doctor may advise you to change the dose, or other precautions may be required. When you are taking ziprasidone, it is especially important that your doctor and pharmacist know if you are taking any of the following:

• Arsenic trioxide (e.g., Trisenox) or
• Chlorpromazine (e.g., Thorazine) or
• Class Ia and III anti-arrhythmics or
• Dofetilide (e.g., Tikosyn) or
• Dolasetron mesylate (e.g., Anzemet) or
• Droperidol (e.g., Inapsine) or
• Gatifloxacin (e.g., Tequin) or
• Halofantrine (e.g., Halfan) or
• Levomethadyl acetate (e.g., Orlaam) or
• Mefloquine (e.g., Lariam) or
• Mesoridazine (e.g., Serentil) or
• Moxifloxacin (e.g., Avelox) or
• Pentamidine (e.g., Nebupent, Pentam 300) or
• Pimozide (e.g., Orap) or
• Probucol (e.g., Lorelco) or
• Quinidine (e.g., Quinidex, Quiniglute) or
• Sotalol (e.g., Betapace) or
• Sparfloxacin (e.g., Zagam) or
• Tacrolimus (e.g., Prograf) or
• Thioridazine (e.g., Mellaril)—May cause serious problems with your heart.

Other medical problems—The existence of other medical problems may influence the use of /ziprasidone. You should tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, in particular::

• Heart attack (recent) or
• Heart disease or
• Irregular heartbeat or
• Heart failure—Ziprasidone may make these conditions worse

• High level of sugar in the blood or
• Diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes)—Ziprasidone may make these conditions worse

• Low level of magnesium in your blood or
• Low level of potassium in your blood—This increases chance for heart problems

• Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) or
• Tardive Dyskinesia—May appear or worsen with ziprasidone therapy

• Seizures or
• Alzheimer's disease—Increased risk of seizures and aspiration pneumonia

Proper Use of This Medicine

Do not chew the capsules, swallow whole.

Dosing—The dose of ziprasidone will vary for different patients. Adhere to the orders of your doctor or the instructions on the label . The information below includes only the average doses of ziprasidone. If your dose differs, you should not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The number of capsules that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are taking ziprasidone.

• For oral dosage form (capsules):
  • For treating bipolar disorder
    • Adults— To start, 40 milligrams (mg) twice a day with food. The dose will be increased to either 60 or 80 mg on the second day. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 80 mg twice a day.
  • For treating schizophrenia:
    • Adults—To start, 20 mg twice a day with food. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 80 mg twice a day.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
• For parenteral dosage form (for injection):
  • For treating acute agitation in schizophrenic patients
    • Adults— To start, 10 to 20 mg per day. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 40 mg a day.

Missed dose—If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. You should not double doses.

Storage—To store this medicine properly, follow the instructions below:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Ask your health care professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.

Precautions While Using This Medicine

It is very important that your doctor check you at regular visits to make sure your medicine is working for you. Your doctor will check your blood to make sure your potassium is normal.

Check with doctor if fainting, dizziness, fast, racing, pounding, or irregular heartbeat, or other unusual symptoms occur

Symptoms of hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) include blurred vision; drowsiness; dry mouth; flushed, dry skin; fruit like breath odor; increased urination; ketones in urine; loss of appetite; stomach ache; nausea or vomiting; tiredness; trouble breathing; unconsciousness; or unusual thirst.

This medicine may cause some people to become drowsy, dizzy, or less alert than they are normally. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or are not alert. Avoid use of alcohol .

Avoid activities involving high temperature or humidity. This medicine may reduce your body's ability to adjust to the heat.

Side Effects of This Medicine

Alongside with its expected effects, any medicine may be the cause of some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may happen, if they do happen they may require medical attention.

Other side effects not mentioned above may also happen in some patients. If you notice any other effects, tell your doctor about it.