Aripiprazole tablets
Class: Atypical (second-generation) antipsychotic
Manufacturer: Intas Pharmaceuticals
Dosage Form: Tablet
Similar Brands:
Uses:
Treatment of mental/mood disorders in adults and certain children/adolescents, including:
- Schizophrenia (adults and ≥13 years; reduces hallucinations, delusions, disorganized thinking).
- Bipolar I disorder (manic/mixed episodes; maintenance to prevent relapse).
- Major depressive disorder (as adjunctive/add-on therapy with antidepressants when response is inadequate).
- Irritability associated with autistic disorder (in children/adolescents 6–17 years; e.g., aggression, self-injury).
- Tourette’s disorder (tics in children/adolescents 6–18 years).
Not for dementia-related psychosis in elderly (increased death risk). Helps improve thoughts, mood, behavior; not curative—ongoing treatment often needed.
Dosage:
Take once daily (same time each day); doctor adjusts based on response, age, condition, and tolerability (start low/slow titration to minimize side effects like akathisia).
Schizophrenia (adults): Starting 10–15 mg/day; maintenance 10–30 mg/day (max 30 mg).
Bipolar mania (adults): Starting 15 mg/day (or 10–15 mg with mood stabilizer); up to 30 mg/day.
Depression adjunct (adults): Starting 2–5 mg/day; target 5–15 mg/day.
Autism irritability (6–17 years): Starting 2 mg/day; target 5–15 mg/day (weight-based).
Tourette’s (6–18 years): Starting 2 mg/day; target 5–10 mg/day (weight-based).
Elderly/liver impairment: Lower starting dose (e.g., 10 mg); renal impairment—no major adjustment but monitor. Continue as prescribed; do not stop abruptly (risk of withdrawal symptoms/relapse).
Schizophrenia (adults): Starting 10–15 mg/day; maintenance 10–30 mg/day (max 30 mg).
Bipolar mania (adults): Starting 15 mg/day (or 10–15 mg with mood stabilizer); up to 30 mg/day.
Depression adjunct (adults): Starting 2–5 mg/day; target 5–15 mg/day.
Autism irritability (6–17 years): Starting 2 mg/day; target 5–15 mg/day (weight-based).
Tourette’s (6–18 years): Starting 2 mg/day; target 5–10 mg/day (weight-based).
Elderly/liver impairment: Lower starting dose (e.g., 10 mg); renal impairment—no major adjustment but monitor. Continue as prescribed; do not stop abruptly (risk of withdrawal symptoms/relapse).
Side Effects:
Common (>1–10%): Akathisia (restlessness), headache, nausea/vomiting, insomnia/somnolence, anxiety, dizziness, constipation, weight gain (less than some atypicals), fatigue, blurred vision, tremor.
Less common: Extrapyramidal symptoms (e.g., parkinsonism), increased saliva, dry mouth, orthostatic hypotension.
Serious (rare, seek immediate care): Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (fever, rigidity, confusion), tardive dyskinesia (involuntary movements), metabolic changes (high blood sugar/diabetes, high cholesterol, weight gain), seizures, low white blood cells (infection risk), suicidal thoughts/behavior (especially young adults), severe allergic reactions (rash, swelling, breathing difficulty), priapism (prolonged erection).
Less common: Extrapyramidal symptoms (e.g., parkinsonism), increased saliva, dry mouth, orthostatic hypotension.
Serious (rare, seek immediate care): Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (fever, rigidity, confusion), tardive dyskinesia (involuntary movements), metabolic changes (high blood sugar/diabetes, high cholesterol, weight gain), seizures, low white blood cells (infection risk), suicidal thoughts/behavior (especially young adults), severe allergic reactions (rash, swelling, breathing difficulty), priapism (prolonged erection).
Warnings & Precautions:
Increased mortality risk in elderly with dementia-related psychosis (not approved for this).
Monitor for metabolic syndrome (weight, glucose, lipids), especially early treatment.
Risk of impulse control disorders (e.g., gambling, binge eating).
Caution in cardiovascular disease (QT prolongation risk), seizure history, Parkinson’s.
Avoid abrupt discontinuation (relapse/withdrawal).
Driving/machinery: Avoid if drowsy/dizzy.
Not for children under specific ages/indications.
Monitor for metabolic syndrome (weight, glucose, lipids), especially early treatment.
Risk of impulse control disorders (e.g., gambling, binge eating).
Caution in cardiovascular disease (QT prolongation risk), seizure history, Parkinson’s.
Avoid abrupt discontinuation (relapse/withdrawal).
Driving/machinery: Avoid if drowsy/dizzy.
Not for children under specific ages/indications.
Pregnancy & Lactation:
Pregnancy: Limited data; potential risks (e.g., neonatal withdrawal/extrapyramidal symptoms)—use only if benefit outweighs risk; consult doctor (avoid first trimester if possible).
Lactation: Passes into breast milk in small amounts; generally low risk but monitor infant (sedation/irritability)—consult provider; alternatives may be preferred.
Lactation: Passes into breast milk in small amounts; generally low risk but monitor infant (sedation/irritability)—consult provider; alternatives may be preferred.
Drug Interactions:
Strong CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., carbamazepine, rifampin): Reduce aripiprazole effect—increase dose.
Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole): Increase levels—reduce dose.
CYP2D6 inhibitors (e.g., fluoxetine, paroxetine): Increase levels—reduce dose.
CNS depressants (alcohol, benzodiazepines): Enhanced sedation.
Antihypertensives: Additive hypotension
Strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole): Increase levels—reduce dose.
CYP2D6 inhibitors (e.g., fluoxetine, paroxetine): Increase levels—reduce dose.
CNS depressants (alcohol, benzodiazepines): Enhanced sedation.
Antihypertensives: Additive hypotension
Contraindications:
Known hypersensitivity to aripiprazole or components.
Not for dementia-related psychosis in elderly.
Not for dementia-related psychosis in elderly.
Price: Ksh 4,455.6/- (Aripitas 30mg Tablets 30's)
Notes:
Available as 10mg, 15mg & 30mg