Aripiprazole 2 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg & 30 mg
Generic Name: Aripiprazole 2 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg & 30 mg
Therapeutic Class: Atypical Antipsychotic
Indications
Aripiprazole is indicated for:
- Schizophrenia: Treatment of acute relapse and maintenance therapy.
- Bipolar I Disorder: Manic or mixed episodes (acute treatment and maintenance).
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Adjunctive therapy to antidepressants when monotherapy is insufficient.
- Irritability associated with Autistic Disorder: In pediatric patients.
- Tourette’s Disorder: Management of tics.
Presentation
Tablet: 2 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, and 30 mg.
Solution: 1 mg/ml oral solution.
Injection: Long-acting injectable (LAI) formulations.
Solution: 1 mg/ml oral solution.
Injection: Long-acting injectable (LAI) formulations.
Description
Aripiprazole exhibits high affinity for $D_2$ and $D_3$ dopamine receptors. It acts as a **partial agonist** at $D_2$ and $5-HT_{1A}$ receptors, and as an **antagonist** at $5-HT_{2A}$ receptors. This balanced action helps in controlling both positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia while minimizing Extrapyramidal Symptoms (EPS).
Dosage & Administration
Aripiprazole can be taken with or without food.
- Schizophrenia: Starting dose 10–15 mg once daily. Maintenance dose up to 30 mg/day.
- Bipolar Mania: 15 mg once daily as monotherapy or 10–15 mg as adjunctive therapy.
- MDD (Adjunct): 2–5 mg once daily, titrated up to 15 mg if needed.
- Elderly: Start with lower doses in patients with dementia-related psychosis (though generally not recommended due to increased risk of stroke).
Side Effects
Common side effects include akathisia (restlessness), insomnia, anxiety, blurred vision, and nausea. Compared to other atypical antipsychotics, it has a lower risk of significant weight gain, dyslipidemia, and hyperprolactinemia.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy: Pregnancy Category C. Should be used only if the potential benefit justifies the risk to the fetus.
Lactation: Excreted in human milk. Breastfeeding is generally not recommended while taking Aripiprazole.
Lactation: Excreted in human milk. Breastfeeding is generally not recommended while taking Aripiprazole.
Precautions & Interactions
Precautions: Increased risk of suicidal thinking in children and young adults taking antidepressants/adjuncts. Monitor for Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) and Tardive Dyskinesia.
Interactions: Dosage adjustment is required when used with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., Ketoconazole) or CYP2D6 inhibitors (e.g., Fluoxetine), and CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., Carbamazepine).
Interactions: Dosage adjustment is required when used with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., Ketoconazole) or CYP2D6 inhibitors (e.g., Fluoxetine), and CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., Carbamazepine).
Storage
Store in a cool and dry place below 30°C. Protect from light.
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