Core pharmacology

Class Group

Second Generation Antipsychotics/Atypical (D2-Antagonism/5-HT2a)

Legacy Cicm Level

-

Introduction

Atypical antipsychotic used in treatment refractory schizophrenia

Indications Uses

Treatment resistant schizophrenia only

Presentation

- Start 12.5mg BD and uptitrate
- Max dose 150mg BD
- Comes as tablets or oral suspension

Physiological effects

CVS: Myocarditis and cardiomyopathy (monitor ECG, troponin and echo)

CNS: Highly sedating

Haem: Agranulocytosis in 1-2% and thus need to monitor FBC

GIT: Significant Constipation

Absorption

Good oral absorption

Protein binding

Highly protein bound

Metabolism

Hepatic metabolism

Half-life

T1/2 elimination= 12 hours