Episode #18: aripiprazole (Abilify) | Podcast Show Notes
aripiprazole (ay ri PIP ray zole)
Below will be links for the full Podcast and the Drug Card for aripiprazole along with a brief summary of various points on aripiprazole.Â
QUESTIONS:Â Â
- Fill in the blank. Regarding PO dosing. If patient is a poor CYP2D6 metabolizer _____ dose by _____.Â
- T or F:Â Abilify is the preferred agent for pregnant patients.
- Select all that apply. When dosing for Pediatrics w/ Tourette’s syndrome
- A). Appropriate for 5 year old
- B). Appropriate for 10 year oldÂ
- C). Patient weighs 70 kg, initiate dose at 2 mg po for 7 days then titrate accordingly
- D). Patient weighs 40 kg, max dose is between 5-10 mg/day
- T or F:Â Abilify is appropriate as monotherapy for treating dementia related psychosis in elderly patients that failed all other antipsychotic agents.Â
- What are extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS)?
SUMMARY:Â Â
Aripiprazole is an atypical second generation antipsychotic agent. It commonly goes by the brand name Abilify. It is a quinolinone derivative which looks similar to but different from quinolones (antibiotic class). There are many indications for Abilify such as in the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder but can also be used to treat the irritability often seen in autistic disorder. Dosing initiation is often titrated. For example, when initiating dosing for adults with bipolar disorder initiation begins with 10-15mg po qd with 5-10mg dose increases weekly with the max dose of 30mg/day. Common side effects are dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness and weight gain. There is a black box warning for increased mortality in elderly patients with dementia related psychosis and for suicidality and antidepressant drugs. Abilify should not be used to treat dementia related psychosis in elderly. Patients should be monitored for worsening or emergence of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
ANSWERS:Â Â
- Decrease, 50%
- False. It is not preferred due to drugs presence in cord blood and ability to cross placenta .
- B, C, and D are correct. A is incorrect due to age being outside of approved range.
- False. There is a black box warning against this.
- EPS is uncontrolled movement in the face, mouth, tongue, arms, legs often seen in tardive dyskinesia.
PDF of Drug Card: aripiprazole
