Amisulpride

Tranquilizer, Sedative/Hypnotic · Atypical antipsychotic

Indications

Schizophrenia.

Dosage

Adults: Acute Psychotic episode: 400-800 mg daily in 2 divided doses, adjusted according to response; max 1.2 gm daily. Predominantly negative syndrome: Adults: 50-300 mg daily. Children: Not recommended.

Adverse Effects

Insomnia, anxiety, agitation, somnolence, hypotension, wt gain, acute dystonia, extrapyramidal reactions, sexual dysfunction, blurred vision, QT prolongation, drowsiness, gastro-intestinal disorders, such as constipation, nausea, vomiting and dry mouth. Hyperprolactinaemia, occasionally bradycardia, rarely seizures. Galactorrhoea, gynaecomastia, amenorrhoea, breast pain. Hyperglycaemia. Risk of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (withdraw if hyperthermia occurs) and blood dyscrasias.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: Contraindicated in pregnancy. Lactation: Contraindicated or not recommended. Contraindications: Pheochromocytoma, prolactin dependent tumours, comatose states, CNS depression. Precautions: Parkinson's disease, cardiovascular disease, history of epilepsy, elderly. In renal impairment if eGFR 30-60 mL/min/1.73 m² than reduce the dose to half; no information available if eGFR less than 10 mL/min/1.73 m². Myasthaenia gravis, prostatic hypertrophy, severe respiratory disease, history of jaundice, blood dyscrasias, hypokalaemia, family history of QT prolongation, diabetes, risk factors for stroke or VTE, family history of breast cancer. Elderly. Withdraw gradually.

Interactions

Levodopa, CNS depressants, other antipsychotics, drugs that prolong QT interval, alcohol, antihypertensives, dopamine agonists.

Advice to Patient

Take with or without meals. Swallow whole with a full glass of water. Do not chew tablets. Avoid alcohol during therapy. Complete full course of therapy even if you feel better.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Absorbed from the GI tract. Metabolism: Limited. Bioavailability: 48%. Half-life elimination: Terminal: 12 hrs. Time to peak, plasma: 1 hr. Second peak appears between 3-4 hrs. Excretion: Urine (mainly).

Unlicensed Use

Children: Acute psychotic episode: 15-18 yr, 200-400 mg twice daily adjusted according to response, max 1.2 gm daily. Predominantly negative symptoms: 15-18 yr, 50-300 mg daily.

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.