Geodon
Drug Info
Geodon
Drug Uses :Ziprasidone (marketed as Geodon, Zeldox) was the fifth atypical antipsychotic to gain FDA approval (February 2001). Ziprasidone is Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved for the treatment of schizophrenia, and the intramuscular injection form of ziprasidone is approved for acute agitation in schizophrenic patients. Ziprasidone has also received approval for acute treatment of mania associated with bipolar disorder. The brand name Geodon has been suggested to bring to mind the phrase 'down (don) to earth (geo)' referring to the goals of the medication. The oral form of ziprasidone is the hydrochloride salt, ziprasidone hydrochloride. The intramuscular form, on the other hand, is the mesylate salt, ziprasidone mesylate trihydrate, and is provided as a lyophilized powder.
How to Use
Geodon
: Take ziprasidone capsules by mouth with food. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the capsules with a drink of water and take each dose with food. Take your doses at regular intervals, usually at the same times each day. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Geodon
Precautions: Before taking ziprasidone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: certain heart problems (e.g., heart rhythm problems such as QTc prolongation, recent heart attack, untreated heart failure). Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: Alzheimer's disease, heart problems (e.g., coronary artery disease, heart failure, irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure), severe dizziness/fainting, diabetes (including family history), liver disease, nervous system problems (e.g., stroke, seizures, NMS), obesity, swallowing problems, aspiration pneumonia. Tell your doctor if you have diarrhea, vomiting or other illness that could cause you to lose fluids and salts (e.g., potassium, magnesium). This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.
Geodon
Drug Interactions: Drug-drug interactions can be pharmacodynamic (combined pharmacologic effects) or pharmacokinetic (alteration of plasma levels). The risks of using ziprasidone in combination with other drugs have been evaluated as described below. All interactions studies have been conducted with oral ziprasidone. Based upon the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic profile of ziprasidone, possible interactions could be anticipated:
Pharmacodynamic Interactions
1. Ziprasidone should not be used with any drug that prolongs the QT interval.
2. Given the primary CNS effects of ziprasidone, caution should be used when it is taken in combination with other centrally acting drugs.
3. Because of its potential for inducing hypotension, ziprasidone may enhance the effects of certain antihypertensive agents.
4. Ziprasidone may antagonize the effects of levodopa and dopamine agonists.
Geodon
Possible Side Effects: Ziprasidone received the FDA's highest warning (black box) due to the fact that increases the QTc interval in some patients and increases the risk of a potentially lethal type of heart arrythmia known as torsades de pointes. Ziprasidone should be used cautiously in patients taking other medications likely to interact with ziprasidone or increase the QTc interval. This medication can cause birth defects, according to animal studies, although this side effect has not been confirmed in humans. Adverse events reported for ziprasidone include sedation, insomnia, orthostasis, life-threatening neuroleptic malignant syndrome, akathisia, and the development of permanent neurological disorder tardive dyskinesia. Rarely, temporary speech disorders may result. See the FDA label for more information.
It has also been known to cause heart attack and stroke in people with a history of those conditions.
Geodon
Overdose: Seek emergency medical attention immediately if an overdose is suspected. Symptoms of
Geodon
overdose include: dizziness or drowsiness, fainting, nausea, vomiting, facial flushing, fast heartbeat, and loss of consciousness.
Geodon
Storage: Store
Geodon
at room temperature away from moisture and sunlight. Avoid excessive heat. Avoid freezing. Keep out of the reach of children. Dispense of this medicine in a tight, light-resistant container. Do not store
Geodon
in the bathroom.
Geodon
Missed Dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Disclaimer: The information found on this website is for informational purposes only. It does not cover all possible uses, procedures, safety measures, side effects, or drug interactions of the products. We are not responsible for the accuracy and reliability of this drug information, or any consequences arising from the use of this information. This is only general information and should not be relied on for any purpose. |
