Aripiprazole (Antipsychotic)

Question 1

What is the brand name of aripiprazole?

Answer 1

Abilify

Question 2

What tablet strengths are available of Abilify?

Answer 2

2 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, and 30 mg

Question 3

Aripiprazole is available and what strength ODT tablets?

Answer 3

10 mg and 15 mg (Discmelt)

Question 4

What strength oral solution is available of Abilify?

Answer 4

1mg/mL

Question 5

What strength aripiprazole injection is available?

Answer 5

9.75 mg/1.3 mL in a single dose vial

Question 6

What is the FDA approved indications for Abilify?

Answer 6

schizophrenia & treatment of acute manic and mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder

Question 7

What is the recommended dosing for Abilify when used to treat schizophrenia?

Answer 7

The recommended starting dose is 10 to 15 mg once a day without regard to meals. Doses can be titrated up or down after 2 week intervals to a target range of 10 to 30 mg per day.

Question 8

What dose of aripriazole is used for the treatment of acute manic and mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder?

Answer 8

The recommended starting dose is 15 mg per day.

Question 9

What is the aripiprazole dosage adjustments in patients taking CYP3A4 or CYP2D6 inhibitors?

Answer 9

The dose in these patients should be reduced to one-half of the usual dose.

Question 10

What is the aripiprazole dosage adjustments in patients taking CYP3A4 inducers?

Answer 10

The dose in these patients should be doubled (to 20 or 30 mg).

Question 11

What should the providers monitor when their patient is taking aripiprazole?

Answer 11

FBG, Lipid panel, Weight, BP, CBC

Question 12

What is the mechanism of action of aripiprazole?

Answer 12

The exact mechanism of action of aripiprazole is unknown although it may be due to a combination of partial agonist activity at dopamine D2 and serotonin 5- HT1A receptors and antagonist activity at 5-HT2A receptors

Question 13

Where are the drug interactions of Abilify?

Answer 13

CYP3A4 inducers (carbamazepine) may decrease plasma levels. CYP3A4 inhibitors (quinidine, fluoxetine, and paroxetine) may increase plasma levels.

Question 14

What are the contra indications of a rabeprazole?

Answer 14

• CONTRAINDICATED IN PATIENTS WITH DEMENTIA- RELATED PSYCHOSIS. MAY INCREASE RISK OF SUICIDAL THOUGHTS IN CHILDREN AND YOUNG ADULTS.
• Rare cases of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS) have occurred in patients taking antipsychotic medications including aripiprazole. Symptoms of NMS include hyperpyrexia, muscle rigidity, altered mental status, and autonomic instability (irregular pulse or blood pressure, diaphoresis, and cardiac dysrhythmia).
• Use with caution in patients with cardiovascular disease, history of seizures, in those at risk for aspiration pneumonia, and in those who will be experiencing conditions which may contribute to elevated core body temperature.
• Suicide is a possibility in patients taking antipsychotics, therefore dispense the smallest quantity manageable.
• Rare cases of leukopenia/ neutropenia and agranulocytosis have been reported in patients taking antipsychotic agents.
• Use with caution in nursing mothers.
• Pregnancy Category C.

Question 15

What are the adverse effects of Abilify?

Answer 15

The most common adverse effects include headache, anxiety, insomnia, asthenia, nausea, vomiting, constipation, weight gain, anxiety, lightheadedness, drowsiness, and blurred vision. Tardive dyskinesia is a rare possibility in patients taking this drug.

Question 16

What should the pharmacist tell the patient when they are taking aripiprazole?

Answer 16

• Use caution when performing tasks that require mental alertness.
• Avoid alcohol while taking this medication.
• Use appropriate precautions against heat exposure and dehydration.
• Store oral solution in the refrigerator and use within 6 months or opening the bottle.
• If a dose is missed, skip it and return to normal dosing schedule.