Indications
- Medication for severe agitation in schizophrenia.
- Ziprasidone is an atypical antipsychotic.
- Restores balance of natural substances in the brain.
- Ziprasidone injection for rapid symptom relief.
- Not used concurrently with oral form of the medication.
Dosage and administration
- Administered by injection into a muscle by a healthcare professional.
- Dosage and frequency determined by condition and treatment response.
- Intended for short-term control of severe agitation.
- Consideration for switching to oral medication for continuous treatment as needed.
Side effects
- Possible side effects at the injection site: pain, swelling, redness.
- General side effects: drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, weakness, nausea, vomiting, headache.
- Caution against rising quickly to prevent falling due to dizziness and lightheadedness.
- Medication prescribed based on the balance of benefits and risks.
- Immediate reporting to the doctor for serious side effects: mental/mood changes, shaking, muscle spasms, difficulty swallowing, vision problems, interrupted breathing during sleep.
- Potential risk of increased blood sugar, diabetes, weight gain, and elevated cholesterol levels.
- Monitoring and reporting symptoms of high blood sugar in diabetic individuals.
- Rare side effect of tardive dyskinesia, with the need for immediate reporting of unusual uncontrolled movements.
- Possible increase in prolactin, leading to unwanted effects in females and males.
- Urgent medical attention required for severe side effects: severe dizziness, fainting, seizures, signs of liver damage.
- Rare but serious neuroleptic malignant syndrome symptoms requiring immediate medical help.
- Rare occurrence of painful or prolonged erection in males, necessitating immediate medical attention.
- Very rare but serious allergic reaction symptoms requiring immediate medical help.
- Incomplete list of possible side effects; prompt reporting to the doctor for any unlisted effects.
Precautions
- Inform your doctor or pharmacist about allergies before using ziprasidone.
- Check for inactive ingredients in the product that may cause allergic reactions.
- Discuss medical history, especially dementia, heart disease, diabetes, seizures, obesity, difficulty swallowing, low white blood cell count, kidney disease, and sleep apnea, with your doctor or pharmacist.
- Ziprasidone may cause QT prolongation, leading to serious heart rhythm issues.
- Inform your doctor about all drugs taken and any heart-related conditions before using ziprasidone.
- Low potassium or magnesium levels may increase QT prolongation risk, discuss with your doctor if using certain drugs or experiencing conditions like severe sweating, diarrhea, or vomiting.
- Ziprasidone can cause dizziness or drowsiness; avoid alcohol or marijuana use.
- Inform your doctor or dentist about all products used before surgery.
- Be cautious about overheating and take measures in hot weather; seek medical help for signs of heat stroke.
- Older adults may be more sensitive to side effects, increasing the risk of falling.
- Use during pregnancy only when necessary; potential rare symptoms in newborns born to mothers using the drug.
- Do not stop medication without doctor’s direction; discuss pregnancy plans with your doctor.
- Unknown if the drug passes into breast milk; breastfeeding not recommended; consult your doctor before breastfeeding.