Ziprasidone injection

July 17, 2018

Ziprasidone injection

What is this medicine?

ZIPRASIDONE (zi PRAY si done) is used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depression.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection into a muscle. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

  • change in emotion or behavior such as feeling depressed, angry, or anxious

  • chest pain

  • difficulty breathing

  • difficulty swallowing

  • excessive thirst and/or hunger

  • fast or irregular heartbeat or palpitations

  • fever or chills, sore throat

  • frequently needing to urinate

  • inability to control muscle movements in the face, hands, arms, or legs

  • loss of balance or difficulty walking

  • lump or swelling on the neck

  • prolonged erection

  • redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

  • seizures

  • stiff muscles or jaw

  • tremors

  • uncontrollable movements or spasms of the face, tongue or mouth

  • weakness or loss of strength

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • constipation

  • drowsiness

  • headache

  • nausea, vomiting

  • upset stomach

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

  • alfuzosin

  • arsenic trioxide

  • certain antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin, gatifloxacin, grepafloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, pentamidine, sparfloxacin, telithromycin, troleandomycin

  • certain medicines for depression

  • certain medicines for fungal infections like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, posaconazole, voriconazole

  • certain medicines for irregular heart beat like amiodarone, dofetilide, dronedarone, flecainide, procainamide, quinidine, sotalol

  • chloroquine

  • cisapride

  • clozapine

  • dolasetron

  • droperidol

  • halofantrine

  • haloperidol

  • methadone

  • other medicines that prolong the QT interval (cause an abnormal heart rhythm)

  • palonosetron

  • phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, thioridazine

  • pimozide

  • propafenone

  • risperidone

  • sertindole

  • tacrolimus

  • vardenafil

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

  • carbamazepine

  • certain medicines for blood pressure

  • certain medicines for Parkinson's disease

  • diuretics

  • stimulant medicines for attention disorders, weight loss, or to stay awake like amphetamine, dextroamphetamine

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

Where should I keep my medicine?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • dementia

  • diabetes or high blood sugar

  • heart disease, including heart failure

  • irregular heartbeat

  • liver disease

  • low potassium level in the blood

  • Parkinson's disease or other movement disorders

  • previous heart attack or stroke

  • suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt by you or a family member

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to ziprasidone, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

This medicine can reduce the response of your body to heat or cold. Dress warm in cold weather and stay hydrated in hot weather. If possible, avoid extreme temperatures like saunas, hot tubs, very hot or cold showers, or activities that can cause dehydration such as vigorous exercise.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

Updated:  

July 17, 2018