Evaluation of the pharmacokinetics, safety and clinical efficacy of ziprasidone for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder

Abstract

Introduction: Multiple strategies exist for the pharmacological treatment of schizophrenia and related disorders. In the last 20 years, several ‘new’ compounds have been introduced, called ‘atypical antipsychotics’, which have higher efficacy and better tolerability than first-generation neuroleptics. Among them, ziprasidone (ZPR) is currently finding widespread use, and it has also been shown to be active as an augmenter in bipolar disorder therapy.

Areas covered: This review aims to provide the latest information on ZPR, an ‘atypical’ agent for the pharmacological therapy of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. A literature search has been carried out with the keywords ‘ziprasidone’, ‘schizophrenia’, ‘psychosis’, ‘bipolar’, ‘pharmacokinetics’ and ‘clinical trials’. In this process, particular attention has been paid to the drug pharmacokinetic characteristics and its safety in clinical use.

Expert opinion: ZPR shares most advantages and disadvantages with other atypical antipsychotics. However, it can be useful for its low tendency to cause metabolic syndrome and hyperprolactinaemia, especially in patients suffering from excess weight, hyperlipidaemia, diabetes or who have suffered from hyperprolactinaemia when using other antipsychotics. However, there are serious doubts as to whether ZPR should be administered to patients suffering from arrhythmias or QTc prolongation, and even more for administration to bipolar patients undergoing polypharmacy with antidepressants.

Keywords:

• atypical antipsychotic
• bipolar disorder
• pharmacokinetics
• pharmacotherapy
• schizophrenia
• ziprasidone

Declaration of interest

R Mandrioli and L Mercolini are employed by University of Bologna. M Protti has received a grant from Interdepartmental Centre for Industrial Research – Advanced Applications in Mechanical Engineering and Materials Technology (CIRI-MAM), Bologna, with POR-FESR funds (Emilia-Romagna Region, Italy). The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Notes