A descriptive study of aripiprazole, brexpiprazole, and cariprazine exposures in children ages 0 to 5 years reported to United States poison centers

Abstract

Introduction

Increased prescribing of antipsychotics and availability of new antipsychotics has resulted in increased exposures in children. Current data on aripiprazole, brexpiprazole, and cariprazine are limited.

Methods

This was a retrospective database study utilizing the National Poison Data System from 2015 through 2021. We included cases of single substance exposures to aripiprazole, brexpiprazole, cariprazine, or lumateperone in children ages 0 to 5 years old with follow-up to a known outcome. Key outcomes were medical outcomes, clinical effects, and level of care if treated in a healthcare facility.

Results

There were 3,573 aripiprazole, 137 brexpiprazole, 249 cariprazine, and one lumateperone exposure over the period. Primary outcomes were evaluated in 2,655 cases (2,390 aripiprazole, 96 brexpiprazole, and 169 cariprazine). Fifty-one percent were male and 77% were between 0 and 2 years old. Moderate effect was coded in 16.6% of aripiprazole, 23% of brexpiprazole, and 12% of cariprazine exposures. Major effect was coded in 0.6% of aripiprazole, 1% of brexpiprazole, and 2.4% of cariprazine exposures. Duration of symptoms was mostly between 8 and 24 h for 34.6% of aripiprazole, 30% of brexpiprazole, and 32% of cariprazine exposures. Over 60% of the children seen in a health care facility were discharged from the emergency department. The lowest doses resulting in at least a moderate effect and admission to a health care facility was 0.46 mg/kg for aripiprazole, 2.1 mg/kg for brexpiprazole, and 1.9 mg/kg for cariprazine. Important clinical effects included central nervous system depression, tremors, tachycardia, agitation, and vomiting.

Conclusion

Reported ingestions of aripiprazole, brexpiprazole, or cariprazine may result in neurologic symptoms like central nervous system depression or seizures in children. The prolonged duration of symptoms resulted in admission for at least a day for many cases. Further research should address optimal monitoring time and location for these exposures.

Keywords:

• Aripiprazole
• brexpiprazole
• cariprazine
• antipsychotic
• CNS/psychological
• children

Disclosure statement

America’s Poison Centers maintains the National Poison Data System (NPDS), which houses de-identified records of self-reported information from callers to the country’s Poison Centers. NPDS data do not reflect the entire universe of US exposures and incidences related to any substance(s). Exposures do not necessarily represent a poisoning or overdose and America’s Poison Centers is not able to completely verify the accuracy of every report. NPDS data do not necessarily reflect the opinions of America’s Poison Centers.

Additional information

Funding

No funding was sought for this project.