Aripiprazole is a medication used to treat conditions like schizophrenia, irritability associated with autistic disorder, and Tourette’s disorder. It works by helping to balance certain chemicals in the brain that affect mood and behavior. The medication is taken as a tablet once a day, starting at a dose of 2 mg for adolescents and pediatric patients, while adults typically start at 10 to 15 mg, with a maximum dose of 30 mg per day. It's important to know that aripiprazole should not be used if you have a history of allergic reactions to it. Additionally, if you are taking strong CYP2D6 or CYP3A4 inhibitors, such as certain antifungal medications or antibiotics, you may need a lower dose of aripiprazole.
✦
Uses
- Schizophrenia.
- Irritability associated with autistic disorder.
- Tourette’s disorder.
◷
Dosage
Adults with schizophrenia: 10 to 15 mg daily, max 30 mg.
Adolescents with schizophrenia: start at 2 mg, target 10 mg daily, max 30 mg.
Pediatric patients (6-17 years) with irritability from autism: start at 2 mg, target 5-10 mg daily, max 15 mg.
Pediatric patients (6-18 years) with Tourette’s: start at 2 mg, target 5-10 mg daily, max 20 mg.
Take once daily, with or without food.
Always follow your doctor's specific instructions for your dose.
⚠
Side effects
Common
nauseavomitingconstipationheadachedizzinessanxietyincreased mortality in elderly with dementia-related psychosis
Serious
suicidal thoughtsneuroleptic malignant syndrome
🛑
Warnings
⚠ Important warnings
- Increased risk of death in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis.
- Monitor for suicidal thoughts in children and young adults.
- Not approved for dementia-related psychosis treatment.
- Caution in patients with cardiovascular issues.
- Adjust dose if taking strong CYP3A4 or CYP2D6 inhibitors.
⇄
Drug interactions
- Strong CYP3A4 inhibitorsincrease aripiprazole levelsCaution
- Strong CYP2D6 inhibitorsincrease aripiprazole levelsCaution
- Strong CYP3A4 inducersdecrease aripiprazole levelsCaution
- Antihypertensive drugsmay enhance blood pressure-lowering effectsCaution
- Benzodiazepinesincreased sedation risk.Caution
Ask about this drug
Answers pulled from the FDA label only.
Other Brands:
Medical Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before taking any medication.
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
MedDataTool