Efficacy and Safety of Ziprasidone

지프라시돈의 효능 및 안전성

Ziprasidone is equally effective as haloperidol in treating schizophrenia with fewer side effects and drug interactions. Ziprasidone is an atypical antipsychotic agent and works by blocking serotonin and dopamine receptors in the central nervous system, specifically 5-HT2A and D2 receptors. Low anticholinergic side-effects and low EPS would recommend the drug for use in the elderly. Ziprasidone inhibits reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin at neurojunction sites in vitro, indicating a potential efficacy for depression and negative symptoms which often follow after exacerbation of schizophrenia. Patients with recent acute myocardial infarction and uncompensated heart failure are contraindicated to the drug due to a possibility of QT prolongation. Although ziprasidone is metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A4, there is no significant drug interaction with the drugs that induce or inhibit the isoenzyme. Ziprasidone is safe with coadministration of lithium and there has been no significant drug interaction reported with oral birth control pills.