Arpizol 10 Mg Tablet (10 Tab)

ARPIZOL 10 MG TABLET

Name

• Common Name: Aripiprazole
• Brand Name: ARPIZOL 10 MG TABLET

Composition

Each tablet contains Aripiprazole 10 mg as the active ingredient.

Uses

ARPIZOL 10 MG TABLET is an antipsychotic medicine primarily used to manage various mental and mood disorders. It is prescribed for:

• Schizophrenia in adults and adolescents aged 15 years and older.
• Manic episodes associated with Bipolar I Disorder in adults and adolescents aged 13 years and older.
• Adjunctive treatment for major depressive disorder.
• Irritability associated with autistic disorder.
• Tourette's syndrome.

Dosage and Administration

ARPIZOL 10 MG TABLET is taken orally, with or without food, preferably at the same time each day to maintain consistent medicine levels in the body. Tablets should be swallowed whole and not chewed, crushed, or broken. The dosage and duration of treatment are determined by a doctor based on the patient's condition. For schizophrenia, a common starting dose is 10 mg or 15 mg once daily, with a usual maintenance dose of 15 mg/day. The effective dose range is typically 10 to 30 mg/day, and the maximum daily dose should not exceed 30 mg. Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly without consulting a doctor, as it may worsen symptoms. If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered, but not if it's almost time for the next dose; do not double the dose.

Side Effects

Common side effects may include headache, drowsiness or sleepiness, restlessness (akathisia), anxiety, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, constipation, increased saliva production, and tremors. More serious side effects, requiring immediate medical attention, can include suicidal thoughts, uncontrolled urges (e.g., gambling, increased sex drive), signs of high blood sugar (increased thirst, frequent urination), movement problems, or a prolonged and painful erection. The medicine may also increase blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Precautions

• Avoid alcohol consumption as it can increase drowsiness and other side effects.
• Do not drive or operate heavy machinery if experiencing dizziness, sleepiness, or blurred vision.
• Use with caution in elderly patients (over 65) due to increased risk of dizziness and balance issues. It is not recommended for elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis due to an increased risk of death.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their doctor, as ARPIZOL may be unsafe during pregnancy and can pass into breast milk.
• Patients with diabetes should monitor blood sugar levels regularly.
• Inform your doctor about any history of seizures, heart disease, abnormal blood pressure, or liver/kidney problems.
• ARPIZOL can interact with other medications, including certain antidepressants, antifungals, antibiotics, and blood pressure medications; dose adjustments may be necessary.

Storage

Store ARPIZOL 10 MG TABLET at room temperature (between 10ºC to 25ºC or below 30ºC) in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep out of reach of children and pets.

ARPIZOL 10 MG TABLET (10 TAB) by SUN PHARMA LABORATORIES LTD.

What is Arpizol 10 MG Tablet used for?

Arpizol 10 MG Tablet is an antipsychotic medication primarily used to treat several mental health conditions. These include schizophrenia (in adults and adolescents aged 15-17 years), manic episodes associated with Bipolar I Disorder, and as an adjunctive treatment for Major Depressive Disorder. It is also prescribed to manage irritability linked with Autistic Disorder (in children and adolescents aged 6-17 years) and Tourette's Syndrome (in children and adolescents aged 6-18 years).

How does Arpizol 10 MG Tablet work?

Arpizol 10 MG Tablet contains aripiprazole, an atypical antipsychotic. It works by balancing the levels of certain natural chemical messengers in the brain, namely dopamine and serotonin. It acts as a partial agonist at dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT1A receptors, and an antagonist at serotonin 5-HT2A receptors. This unique mechanism helps to stabilize neurotransmitter activity, thereby improving mood, thinking, and behavior.

What is the usual dosage for Arpizol 10 MG Tablet?

For adults with schizophrenia, the recommended starting dose is typically 10 mg or 15 mg once daily. The maintenance dose usually ranges from 10 mg to 30 mg per day. Dosage adjustments should generally not be made before two weeks, as this is the time needed for the medicine to reach a steady state in the body. For adolescents (15-17 years) with schizophrenia, treatment usually starts with 2 mg once daily, increased to 5 mg after two days, and then to a target dose of 10 mg after another two days. Doses generally do not exceed 30 mg per day. It should be taken once daily, with or without food, preferably at the same time each day to maintain consistent levels in the body.

What are the possible side effects of Arpizol 10 MG Tablet?

Common side effects can include headache, restlessness (akathisia), anxiety, blurred vision, constipation, fatigue, increased saliva production, indigestion, difficulty sleeping (insomnia), nausea, sleepiness, tremors, vomiting, and dizziness.

More serious side effects, though less common, require immediate medical attention. These can include high blood sugar or diabetes-like symptoms (increased thirst, frequent urination, tiredness, weight loss), sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing (orthostatic hypotension), suicidal thoughts or behavior, involuntary movements (tardive dyskinesia), prolonged and painful erection (priapism), or impulse control disorders such as increased gambling or sexual urges. Signs of a rare but serious condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (high temperature, muscle stiffness, sweating, irregular pulse, anxiety) should also be reported immediately.

Is Arpizol 10 MG Tablet safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Pregnancy: Arpizol 10 MG Tablet is generally not recommended during pregnancy as it has been associated with potential risks to the unborn child, including premature birth and withdrawal symptoms in the newborn (such as restlessness, tremors, breathing difficulties, and feeding problems). It is classified as a Category C pregnancy drug. If you are pregnant or planning to conceive, you should consult your doctor to weigh the benefits and risks and determine the safest treatment plan.

Breastfeeding: It is generally advised to avoid taking Arpizol 10 MG Tablet while breastfeeding. The medication can pass into breast milk and may lead to poor weight gain in the baby. There is also a possibility it could reduce the mother's milk supply by interfering with prolactin levels. Discuss with your doctor to explore alternative treatment options or to determine the best course of action for you and your baby.

Can Arpizol 10 MG Tablet be taken with other medications?

Arpizol 10 MG Tablet can interact with various other medications, potentially increasing side effects or affecting its effectiveness. For example:

• Medicines for depression (like fluoxetine, paroxetine), irregular heartbeat (e.g., quinidine), fungal infections (e.g., itraconazole, ketoconazole), or certain infections (e.g., clarithromycin) can increase Arpizol levels in the blood, potentially requiring a dosage reduction of Arpizol.
• Medicines for seizures (e.g., carbamazepine, primidone) or tuberculosis (e.g., rifampicin) can decrease Arpizol levels, making it less effective.
• Combining with alcohol, benzodiazepines (e.g., lorazepam, diazepam), or other CNS depressants can increase side effects such as drowsiness and low blood pressure. Always inform your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are currently taking to ensure safe co-administration.

What precautions should be taken while using Arpizol 10 MG Tablet?

Several precautions should be observed when taking Arpizol 10 MG Tablet:

• Avoid Alcohol: Do not consume alcohol as it can intensify side effects like drowsiness and dizziness.
• Driving and Machinery: Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you understand how the medicine affects you, as it can cause dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, or uncontrolled movements.
• Dehydration: Avoid situations that can lead to dehydration, such as prolonged exposure to sun or overheated environments, and ensure adequate fluid intake.
• Sudden Discontinuation: Do not stop taking Arpizol suddenly without consulting your doctor, as abrupt withdrawal can worsen your symptoms or cause new ones.
• Monitoring: Regular monitoring of blood sugar and cholesterol levels is important, especially if you have diabetes or are at risk. Maintaining a healthy diet and exercise can help manage these levels.
• Medical History: Inform your doctor about any pre-existing medical conditions such as diabetes, abnormal blood pressure, high cholesterol, seizures, heart disease, or liver/kidney problems.
• Behavioral Changes: Report any unusual changes in mood or behavior, new or worsening depression, or suicidal thoughts to your doctor. Also, be aware of and report any impulse control disorders, such as increased gambling or sexual urges.
• Elderly Patients: Use with caution in elderly patients (over 65 years) due to an increased risk of side effects like dizziness, falls, and a drop in blood pressure upon standing. It is not recommended for elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis due to increased mortality risk.

What happens if a dose is missed?

If you miss a dose of Arpizol 10 MG Tablet, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to compensate for the missed one.

How should Arpizol 10 MG Tablet be stored?

Arpizol 10 MG Tablet should be stored at room temperature, typically below 30°C (or between 10°C to 25°C), in a cool and dry place. Keep the tablets in their original packaging, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Ensure the medicine is kept out of reach and sight of children and pets.