Aripiprazole (Abilify®)

Aripiprazole (US brand name Abilify® and generic Aripiprix, zolonda) is a second-or third generation (atypical) antipsychotic.

FDA-approved indications

A. Oral
1. Schizophrenia
2. Acute treatment of manic and mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder
3. Adjunctive treatment of major depressive disorder
4. Irritability associated with autistic disorder
5. Treatment of Tourette’s disorder

B. Injectable
Agitation associated with schizophrenia or bipolar mania

Dosage

Schizophrenia (adults)
Initial: 10–15 mg/day
Recommended: 10–15 mg/day
Maximum: 30 mg/day

Schizophrenia (adolescents)
Initial: 2 mg/day
Recommended: 10 mg/day
Maximum: 30 mg/day

Bipolar mania (adults: monotherapy)
Initial: 15 mg/day
Recommended: 15 mg/day
Maximum: 30 mg/day

Bipolar mania (adults: adjunct to lithium or valproate)
Initial: 10–15 mg/day
Recommended: 15 mg/day
Maximum: 30 mg/day

Bipolar mania (pediatric patients: monotherapy or as an adjunct to lithium or valproate)
Initial: 2 mg/day
Recommended: 10 mg/day
Maximum: 30 mg/day

Major depressive disorder (adults: adjunct to antidepressants)
Initial: 2–5 mg/day
Recommended: 5–10 mg/day
Maximum: 15 mg/day

Irritability associated with autistic disorder (pediatric patients)
Initial: 2 mg/day
Recommended: 5–10 mg/day
Maximum: 15 mg/day

Tourette’s disorder (patients 50 kg)
Initial: 2 mg/day
Recommended: 10 mg/day
Maximum: 20 mg/day

Agitation associated with schizophrenia or bipolar mania (adults)
Initial: 9.75 mg/1.3 mL Injected IM
Maximum: 30 mg/day Injected IM

General Instructions:
1. Oral formulations may be administered once daily without regard to meals.
2. IM injection: Wait at least 2 hours between doses. Maximum daily dose 30 mg.
3. In patients who are known CYP2D6 poor metabolizers, prescribe half of the usual dose.

Dosage forms and strengths

Tablets (Abilify® and generic): 2 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg, 20 mg, and 30 mg

Orally disintegrating tablets (Abilify® and generic): 10 mg and 15 mg

Oral solution (generic): 1 mg/mL

Injection (Abilify®): 9.75 mg/1.3 mL single-dose vial (7.5 mg/mL)

Published by Dr.Adel Serag

Dr. Adel Serag is a senior consultant psychiatrist , working clinical psychiatry over 30 years.