Aripiprazole: a new atypical antipsychotic drug.
OBJECTIVE
To review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, and safety profile of aripiprazole for the treatment of schizophrenia.


METHODS
Information was selected from MEDLINE (1995-August 2002). Abstracts, scientific posters, and presentations were also used.


METHODS
All published information regarding the pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and clinical characteristics of aripiprazole was considered. Studies providing a comprehensive description of aripiprazole were selected.


RESULTS
Aripiprazole is a dopamine partial agonist and a serotonin-2A antagonist; it is dosed 10-30 mg/d, with no initial titration necessary. Short-term clinical trials demonstrated efficacy in acute exacerbations, and long-term studies showed that aripiprazole can maintain remission of schizophrenia. Most adverse events were mild. The incidence of extrapyramidal symptoms was low, with akathisia being the most common.


CONCLUSIONS
Aripiprazole currently demonstrates comparable efficacy and safety for use in schizophrenia.
Bowles
Toya M
TM
Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
Levin
Gary M
GM
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D000068180:Aripiprazole; D018849:Controlled Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D010879:Piperazines / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015363:Quinolones / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D010879:Piperazines; D015363:Quinolones; D000068180:Aripiprazole