Long-acting injectable risperidone.
OBJECTIVE
To review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, and safety profile of long-acting (LA) risperidone for the treatment of schizophrenia.


METHODS
Information was selected from PubMed (1965-July 2004). Applicable scientific posters were also used.


METHODS
All published information on risperidone LA was considered. Material providing a comprehensive description was considered.


RESULTS
Risperidone LA is the first long-acting, injectable atypical antipsychotic. It is dosed at 25-50 mg every 2 weeks. Adverse effects are similar to those seen with oral risperidone. A short-term study showed that risperidone LA is better than placebo in reducing the signs and symptoms of schizophrenia, and a long-term trial showed that stable schizophrenic patients can be switched from either oral or other injectable antipsychotic medications to risperidone LA.


CONCLUSIONS
Risperidone LA is efficacious and safe in the treatment of schizophrenia.
Ehret
Megan J
MJ
Cleveland Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 10000 Brecksville Rd., Brecksville, OH 44141-3204, USA.
Fuller
Matthew A
MA
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D006801:Humans; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D018967:Risperidone / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy*
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D018967:Risperidone