Aripiprazole: a comprehensive review of its pharmacology, clinical efficacy, and tolerability
Abstract
Recently approved for the treatment of schizophrenia, aripiprazole represents the sixth second-generation antipsychotic (SGA) introduced to the US market. Aripiprazole is considered a partial dopaminergic agonist, acting on both postsynaptic dopamine(2) receptors and presynaptic autoreceptors, in addition to displaying partial agonism at serotonin(1A) receptors and antagonism at serotonin(2A) receptors. The aim of this study was to comprehensively review all available literature regarding the mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, and adverse effects of aripiprazole. Relevant data were collected using MEDLINE and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts searches with the terms aripiprazole and OPC-14597 and with no limitations on year. Abstracts and posters presented at national and international scientific meetings were also reviewed. Aripiprazole exhibits linear pharmacokinetics and is administered once daily. In multiple clinical trials, aripiprazole was effective in significantly reducing symptomatology associated with schizophrenia-related disorders compared with placebo (P < 0.05). Dosages > or =15 mg/d more consistently produced significant reductions from baseline of Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale...Continue Reading
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