Dongkwang Aripiprazole Tablet 10 mg

Adult dose

The recommended initial dosage for adults with schizophrenia is 10 mg or 15 mg once daily, irrespective of food intake. Dosage can be adjusted within the range of 10-30 mg per day, and increases should not occur before 2 weeks have passed. Maintenance therapy is conducted for patients who have been stabilized on other antipsychotic medications for over 3 months at a daily dose of 15 mg based on clinical trials demonstrating efficacy in preventing relapse compared to placebo. To transition from existing antipsychotic medications, the previous dosage should be gradually reduced before starting this medication.

Child dose

The recommended dosage for adolescents (ages 13-17) is 10 mg once daily, irrespective of food intake. The initial dosage is 2 mg once daily, increased to 5 mg after 2 days, and further to 10 mg after another 2 days. Subsequent increases can be done by 5 mg.

This medication may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors when administered to children or adolescents with major depressive disorder or psychiatric disorders, thus a physician should carefully evaluate the necessity and risks of treatment. All patients on this medication should be closely monitored for worsening depression, suicidal tendencies, or abnormal behavioral changes at the start of treatment and during dosage changes, and family members or caregivers should also provide careful supervision. In patients with bipolar disorder, this medication may precipitate manic or mixed episodes, thus the risk of bipolar disorder should be thoroughly assessed before treatment. This medication can cause a serious side effect called neuroleptic malignant syndrome, hence, if symptoms such as high fever, muscle rigidity, altered consciousness, or autonomic instability appear, immediate medical attention is required. Long-term treatment poses a risk of developing tardive dyskinesia, an irreversible extrapyramidal syndrome, therefore it should be used at the minimum effective dose for the shortest duration, and any symptoms occurring should be discussed with a physician. In elderly patients with dementia, the risk of cerebrovascular accidents such as stroke and mortality may increase, therefore this medication has not been approved for dementia patients and should be used with caution. Patients with diabetes or at risk for hyperglycemia should regularly check blood glucose levels during treatment, and if hyperglycemic symptoms occur, they should consult with medical professionals immediately. This medication may increase the risk of thromboembolism, thus patients with thrombosis risk should assess risk factors before and during treatment and take preventive measures. Patients with allergic reactions to this drug or specific genetic issues such as lactose intolerance should not receive this medication. Patients with orthostatic hypotension, seizure history, or risk of cognitive and motor impairment should be administered this medication cautiously, with particular attention required when driving or operating hazardous machinery. This medication may impair thermoregulation; thus, patients with excessive exercise, in a high-temperature environment, or in a state of dehydration require special management. Elderly patients with dysphagia or at a high risk of aspiration should be cautious while taking this medication. Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, constipation, headache, dizziness, anxiety, insomnia, drowsiness, fatigue, appetite changes, and extrapyramidal symptoms; if severe symptoms occur, medical consultation should be sought. If any adverse reactions occur, inform medical personnel immediately, and if there are changes in suicidal thoughts or behaviors, seek help promptly.

Serious side effects

Hives, severe swelling (edema), chest tightness, difficulty breathing, cold sweat, pallor, severe rash with high fever, blisters, pain in mucous membranes of the mouth/eyes, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, asthma attack, respiratory issues with cough and fever, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), profound lethargy, sudden and severe headache, lightning-like headache, seizures, altered consciousness, visual disturbances, paralysis, urination

Mild side effects

• Nausea
• vomiting
• constipation
• headache
• dizziness
• akathisia
• anxiety
• insomnia
• restlessness
• drowsiness

This medication should be stored in a tightly closed container to avoid exposure to air or moisture, and it is safe to store at room temperature between 1 and 30 degrees Celsius. Therefore, it is important to keep it in a cool and dry place until use.

Appearance

Pink rectangular tablet

Package unit

30 tablets/bottle, 100 tablets/bottle