Ziprasidone Hydrochloride Oral...

Ziprasidone Hydrochloride Oral capsule

What is this medicine?

ZIPRASIDONE (zi PRAY si done) is used to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depression.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

dementia
diabetes or high blood sugar
heart disease, including heart failure
irregular heartbeat
liver disease
low potassium level in the blood
Parkinson's disease or other movement disorders
previous heart attack or stroke
suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt by you or a family member
an unusual or allergic reaction to ziprasidone, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take with food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

alfuzosin
arsenic trioxide
certain antidepressants
certain macrolide antibiotics like clarithromycin, erythromycin, telithromycin, and troleandomycin
certain quinolone antibiotics like gatifloxacin, grepafloxacin, levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, and sparfloxacin
chloroquine
cisapride
clozapine
dolasetron
droperidol
halofantrine
haloperidol
levomethadyl
medicines for treating heart-rhythm problems like amiodarone, dofetilide, flecainide, procainamide, quinidine, and sotalol
methadone
palonosetron
pentamidine
phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine and thioridazine
pimozide
probucol
propafenone
risperidone
sertindole
tacrolimus
vardenafil

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

carbamazepine
diuretics
medicines for fungal infections like fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, voriconazole
medicines for Parkinson's disease
some medications for high blood pressure
stimulants like amphetamine, dextroamphetamine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. It may be several weeks before you see the full effects of this medicine. Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine. Your doctor may want you to gradually reduce the dose.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

This medicine can make you more sensitive to the sun. Keep out of the sun. If you cannot avoid being in the sun, wear protective clothing and use sunscreen. Do not use sun lamps or tanning beds/booths.

This medicine can change the response of your body to heat or cold. Try not to get overheated. Avoid temperature extremes, such as saunas, hot tubs, or very hot or cold baths or showers. Dress warmly in cold weather.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

change in emotion or behavior such as feeling depressed, angry, or anxious
chest pain
difficulty breathing
difficulty swallowing
excessive thirst and/or hunger
fast or irregular heartbeat or palpitations
fever or chills, sore throat
frequently needing to urinate
inability to control muscle movements in the face, hands, arms, or legs
loss of balance or difficulty walking
prolonged erection
seizures
skin rash or hives
stiff muscles or jaw
tremor
uncontrollable movements or spasms of the face, tongue or mouth

weakness or loss of strength

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

constipation
drowsiness
headache
nausea or vomiting
upset stomach

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.