Generic
Amisulpride
9 brands available in the market
At a glance
Amisulpride is an atypical antipsychotic used for the treatment of acute and chronic schizophrenia. It selectively blocks dopamine D2 and D3 receptors to control both positive and negative symptoms.
Description
Amisulpride is an atypical antipsychotic used for both acute and chronic schizophrenia. It selectively binds to human dopaminergic D2 and D3 receptors with no affinity for D1, D4 and D5 receptor subtypes. It blocks pre-synaptic D2/D3 dopamine receptors to increase dopamine release. With low affinity for serotonin, alpha-adrenergic and histamine receptors, it causes fewer side effects compared to classical antipsychotics.
Indications
Schizophrenia (acute and chronic) with prominent positive symptoms (delusions, hallucinations, thought disorders) and/or negative symptoms (blunted affect, social withdrawal).
Therapeutic class
Atypical Neuroleptic
Pharmacological class
Selective Dopamine D2/D3 Receptor Antagonist
Pharmacology
Amisulpride is an atypical antipsychotic that selectively binds to dopaminergic D2 and D3 receptors. It blocks pre-synaptic D2/D3 receptors to increase dopamine release. With low affinity for serotonin, alpha-adrenergic and histamine receptors, it causes fewer side effects compared to classical antipsychotics. It does not induce catalepsy and does not produce D2 hypersensitivity after repeated use.
Mechanism of action
Amisulpride controls schizophrenia symptoms by blocking dopamine D2 and D3 receptors in the brain, reducing hallucinations, delusions, thought disorders (positive symptoms) and emotional withdrawal, social withdrawal (negative symptoms).
Dosage
Oral: Acute psychotic episodes: 400-800 mg/day (divided doses), max 1200 mg/day. Mixed positive-negative symptoms: adjust based on positive symptom control. Predominant negative symptoms: 50-300 mg once daily. Elderly: dose reduction may be needed. Children (under 18): not recommended. Injection (PONV): Prevention: 5 mg IV (1-2 min) at anesthesia induction; Treatment: 10 mg IV (1-2 min) for nausea/vomiting.
Administration
May be taken before or after meals (preferably before meals). Take at the same time each day. Swallow tablet whole; do not chew. Renal adjustment: CrCl 30-60 mL/min: half dose; CrCl 10-30 mL/min: one-third dose.
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not double the dose.
Side effects
Common: Tremor, muscle stiffness or spasm, slow movement, excess saliva, restlessness, uncontrolled movements (head, neck, jaw or eyes), insomnia, anxiety, agitation, drowsiness, constipation, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, weight gain, low blood pressure, dizziness, blurred vision, increased prolactin. Rare: Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS), seizures, osteoporosis, aspiration pneumonia.
Precautions & warnings
Do not stop suddenly without consulting your doctor (withdrawal symptoms may occur). Caution while driving (drowsiness and dizziness). Avoid alcohol completely (increases CNS depression). Weight gain, blood sugar and cholesterol may increase; healthy diet and exercise are recommended. Dose adjustment needed in kidney disease. Do not use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to amisulpride; prolactin-dependent tumors (prolactinoma, breast cancer); pheochromocytoma; children before puberty; pregnancy and lactation; concomitant use with Class I and II antiarrhythmics.
Drug interactions
CNS depressants (alcohol, narcotics, anesthetics, benzodiazepines): increased sedation. Antihypertensives: increased hypotensive effect. Other antipsychotics: increased risk of NMS. Clozapine: increased amisulpride plasma levels. Quinidine, amiodarone, sotalol: may prolong QT interval. Levodopa: reduced efficacy.
Food interactions
Alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited (increases CNS depression).
Use in pregnancy
Pregnancy Category: C. Safety of amisulpride during pregnancy has not been established; use only if clearly needed with medical advice.
Pregnancy Category: C — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Use in lactation
Amisulpride is excreted in breast milk; use during breastfeeding is contraindicated.
Pediatric use
Under 18 years: Safety and efficacy have not been established. If absolutely required, adolescents 15-18 years should be treated under the supervision of a physician experienced in schizophrenia.
Geriatric use
Use with caution in elderly patients (higher risk of hypotension or sedation).
Renal / hepatic impairment
Renal impairment: CrCl 30-60 mL/min: half dose; CrCl 10-30 mL/min: one-third dose; CrCl <10 mL/min: caution required (no experience). Hepatic impairment: No dose adjustment needed (weakly metabolized).
Overdose effects
Overdose symptoms: drowsiness, sedation, hypotension, extrapyramidal symptoms, coma. Treatment: symptomatic and supportive measures.
Storage conditions
Store below 30C in a cool and dry place, protected from light. Keep out of reach of children.
Chemical structure
C17H27N3O4S (Molecular weight: 369.48 g/mol)