Paliperidone ER: efficacia nella gestione in acuto e nel mantenimento per la schizofrenia?

Abstract

Introduction

Paliperidone, the major active metabolite of the atypical antipsychotic (AA) risperidone, is available in an oral extended-release (ER) formulation and is indicated for the acute and maintenance treatment of schizophrenia in adults.

Materials and methods

This article overviews the recommended dosing strategies for the treatment of schizophrenic patients in acute and chronic care settings. The efficacy, safety, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, drug-drug interactions, and administration of paliperidone for schizophrenia are reviewed.

Results

Paliperidone's advanced-generation osmotic release delivery system makes it possible to avoid dosage adjustments when initiating therapy, and it may decrease the frequency of antidopaminergic effects that can occur with an immediate-release formulation. The recommended dose of paliperidone for the treatment of adults with schizophrenia is 6 mg every morning. Patients that receive daily doses ranging from 3 to 12 mg displayed generalized symptom improvement on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and improved functioning on the Personal and Social Performance Scale.

Discussion

Paliperidone ER is a useful option in the treatment and prevention of the acute symptoms of schizophrenia. It may also be of use in patients with non-acute disease, including those previously treated unsuccessfully with other oral antipsychotics.