Abstract
Introduction
A transition from IM to oral formulation of an antipsychotic agent is often required
during the long-term management of schizophrenia. This multicenter trial evaluates
the IM/oral sequential administration of ziprasidone in agitated subjects with an
exacerbation of schizophrenia.
Methods
Adult patients requiring IM therapy for schizophrenic symptoms were assigned to IM
ziprasidone 10 mg for 3 days, followed by oral ziprasidone (initial dose: 80 mg/day)
for 8 weeks. The primary efficacy outcomes were the change in the total PANSS and
in the CGI-S scores vs. baseline values.
Results
In total, 150 patients were included in the study. A decline in the PANSS and CGI-S
scores was observed throughout the study (p<0.0001 vs. baseline): these reductions
became significant at the point of transition from IM to oral formulation (p<0.0001
vs. baseline).
Discussion
Even with the limitations of any non-comparative study, these results suggest that
the IM/oral sequential administration of ziprasidone is an effective and well tolerated
therapeutic option in the management of acute exacerbations of schizophrenia in agitated
patients.
Key words
acute exacerbation - antipsychotic agents - schizophrenia - transition - ziprasidone
