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Printable Version Ziprasidone Injection

Active Ingredients: Ziprasidone
Other Names: Geodon Injection
Drug Class: Atypical Antipsychotics
Rx Status: Available by prescription only
Generic Available: No

What is/are Ziprasidone Injection?
What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine?
How should I use this medicine?
What if I miss a dose?
What may interact with this medicine?
What side effects may I notice from this medicine?
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Where should I keep this medicine?

What is/are Ziprasidone Injection? (Back to top)
ZIPRASIDONE 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 providers before I take this medicine? (Back to top)
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? (Back to top)
This medicine is for injection into a muscle. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

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? (Back to top)
This does not apply.


What may interact with this medicine? (Back to top)
Do not take this medicine with any of the following:

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

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers 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 side effects may I notice from this medicine? (Back to top)
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
  • breathing problems
  • change in emotion or behavior such as feeling depressed, angry, or anxious
  • chest pain
  • difficulty swallowing
  • excessive thirst and/or hunger
  • fast or irregular heartbeat or palpitations
  • fever
  • 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
  • stiff muscles or jaw
  • tremors
  • 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, vomiting
  • upset stomach

This list may not describe all possible side effects.


What should I watch for while using this medicine? (Back to top)
Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.

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.


Where should I keep this medicine? (Back to top)
This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.


Last Updated:May 24, 2006

COPYRIGHT© Gold Standard, An Elsevier Company


Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.

  Additional Information

  Check Drug Interactions with Ziprasidone Injection

  Test Yourself! If you currently take Ziprasidone Injection, do you know everything that you need to know?

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