[Practical aspects of the use of ziprasidone in schizophrenia]

Ziprasidone is an atypical antipsychotic with affinity to the D2, 5HT2A, 5HT2C, 5HT1A, 5HT1B/1D receptors. It is available in both oral and intramuscular forms. It is well absorbed from the digestive tract and its absorption increases after the meal. Ziprasidone is used for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar manic states in doses 40-80 mg administered twice a day. The i.m. form should be given 40 mg/day only during three days. Ziprasidone shows similar an efficacy toward the positive symptoms as olanzapine. The i.m. form of ziprasidone showed better efficacy toward psychotic symptoms and lower risk for extrapyramidal symptoms than haloperidol. It is well tolerated. The most frequent side-effects are somnolence, nausea, and dyspepsia. The risk for metabolic side-effects was low. In some patients treated with ziprasidone, the prolongation of the QTc was noted.