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Sertindole in schizophrenia: efficacy and safety issues
Maria Rosaria Anna Muscatello1, Antonio Bruno, Paolo Micali Bellinghieri
1University of Messina, Department of Neurosciences, Section of Psychiatry , Policlinico Universitario, Via Consolare Valeria - Messina 98125 , Italy +39 090 22212092 ; +39 090 695136 ; antonio.bruno@unime.it.
Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy
|August 2, 2014
Summary
Sertindole shows benefits for schizophrenia symptoms, including negative and cognitive aspects, and relapse prevention. However, careful cardiac monitoring is essential due to dose-related QT-interval prolongation.
Area of Science:
- Psychopharmacology
- Clinical Psychiatry
- Drug Safety
Background:
- Antipsychotic drugs for schizophrenia have limitations in treating negative/cognitive symptoms and adherence.
- Sertindole, a dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2A/2C receptor antagonist, was previously withdrawn but is now available.
- It exhibits a low risk of extrapyramidal symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, safety, tolerability, and cost-effectiveness of sertindole.
- To assess sertindole's role in schizophrenia treatment based on available literature.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of PubMed from 1990 to 2014.
- Analysis of studies on sertindole's efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness.
Main Results:
- Sertindole demonstrated positive effects on positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia.
- It also showed efficacy in preventing relapse.
- A dose-related QT-interval prolongation was observed, necessitating electrocardiogram monitoring.
Conclusions:
- Sertindole offers benefits for schizophrenia symptom management and relapse prevention.
- Prescribing sertindole requires careful consideration of cardiac history and potential drug interactions.
- Further head-to-head trials and cardiac safety research are needed to define sertindole's optimal role.
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