Brand Name
Zeldox
Common Name
ziprasidone
In this drug factsheet:
DIN (Drug Identification Number)| 02298597 | ZELDOX 20 MG CAPSULE |
| 02298600 | ZELDOX 40 MG CAPSULE |
| 02298619 | ZELDOX 60 MG CAPSULE |
| 02298627 | ZELDOX 80 MG CAPSULE |
How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Ziprasidone belongs to the class of medications called antipsychotics. It is used to control the symptoms of schizophrenia and the manic phase of bipolar disorder. It works by adjusting the balance of chemicals in the brain that are involved in schizophrenia.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
How should I use this medication?
For the treatment of schizophrenia, the usual adult starting dose of ziprasidone is 40 mg twice daily, although a lower dose may be used. The dose can be increased gradually every 2 days up to 80 mg twice daily, as recommended by the doctor.
For the treatment of the manic phase of bipolar disorder, the recommended adult starting dose is 40 mg twice daily for 1 day, then increased to 60 mg or 80 mg twice daily.
For maintenance treatment, the lowest dose needed to control symptoms should be used.
The capsules should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. Take this medication with food at the same time every day.
Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
20 mg
Each size No. 4 blue or white opaque hard gelatin capsule, imprinted in black with "Pfizer" and "396" or "ZDX 20", contains ziprasidone hydrochloride, monohydrate equivalent to 20 mg of ziprasidone. Nonmedicinal ingredients: lactose monohydrate, pregelatinized starch, and magnesium stearate.
40 mg
Each size No. 4 blue or blue-opaque hard gelatin capsule, imprinted in black with "Pfizer" and "397" or "ZDX 40", contains ziprasidone hydrochloride, monohydrate equivalent to 40 mg of ziprasidone. Nonmedicinal ingredients: lactose monohydrate, pregelatinized starch, and magnesium stearate.
60 mg
Each size No. 3 white or white-opaque hard gelatin capsule, imprinted in black with "Pfizer" and "398" or "ZDX 60", contains ziprasidone hydrochloride, monohydrate equivalent to 60 mg of ziprasidone. Nonmedicinal ingredients: lactose monohydrate, pregelatinized starch, and magnesium stearate.
80 mg
Each size No. 2 blue or white-opaque hard gelatin capsule, imprinted in black with "Pfizer" and "399" or "ZDX 80", contains ziprasidone hydrochloride, monohydrate equivalent to 80 mg of ziprasidone. Nonmedicinal ingredients: lactose monohydrate, pregelatinized starch, and magnesium stearate.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Ziprasidone should not be taken by anyone who:
- is allergic to ziprasidone or to any of the ingredients of the medication
- is taking medications such as dofetilide, sotalol, quinidine, mesoridazine, thioridazine, chlorpromazine, droperidol, pimozide, sparfloxacin, gatifloxacin, moxifloxacin, halofantrine, mefloquine, pentamidine, arsenic trioxide, levomethadyl acetate, dolasetron mesylate, probucol, tacrolimus, or any other medication that can cause QT prolongation
- has or has a history of QT prolongation (including congenital long QT syndrome)
- has recently had a heart attack
- has severe heart failure
