This article was last reviewed/ updated on January 17, 2023.
Asenapine (US brand name Saphris®) is a second-generation (“atypical”) antipsychotic.
FDA-approved indications
1. Schizophrenia in adults
2. Bipolar I disorder
- Acute monotherapy treatment of manic or mixed episodes, in adults and pediatric patients 10 to 17 years of age
- Adjunctive treatment to lithium or valproate in adults
- Maintenance monotherapy treatment in adults
Pharmacokinetics
– Asenapine is metabolized by UGT1A4 (glucuronidation) and cytochrome P450 1A2 (oxidation).
– Its mean half-life is approximately 24 hours.
Dosage
Schizophrenia—acute treatment in adults
- Starting: 5 mg sublingually twice daily
- Recommended: 5 mg sublingually twice daily
- Maximum: 10 mg sublingually twice daily
Schizophrenia—maintenance treatment in adults
- Starting: 5 mg sublingually twice daily
- Recommended: 5–10 mg sublingually twice daily
- Maximum: 10 mg sublingually twice daily
Bipolar mania—adults (acute and maintenance monotherapy)
- Starting: 10 mg sublingually twice daily
- Recommended: 5–10 mg sublingually twice daily
- Maximum: 10 mg sublingually twice daily
Bipolar mania—children 10 to 17 yrs (monotherapy)
- Starting: 2.5 mg sublingually twice daily
- Recommended: 2.5–10 mg sublingually twice daily
- Maximum: 10 mg sublingually twice daily
Bipolar mania—adults (adjunct to lithium or valproate)
- Starting: 5 mg sublingually twice daily
- Recommended: 5–10 mg sublingually twice daily
- Maximum: 10 mg sublingually twice daily
General Instructions
1. Sublingual tablets should not be swallowed.
2. Sublingual tablets should be placed under the tongue and left to dissolve completely.
3. Eating and drinking should be avoided for 10 minutes after administration.
Dosage forms and strengths
Sublingual tablets: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, and 10 mg
Important! Please refer to the full Prescribing Information (see the link below) before prescribing this medication.
Related Pages
Second-generation (“atypical”) antipsychotics (List)
Second-generation antipsychotics: Dose equivalents
The patient who “demands” TWO antipsychotics
What should I be doing to monitor patients who are on an antipsychotic?
Main menu: Treatments
References
Asenapine Prescribing Information
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