Asenapine (US brand name Saphris®) is a second-generation (“atypical”) antipsychotic. Here is basic information about this medication.
Here is basic information about this medication. Other articles on this website with more advanced information and tips related to this medication are linked to under Related Pages below.
FDA-approved indications
1. Schizophrenia
2. Acute treatment of manic and mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder (monotherapy)
3. Acute treatment of manic and mixed episodes associated with bipolar I disorder (adjunctive to lithium or valproate)
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 (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 link below) before prescribing this medication.
Related Pages
Second-Generation Antipsychotics: Dose Equivalents
Antipsychotics and QT prolongation
Antibiotics, Antipsychotics, and QTc Prolongation
What should I be doing to monitor patients who are on an antipsychotic?
Second-generation (“Atypical”) antipsychotics
References
Asenapine Prescribing Information
Copyright 2016, Rajnish Mago, MD. All rights reserved. May not be reproduced in any form without express written permission.
Disclaimer: The content on this website is provided as general education for medical professionals. It is not intended or recommended for patients or other laypersons or as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients must always consult a qualified health care professional regarding their diagnosis and treatment. Healthcare professionals should always check this website for the most recently updated information.
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