Products
Aripiprazollauroxil was newly approved in the United States in 2015 as a suspension for injection (Aristada). It has not yet been registered in many countries.
Structure and properties
Aripiprazollauroxil (C36H51Cl2N3O4, Mr = 660.7 g/mol) is the ester of -hydroxymethyl aripiprazole and lauric acid. Aripiprazollauroxil is a prodrug of aripiprazole (Abilify, generic). Unlike oral aripiprazole, aripiprazollauroxil has a much longer half-life of up to 35 days.
Effects
Aripiprazollauroxil has antipsychotic properties. The effects are attributed in part to partial agonism at dopamine D2 receptors and serotonin-5HT1a receptors and an antagonism at serotonin-5HT2a receptors. In addition, aripiprazole also interacts with other neurotransmitter systems.
Indications
For the treatment of schizophrenia.
Dosage
According to the drug label. The suspension is usually injected intramuscularly every four weeks.
