Pipotiazine undecylenate

Pipotiazine undecylenate is a typical antipsychotic drug of the phenothiazine class. It is a long-acting, injectable derivative of pipotiazine, and is used in the treatment of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders.

Pharmacology

Pipotiazine undecylenate acts primarily as a dopamine antagonist, blocking the D2 receptor in the brain. This action is believed to be responsible for its antipsychotic effects. It also has anticholinergic and antihistaminic properties, which can lead to side effects such as dry mouth and sedation.

Clinical Use

Pipotiazine undecylenate is administered via intramuscular injection, and its effects can last for several weeks. This makes it particularly useful in patients who have difficulty adhering to a daily medication regimen. It is used primarily in the treatment of schizophrenia, but may also be used in other psychotic disorders where symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia are present.

Side Effects

Common side effects of pipotiazine undecylenate include drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, and constipation. More serious side effects can include tardive dyskinesia, a movement disorder characterized by involuntary movements of the face and body, and neuroleptic malignant syndrome, a rare but potentially life-threatening reaction to antipsychotic drugs.

History

Pipotiazine undecylenate was first synthesized in the 1960s as part of a series of phenothiazine derivatives. It is not widely used today, having been largely replaced by newer atypical antipsychotics which have a more favorable side effect profile.

See Also

• Phenothiazine
• Typical antipsychotic
• Schizophrenia