Target Audience: Pharmacist, Pharmacy Technician
1.5 Credits
Activity Release Date: 12/3/2021 12:00:00 AM
Activity Expiration Date: 12/13/2024 12:00:00 AM
Pharmacology
Course Summary
Asenapine is a second-generation, atypical, antipsychotic medication that is known to be effective in the treatment of acute manic or mixed episodes for adults and children with bipolar I disorder, and adults with schizophrenia. It is administered as a fast-dissolving, sublingual tablet twice daily. Asenapine is also available as a transdermal system with once daily application. The transdermal formulation is currently approved only for treating adults with schizophrenia. Retrospective reviews of asenapine administration in all age groups suggest that asenapine is a useful psychotropic agent because of its ease of use as a dissolvable sublingual tablet. Pediatric patients diagnosed with severe mixed mood states who require antipsychotic treatment for symptom control may benefit from asenapine as a non-invasive agent; however, more research is needed to determine the efficacy of asenapine as compared to other psychotropic medications in this patient population. Asenapine comes with labeled warnings and contraindications similar to other antipsychotics, especially in the elderly and in patients with comorbid health conditions.
Course Objectives
- Describe the basic pharmacological profile, use and clinical outcomes of asenapine treatment
- Identify the dosing and uses for asenapine
- Compare the benefits and risks of asenapine use for patients with chronic mental illness compared to other antipsychotics
- Identify the contraindications and potential side effects of asenapine
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Course Syllabus
I. Introduction
II. Pharmacological Profile and Mechanism of Action
III. Dosing Recommendations for Asenapine
1. Bipolar I Disorder
2. Schizophrenia
3. Dosing Adjustments: Geriatrics, Renal and Hepatic Impairment
4. Drug-Drug Interactions
IV. Asenapine Treatment for Psychiatric Conditions
- Bipolar I Disorder
- Schizophrenia
V. Adverse Effects, Contraindications and Warnings
- Elderly and Dementia
- Temperature Regulation
- Orthostatic Hypotension and Cardiovascular Conditions
- Hematologic
- Central Nervous System
- Weight Gain, Hyperglycemia, and Dyslipidemia
- Hyperprolactinemia
- Gastrointestinal
- Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)
- Suicidal Behavior
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
VI. Asenapine Case Studies
- Case Study 1: Bipolar I Disorder with Mania
- Case Study 2: Bipolar I Disorder
VII. Summary