Here is the full, brand-free overview of Risperidone Long-Acting Injection 37.5 mg:
💉 Risperidone Long-Acting Injection (37.5 mg)
✅ DESCRIPTION
Risperidone Long-Acting Injectable (LAI) 37.5 mg is a second-generation antipsychotic administered intramuscularly once every 2 weeks. It is used for the long-term treatment of schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders. This depot formulation ensures steady medication delivery, aiding patients who struggle with daily oral compliance.
🧪 FORMULATION
- Active Ingredient: Risperidone 37.5 mg
- Dosage Form: Powder for injection + diluent (microsphere suspension)
- Route of Administration: Intramuscular (IM)
- Packaging: Dual-component vial/syringe kit (powder + diluent)
🌿 NATURE
- Pharmacological Class: Atypical antipsychotic
- Mechanism of Action:
- Blocks dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors
- Reduces psychotic symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, aggression, and thought disorder
💊 USES
- Maintenance treatment of schizophrenia
- Long-term psychotic disorders in adults
- Bipolar disorder (off-label or adjunctive use)
Suitable for:
- Patients with poor adherence to oral meds
- Patients at high risk of relapse
🌟 ADVANTAGES
- Steady plasma concentration → improved symptom control
- Reduced relapse and hospitalization
- Better compliance (once in 2 weeks)
- Lower risk of sudden symptom worsening
- Monitored treatment in clinical settings
📌 DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION
| Strength | Frequency |
|---|---|
| 37.5 mg | Every 2 weeks |
| Adjustments | May increase to 50 mg or decrease to 25 mg based on response |
- Initial Treatment:
- Continue oral risperidone for 3 weeks after 1st injection
- Injection Sites:
- Gluteal or deltoid muscle only
- Never administer intravenously
- Shake well and use immediately after reconstitution
⚠️ PRECAUTIONS
Common Side Effects:
- Weight gain, fatigue
- Headache, restlessness
- Injection site pain
- Increased prolactin → menstrual/sexual dysfunction
Serious Risks:
- Extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), dystonia
- Tardive dyskinesia
- Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (rare but fatal)
- Increased stroke risk in elderly with dementia
Contraindications:
- Hypersensitivity to risperidone or formulation components
- Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis
Caution in:
- Hepatic/renal impairment
- Cardiovascular disease
- Patients prone to seizures
🧊 STORAGE
- Store at 2°C to 8°C (refrigerator)
- Do not freeze
- Protect from direct light
- Use soon after mixing
- Keep away from children