RISPERIDONE Antipsychotic
Availability1 Brand name Quick guide
Oral liquid 1 mg/mL Risperdal
Tablet, film-coated Ozidal, Rispa, Risperdal, 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg, 3 mg, 4 mg Rispericor, Rispernia, Rixadone
Effect of food Can be given without regard to food.1 Warnings If stopped suddenly may cause rapid relapse and withdrawal syndromes. Gradual dose reduction is recommended.2 Absorption Impaired absorption of risperidone has been reported when given by nasogastric tube.3 Dose changes Use the same dose if switching between the oral liquid and the tablet.1 Monitor for early signs of relapse when switching between dose forms and adjust the dose as needed. Other forms Risperdal Consta Long-acting injection. Oral risperidone is continued for 3 weeks after the first injection.1 Other May cause swallowing difficulties and increase the risk of aspiration.1 May cause dry mouth or hypersalivation.1
What to do for people with enteral feeding tubes
Option 1 Use the oral liquid. Stop the feed and flush the tube with 30 mL of water. Draw the required dose into an enteral syringe and dilute with at least an equal volume of water. Mix well and give into the enteral feeding tube. Flush the tube with 30 mL of water and restart the feed. Option 2 Disperse the tablet in 10–20 mL of water in an enteral syringe. The tablet will disperse within 2 minutes and in as little as 2.5 mL of water if necessary.4 See Method A for instructions. Option 3 If the enteral tube will be in place long term, the long-acting injection may be a suitable alternative. Consult the prescriber.
What to do for people with swallowing difficulties
Option 1 Use the oral liquid. Measure the dose using the oral dispenser provided in the pack. May be mixed with mineral water, orange juice, coffee or milk. Do not use tea or alcoholic drinks.5 Not suitable for people who cannot swallow thin fluids.6 Option 2 Disperse the tablet in a small amount of water. The tablet will disperse within 2 minutes.4 See Method D for instructions. If the person cannot swallow thin fluids, disperse the tablet in 2.5 mL of water and then mix with a spoonful of yoghurt or apple puree. Option 3 Risperidone depot injection may be a suitable option for some people. Consult the prescriber.
Don’t Rush to Crush 3rd Edition June 2019 Update 515 REFERENCES: 1. Product information. Available from www.tga.gov.au. Accessed 05/03/18. 2. Taylor D, Kapur S, Paton C. The Maudsley prescribing guidelines in psychiatry, 12th edition. Oxford: Wiley Blackwell; 2015. 3. Orolio G, Barbosa L, Imaz ML, Garcia L, Borrego S, Parellada E. Plasma levels of oral risperidone during enteral nutrition in a pregnant schizophrenic patient. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol 2015; 5: 133-7. 4. SHPA. Drug dispersion database; 2015. 5. Consumer medicine information. Available from www.tga.gov.au. Accessed 05/03/18. 6. SHPA. Data on file.
516 Don’t Rush to Crush 3rd Edition June 2019 Update