Asenapine

Brand Names: Asenapine

Drug Class: Atypical Antipsychotic

Overview

11 DESCRIPTION Asenapine sublingual tablet contains asenapine maleate which is an atypical antipsychotic that is available for sublingual administration. Asenapine belongs to the class dibenzo-oxepino pyrroles. The chemical designation is (3a RS ,12b RS )-5-Chloro-2-methyl-2,3,3a,12b-tetrahydro-1 H dibenzo[2,3:6,7]oxepino[4,5- c ]pyrrole (2 Z )-2 butenedioate (1:1).

Mechanism of Action

12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 12.1 Mechanism of Action The mechanism of action of asenapine in bipolar I disorder is unknown. 12.2 Pharmacodynamics Asenapine exhibits high affinity for serotonin 5-HT 1A , 5-HT 1B , 5-HT 2A , 5-HT 2B , 5-HT 2C , 5-HT 5A , 5-HT 6 , and 5-HT 7 receptors (Ki values of 2.5, 2.7, 0.07, 0.18, 0.03, 1.6, 0.25, and 0.11 nM, respectively), dopamine D 2A , D 2B , D 3 , D 4 , and D 1 receptors (Ki values of 1.3, 1.4, 0.42, 1.1, and 1.4 nM, respectively), α 1A , α 2A , α 2B , and α 2C -adrenergic receptors (Ki values of 1.2, 1.2, 0.33 and 1.2 nM, respectively), and histamine H 1 receptors (Ki value 1 nM), and moderate affinity for H 2 receptors (Ki value of 6.2 nM). In in vitro assays asenapine acts as an antagonist at these receptors.

Indications

  • 1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Asenapine is indicated for: • Bipolar I disorder [see Clinical Studies (14.2)] • Acute monotherapy of manic or mixed episodes, in pediatric patients 10 to 17 years of age • Adjunctive treatment to lithium or valproate in adults Asenapine is an atypical antipsychotic indicated for ( 1 ): Bipolar I disorder o Acute monotherapy treatment of manic or mixed episodes, in pediatric patients 10 to 17 years of age o Adjunctive treatment to lithium or valproate in adults

Common Doses

  • 2.5 mg
  • 10 mg
  • 5 mg

Dosage

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Starting Dose Recommended Dose Maximum Dose Bipolar mania – pediatric patients (10 to 17 years): monotherapy ( 2.3 ) 2.5 mg sublingually twice daily 2.5 to 10 mg sublingually twice daily 10 mg sublingually twice daily Bipolar mania – adults: as an adjunct to lithium or valproate ( 2.3 ) 5 mg sublingually twice daily 5 to 10 mg sublingually twice daily 10 mg sublingually twice daily • Do not swallow tablet. Asenapine sublingual tablets should be placed under the tongue and left to dissolve completely. The tablet will dissolve in saliva within seconds.

Black Box Warning

WARNING: INCREASED MORTALITY IN ELDERLY PATIENTS WITH DEMENTIA-RELATED PSYCHOSIS Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with antipsychotic drugs are at an increased risk of death. Asenapine is not approved for the treatment of patients with dementia-related psychosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1, 5.2)]. WARNING: INCREASED MORTALITY IN ELDERLY PATIENTS WITH DEMENTIA-RELATED PSYCHOSIS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with antipsychotic drugs are at an increased risk of death.

Contraindications

  • 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Asenapine is contraindicated in patients with: Severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C) [see Specific Populations (8.7), Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)] . A history of hypersensitivity reactions to asenapine. Reactions have included anaphylaxis, angioedema, hypotension, tachycardia, swollen tongue, dyspnea, wheezing and rash [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6), Adverse Reactions (6)] . • Severe hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh C). ( 8.7 , 12.3 ) • Known hypersensitivity to asenapine, or to any components in the formulation. ( 4 , 5.6 , 17 )

Side Effects

  • 6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed in more detail in other sections of the labeling: Use in Elderly Patients with Dementia-Related Psychosis [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions (5.1 and 5.2)] Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3)] Tardive Dyskinesia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4)] Metabolic Changes [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5)] Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Contraindications, Warnings and Precautions (5.6)] Orthostatic Hypotension, Syncope, and other Hemodynamic Effects [see Warnings and Precautions (5.

Interactions

  • 7 DRUG INTERACTIONS • Antihypertensive Drugs: Asenapine may cause hypotension. ( 5.7 , 7.1 , 12.3 ) • Paroxetine (CYP2D6 substrate and inhibitor): Reduce paroxetine by half when used in combination with asenapine. ( 7.1 , 12.3 ) 7.1 Drugs Having Clinically Important Drug Interactions with Asenapine Table 12: Clinically Important Drug Interactions with Asenapine Concomitant Drug Name or Drug Class Clinical Rationale Clinical Recommendation Antihypertensive Drugs Because of its α 1 -adrenergic antagonism with potential for inducing hypotension, asenapine may enhance the effects of certain...