🍽️ acetopromazine maleate salt,(prescription)

Antipsychotic Action: Acetopromazine maleate exerts its therapeutic effects primarily by antagonizing dopamine receptors in the brain, particularly the dopamine D2 receptors. By blocking dopamine neurotransmission, it helps alleviate psychotic symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking associated with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders.

Sedative and Calming Effects: Acetopromazine maleate possesses sedative and calming properties, which contribute to its use in managing acute agitation and aggression in psychiatric emergencies or in individuals with severe behavioral disturbances. It helps reduce agitation, anxiety, and hostility by exerting a tranquilizing effect on the central nervous system.

Antiemetic Effects: Acetopromazine maleate has antiemetic properties and may be used to alleviate nausea and vomiting, particularly in patients undergoing chemotherapy or experiencing motion sickness. Its antiemetic effects are attributed to its antagonism of dopamine receptors in the chemoreceptor trigger zone of the brain.

Management of Hiccups: Acetopromazine maleate has been used off-label for the management of intractable hiccups (persistent and uncontrollable hiccoughs) that do not respond to other treatments. Its ability to modulate dopamine neurotransmission in the central nervous system may help suppress the reflex arc involved in hiccup generation.

Dosage and Administration: Acetopromazine maleate is typically administered orally in the form of tablets or liquid formulations. The dosage and frequency of administration may vary depending on the patient's age, weight, medical condition, and response to treatment. It should be taken as directed by a healthcare professional to achieve optimal therapeutic effects.

Side Effects: Common side effects of acetopromazine maleate may include sedation, drowsiness, dizziness, orthostatic hypotension (drop in blood pressure upon standing), dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, and weight gain. These side effects are primarily due to its antagonism of various neurotransmitter receptors in the brain and peripheral tissues.

Extrapyramidal Symptoms: Like other antipsychotic medications, acetopromazine maleate may cause extrapyramidal side effects, including dystonia, akathisia, parkinsonism, and tardive dyskinesia. These movement disorders are associated with alterations in dopamine neurotransmission and may occur more frequently with long-term use or high doses of the medication.

Anticholinergic Effects: Acetopromazine maleate has anticholinergic properties and may cause side effects such as dry mouth, urinary retention, constipation, and blurred vision due to its inhibition of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. Patients should be monitored for anticholinergic symptoms, particularly elderly individuals or those with pre-existing cognitive impairment.

Cardiovascular Effects: Acetopromazine maleate may cause cardiovascular effects, including orthostatic hypotension, tachycardia, and QT interval prolongation. Patients with cardiovascular disease, hypotension, or arrhythmias may require careful monitoring during treatment to prevent adverse cardiovascular events.

Contraindications: Acetopromazine maleate is contraindicated in individuals with known hypersensitivity to the drug or its components, as well as those with severe central nervous system depression, coma, or circulatory collapse. It should be used with caution in patients with liver or kidney impairment and in elderly patients.