Risperdal Drug Information

Schizophrenia Adults Usual Initial Dose RISPERDAL can be administered once or twice daily. Initial dosing is 2 mg per day. In some patients, slower titration may be appropriate.

Efficacy has been demonstrated in a range of 4 mg to 16 mg per day. However, doses above 6 mg per day for twice daily dosing were not demonstrated to be more efficacious than lower doses, were associated with more extrapyramidal symptoms and other adverse effects, and are generally not recommended. In a single study supporting once-daily dosing, the efficacy results were generally stronger for 8 mg than for 4 mg.

The safety of doses above 16 mg per day has not been evaluated in clinical trials. Adolescents The initial dose is 0.5 mg once daily, administered as a single-daily dose in the morning or evening. Although efficacy has been demonstrated in studies of adolescent patients with schizophrenia at doses between 1 mg to 6 mg per day, no additional benefit was observed above 3 mg per day, and higher doses were associated with more adverse events.

Doses higher than 6 mg per day have not been studied. Patients experiencing persistent somnolence may benefit from administering half the daily dose twice daily. Maintenance Therapy While it is unknown how long a patient with schizophrenia should remain on RISPERDAL, the effectiveness of RISPERDAL 2 mg per day to 8 mg per day at delaying relapse was demonstrated in a controlled trial in adult patients who had been clinically stable for at least 4 weeks and were then followed for a period of 1 to 2 years.

Both adult and adolescent patients who respond acutely should generally be maintained on their effective dose beyond the acute episode. Patients should be periodically reassessed to determine the need for maintenance treatment. Reinitiation of Treatment in Patients Previously Discontinued Although there are no data to specifically address reinitiation of treatment, it is recommended that after an interval off RISPERDAL, the initial titration schedule should be followed.

Switching From Other Antipsychotics There are no systematically collected data to specifically address switching schizophrenic patients from other antipsychotics to RISPERDAL, or treating patients with concomitant antipsychotics.

Bipolar Mania Usual Dose Adults

The initial dose range is 2 mg to 3 mg per day. The dose may be adjusted at intervals of 24 hours or greater, in increments of 1 mg per day. The effective dose range is 1 mg to 6 mg per day, as studied in the short-term, placebo-controlled trials.

In these trials, short-term (3 week) anti-manic efficacy was demonstrated in a flexible dosage range of 1 mg to 6 mg per day. RISPERDAL doses higher than 6 mg per day were not studied. Although efficacy has been demonstrated in studies of pediatric patients with bipolar mania at doses between 0.5 mg and 6 mg per day, no additional benefit was observed above 2.5 mg per day, and higher doses were associated with more adverse events.

Maintenance Therapy There is no body of evidence available from controlled trials to guide a clinician in the longer-term management of a patient who improves during treatment of an acute manic episode with RISPERDAL. While it is generally agreed that pharmacological treatment beyond an acute response in mania is desirable, both for maintenance of the initial response and for prevention of new manic episodes, there are no systematically obtained data to support the use of RISPERDAL in such longer-term treatment (i.e., beyond 3 weeks). The physician who elects to use RISPERDAL for extended periods should periodically re-evaluate the long-term risks and benefits of the drug for the individual patient.

Irritability Associated with Autistic Disorder – Pediatrics (Children and Adolescents) The dosage of RISPERDAL should be individualized according to the response and tolerability of the patient. The total daily dose of RISPERDAL can be administered once daily, or half the total daily dose can be administered twice daily. For patients with body weight less than 20 kg, initiate dosing at 0.25 mg per day.

For patients with body weight greater than or equal to 20 kg, initiate dosing at 0.5 mg per day. After a minimum of four days, the dose may be increased to the recommended dose of 0.5 mg per day for patients less than 20 kg and 1.0 mg per day for patients greater than or equal to 20 kg. Maintain this dose for a minimum of 14 days.

In patients not achieving sufficient clinical response, the dose may be increased at intervals of 2 weeks or greater, in increments of 0.25 mg per day for patients less than 20 kg, or increments of 0.5 mg per day for patients greater than or equal to 20 kg. The effective dose range is 0.5 mg to 3 mg per day. No dosing data are available for children who weigh less than 15 kg.

Once sufficient clinical response has been achieved and maintained, consider gradually lowering the dose to achieve the optimal balance of efficacy and safety.

Dosing in Patients with Severe Renal or Hepatic Impairment

For patients with severe renal impairment (Clcr< 30 mL/min) or hepatic impairment (10–15 points on Child Pugh System), the initial starting dose is 0.5 mg twice daily. The dose may be increased in increments of 0.5 mg or less, administered twice daily. For doses above 1.5 mg twice daily, increase in intervals of one week or greater.

Dose Adjustments for Specific Drug Interactions When RISPERDAL is co-administered with enzyme inducers (e.g., carbamazepine), the dose of RISPERDAL should be increased up to double the patient's usual dose. It may be necessary to decrease the RISPERDAL dose when enzyme inducers such as carbamazepine are discontinued. Similar effect may be expected with co-administration of RISPERDAL with other enzyme inducers (e.g., phenytoin, rifampin, and phenobarbital).

When fluoxetine or paroxetine is co-administered with RISPERDAL, the dose of RISPERDAL should be reduced. The RISPERDAL dose should not exceed 8 mg per day in adults when co-administered with these drugs. When initiating therapy, RISPERDAL should be titrated slowly.

It may be necessary to increase the RISPERDAL dose when enzyme inhibitors such as fluoxetine or paroxetine are discontinued.

Administration of RISPERDAL Oral Solution RISPERDAL Oral Solution can be administered directly from the calibrated oral dosing syringe, or can be mixed with a beverage prior to administration. RISPERDAL Oral Solution is compatible in the following beverages: water, coffee, orange juice, and low-fat milk; it is NOT compatible with either cola or tea.

Directions for Use of RISPERDAL M-TAB Orally Disintegrating Tablets Tablet Accessing RISPERDAL M-TAB Orally Disintegrating Tablets 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg RISPERDAL M-TAB Orally Disintegrating Tablets 0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg are supplied in blister packs of 4 tablets each. Do not open the blister until ready to administer. For single tablet removal, separate one of the four blister units by tearing apart at the perforations.

Bend the corner where indicated. Peel back foil to expose the tablet. DO NOT push the tablet through the foil because this could damage the tablet.

The child-resistant pouch should be torn open at the notch to access the blister. Peel back foil from the side to expose the tablet. Tablet Administration Using dry hands, remove the tablet from the blister unit and immediately place the entire RISPERDAL M-TAB Orally Disintegrating Tablet on the tongue.

The RISPERDAL M-TAB Orally Disintegrating Tablet should be consumed immediately, as the tablet cannot be stored once removed from the blister unit. RISPERDAL M-TAB Orally Disintegrating Tablets disintegrate in the mouth within seconds and can be swallowed subsequently with or without liquid. Patients should not attempt to split or to chew the tablet.

Clinical Trials Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in clinical practice. Commonly-Observed Adverse Reactions in Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trials – Schizophrenia Adult Patients with Schizophrenia Table 8 lists the adverse reactions reported in 2% or more of RISPERDAL-treated adult patients with schizophrenia in three 4- to 8-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. Table 8.

Table 9. Adverse Reactions in ≥5% of RISPERDAL-Treated Pediatric Patients (and greater than placebo) with Schizophrenia in a Double-Blind Trial -Controlled Clinical Trials – Bipolar Mania Adult Patients with Bipolar Mania Table 10 lists the adverse reactions reported in 2% or more of RISPERDAL-treated adult patients with bipolar mania in four 3-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled monotherapy trials. Table 10.

Table 11. Table 12. Adverse Reactions in ≥5% of RISPERDAL-Treated Pediatric Patients (and greater than placebo) with Bipolar Mania in Double-Blind, -Controlled Clinical Trials - Autistic Disorder Table 13 lists the adverse reactions reported in 5% or more of RISPERDAL-treated pediatric patients treated for irritability associated with autistic disorder in two 8-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials and one 6-week double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Table 13. Adverse Reactions in ≥5% of RISPERDAL-Treated Pediatric Patients (and greater than placebo) Treated for Irritability Associated with Autistic Disorder in Double-Blind, s Observed During the Clinical Trial Evaluation of Risperidone The following additional adverse reactions occurred across all placebo-controlled, active-controlled, and open-label studies of RISPERDAL in adults and pediatric patients. Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders: anemia, granulocytopenia, neutropenia Cardiac Disorders: sinus bradycardia, sinus tachycardia, atrioventricular block first degree, bundle branch block left, bundle branch block right, atrioventricular block Ear and Labyrinth Disorders: ear pain, tinnitus Endocrine Disorders: hyperprolactinemia Eye Disorders: ocular hyperemia, eye discharge, conjunctivitis, eye rolling, eyelid edema, eye swelling, eyelid margin crusting, dry eye, lacrimation increased, photophobia, glaucoma, visual acuity reduced Gastrointestinal Disorders: dysphagia, fecaloma, fecal incontinence, gastritis, lip swelling, cheilitis, aptyalism General Disorders: edema peripheral, thirst, gait disturbance, influenza-like illness, pitting edema, edema, chills, sluggishness, malaise, chest discomfort, face edema, discomfort, generalized edema, drug withdrawal syndrome, peripheral coldness, feeling abnormal Immune System Disorders: drug hypersensitivity Infections and Infestations: pneumonia, influenza, ear infection, viral infection, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, bronchitis, eye infection, localized infection, cystitis, cellulitis, otitis media, onychomycosis, acarodermatitis, bronchopneumonia, respiratory tract infection, tracheobronchitis, otitis media chronic Investigations: body temperature increased, blood prolactin increased, alanine aminotransferase increased, electrocardiogram abnormal, eosinophil count increased, white blood cell count decreased, blood glucose increased, hemoglobin decreased, hematocrit decreased, body temperature decreased, blood pressure decreased, transaminases increased Metabolism and Nutrition Disorders: decreased appetite, polydipsia, anorexia Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders: joint stiffness, joint swelling, musculoskeletal chest pain, posture abnormal, myalgia, neck pain, muscular weakness, rhabdomyolysis Nervous System Disorders: balance disorder, disturbance in attention, dysarthria, unresponsive to stimuli, depressed level of consciousness, movement disorder, transient ischemic attack, coordination abnormal, cerebrovascular accident, speech disorder, syncope, loss of consciousness, hypoesthesia, tardive dyskinesia, dyskinesia, cerebral ischemia, cerebrovascular disorder, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, diabetic coma, head titubation Psychiatric Disorders: agitation, blunted affect, confusional state, middle insomnia, nervousness, sleep disorder, listlessness, libido decreased, and anorgasmia Renal and Urinary Disorders: enuresis, dysuria, pollakiuria, urinary incontinence Reproductive System and Breast Disorders: menstruation irregular, amenorrhea, gynecomastia, galactorrhea, vaginal discharge, menstrual disorder, erectile dysfunction, retrograde ejaculation, ejaculation disorder, sexual dysfunction, breast enlargement Respiratory, Thoracic, and Mediastinal Disorders: wheezing, pneumonia aspiration, sinus congestion, dysphonia, productive cough, pulmonary congestion, respiratory tract congestion, rales, respiratory disorder, hyperventilation, nasal edema Skin and Subcutaneous Tissue Disorders: erythema, skin discoloration, skin lesion, pruritus, skin disorder, rash erythematous, rash papular, rash generalized, rash maculopapular, acne, hyperkeratosis, seborrheic dermatitis Vascular Disorders: hypotension, flushing Additional Adverse Reactions Reported with RISPERDAL CONSTA The following is a list of additional adverse reactions that have been reported during the premarketing evaluation of RISPERDAL CONSTA, regardless of frequency of occurrence: Cardiac Disorders: bradycardia Ear and Labyrinth Disorders: vertigo Eye Disorders: blepharospasm Gastrointestinal Disorders: toothache, tongue spasm General Disorders and Administration Site Conditions: pain Infections and Infestations: lower respiratory tract infection, infection, gastroenteritis, subcutaneous abscess Injury and Poisoning: fall Investigations: weight decreased, gamma-glutamyltransferase increased, hepatic enzyme increased Musculoskeletal, Connective Tissue, and Bone Disorders: buttock pain -treated patients in double-blind, placebo-controlled trials discontinued treatment due to an adverse reaction, compared with 4% (10/225) who were receiving placebo.

The adverse reactions associated with discontinuation in 2 or more RISPERDAL-treated patients were: Table 14. Adverse Reactions Associated With Discontinuation in 2 or More RISPERDAL-Treated Adult Patients in Schizophrenia Trials Discontinuation for extrapyramidal symptoms (including Parkinsonism, akathisia, dystonia, and tardive dyskinesia) was 1% in placebo-treated patients, and 3.4% in active control-treated patients in a double-blind, placebo- and active-controlled trial. Adverse Reactions Associated With Discontinuation in 2 or More RISPERDAL-Treated Adult Patients in Bipolar Mania Clinical Trials Bipolar Mania - Pediatrics In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial 12% (13/111) of RISPERDAL-treated patients discontinued due to an adverse reaction, compared with 7% (4/58) of placebo-treated patients.

Autistic Disorder - Pediatrics In the two 8-week, placebo-controlled trials in pediatric patients treated for irritability associated with autistic disorder (n=156), one RISPERDAL-treated patient discontinued due to an adverse reaction (Parkinsonism), and one placebo-treated patient discontinued due to an adverse event. Dose Dependency of Adverse Reactions in Clinical Trials Extrapyramidal Symptoms Data from two fixed-dose trials in adults with schizophrenia provided evidence of dose-relatedness for extrapyramidal symptoms associated with RISPERDAL treatment. Two methods were used to measure extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) in an 8-week trial comparing 4 fixed doses of RISPERDAL mg/day, including a Parkinsonism score (mean change from baseline) from the Extrapyramidal Symptom Rating Scale, and incidence of spontaneous complaints of EPS: Table Similar methods were used to measure extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) in an 8-week trial comparing 5 fixed doses of Class Effect: Symptoms of dystonia, prolonged abnormal contractions of muscle groups, may occur in susceptible individuals during the first few days of treatment.

Dystonic symptoms include: spasm of the neck muscles, sometimes progressing to tightness of the throat, swallowing difficulty, difficulty breathing, and/or protrusion of the tongue. While these symptoms can occur at low doses, they occur more frequently and with greater severity with high potency and at higher doses of first generation antipsychotic drugs. An elevated risk of acute dystonia is observed in males and younger age groups.

Other Adverse Reactions Adverse event data elicited by a checklist for side effects from a large study comparing 5 fixed doses of RISPERDAL mg/day were explored for dose-relatedness of adverse events. A Cochran-Armitage Test for trend in these data revealed a positive trend (p<0.05) for the following adverse reactions: somnolence, vision abnormal, dizziness, palpitations, weight increase, erectile dysfunction, ejaculation disorder, sexual function abnormal, fatigue, and skin discoloration. Changes in Body Weight Weight gain was observed in short-term, controlled trials and longer-term uncontrolled studies in adult and pediatric patients.

Changes in ECG Parameters Between-group comparisons for pooled placebo-controlled trials in adults revealed no statistically significant differences between risperidone and placebo in mean changes from baseline in ECG parameters, including QT, QTc, and PR intervals, and heart rate. When all RISPERDAL doses were pooled from randomized controlled trials in several indications, there was a mean increase in heart rate of 1 beat per minute compared to no change for placebo patients. In short-term schizophrenia trials, higher doses of risperidone (8–16 mg/day) were associated with a higher mean increase in heart rate compared to placebo (4–6 beats per minute).

In pooled placebo-controlled acute mania trials in adults, there were small decreases in mean heart rate, similar among all treatment groups. In the two placebo-controlled trials in children and adolescents with autistic disorder (aged 5 – 16 years) mean changes in heart rate were an increase of 8.4 beats per minute in the RISPERDAL groups and 6.5 beats per minute in the placebo group. There were no other notable ECG changes.

In a placebo-controlled acute mania trial in children and adolescents (aged 10 – 17 years), there were no significant changes in ECG parameters, other than the effect of RISPERDAL to transiently increase pulse rate (< 6 beats per minute). In two controlled schizophrenia trials in adolescents (aged 13 – 17 years), there were no clinically meaningful changes in ECG parameters including corrected QT intervals between treatment groups or within treatment groups over time.

Postmarketing Experience

The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of risperidone. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. These adverse reactions include: alopecia, anaphylactic reaction, angioedema, atrial fibrillation, cardiopulmonary arrest, catatonia, diabetic ketoacidosis in patients with impaired glucose metabolism, dysgeusia, hypoglycemia, hypothermia, ileus, inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion, intestinal obstruction, jaundice, mania, pancreatitis, pituitary adenoma, precocious puberty, pulmonary embolism, QT prolongation, sleep apnea syndrome, somnambulism, Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis (SJS/TEN), sudden death, thrombocytopenia, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, urinary retention, and water intoxication.

Postmarketing cases of extrapyramidal symptoms (dystonia and dyskinesia) have been reported in patients concomitantly taking methylphenidate and risperidone when there was an increase or decrease in dosage, initiation, or discontinuation of either or both medications.

Pharmacokinetic-related Interactions

The dose of RISPERDAL should be adjusted when used in combination with CYP2D6 enzyme inhibitors (e.g., fluoxetine, and paroxetine) and enzyme inducers (e.g., carbamazepine). Dose adjustment is not recommended for RISPERDAL when co-administered with ranitidine, cimetidine, amitriptyline, or erythromycin. Table 18.

Summary of Effect of Coadministered Drugs on Exposure to Active Moiety (Risperidone + 9-Hydroxy-Risperidone) in Healthy Subjects or Patients with Schizophrenia Lithium Repeated oral doses of RISPERDAL (3 mg twice daily) did not affect the exposure (AUC) or peak plasma concentrations (C max ) of lithium (n=13). Dose adjustment for lithium is not recommended. Valproate Repeated oral doses of RISPERDAL (4 mg once daily) did not affect the pre-dose or average plasma concentrations and exposure (AUC) of valproate (1000 mg/day in three divided doses) compared to placebo (n=21).

However, there was a 20% increase in valproate peak plasma concentration (C max ) after concomitant administration of RISPERDAL. Dose adjustment for valproate is not recommended. Digoxin RISPERDAL (0.25 mg twice daily) did not show a clinically relevant effect on the pharmacokinetics of digoxin.

Dose adjustment for digoxin is not recommended.

Pharmacodynamic-related Interactions Centrally Acting Drugs and Alcohol Given the primary CNS effects of risperidone, caution should be used when RISPERDAL is taken in combination with other centrally acting drugs and alcohol. Drugs with Hypotensive Effects Because of its potential for inducing hypotension, RISPERDAL may enhance the hypotensive effects of other therapeutic agents with this potential. Levodopa and Dopamine Agonists RISPERDAL may antagonize the effects of levodopa and dopamine agonists.

Methylphenidate Concomitant use with methylphenidate, when there is change in dosage of either medication, may increase the risk of extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS). Monitor for symptoms of EPS with concomitant use of RISPERDAL and methylphenidate. Clozapine Chronic administration of clozapine with RISPERDAL may decrease the clearance of risperidone.

Pregnancy Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to atypical antipsychotics, including RISPERDAL, during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged to register patients by contacting the National Pregnancy Registry for Atypical Antipsychotics at 1-866-961-2388 or online at http://womensmentalhealth.org/clinical-and-research-programs/pregnancyregistry/. Risk Summary Neonates exposed to antipsychotic drugs during the third trimester of pregnancy are at risk for extrapyramidal and/or withdrawal symptoms following delivery (see Clinical Considerations ).

Overall, available data from published epidemiologic studies of pregnant women exposed to risperidone have not established a drug-associated risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or adverse maternal or fetal outcomes (see Data ). There are risks to the mother associated with untreated schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder and with exposure to antipsychotics, including RISPERDAL, during pregnancy (see Clinical Considerations ). Oral administration of risperidone to pregnant mice caused cleft palate at doses 3 to 4 times the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) with maternal toxicity observed at 4-times MRHD based on mg/m 2 body surface area.

Risperidone was not teratogenic in rats or rabbits at doses up to 6-times the MRHD based on mg/m 2 body surface area. Increased stillbirths and decreased birth weight occurred after oral risperidone administration to pregnant rats at 1.5-times the MRHD based on mg/m 2 body surface area. Learning was impaired in offspring of rats when the dams were dosed at 0.6-times the MRHD and offspring mortality increased at doses 0.1 to 3 times the MRHD based on mg/m 2 body surface area.

The estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. All pregnancies have a background risk of birth defect, loss, or other adverse outcomes. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2–4% and 15–20%, respectively.

Clinical Considerations Disease-associated maternal and/or embryo/fetal risk There is a risk to the mother from untreated schizophrenia or bipolar I disorder, including increased risk of relapse, hospitalization, and suicide. Schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder are associated with increased adverse perinatal outcomes, including preterm birth. It is not known if this is a direct result of the illness or other comorbid factors.

Fetal/Neonatal Adverse Reactions Extrapyramidal and/or withdrawal symptoms, including agitation, hypertonia, hypotonia, tremor, somnolence, respiratory distress, and feeding disorder have been reported in neonates who were exposed to antipsychotic drugs, including RISPERDAL, during the third trimester of pregnancy. These symptoms have varied in severity. Monitor neonates for extrapyramidal and/or withdrawal symptoms and manage symptoms appropriately.

Some neonates recovered within hours or days without specific treatment; others required prolonged hospitalization. Data Human Data Published data from observational studies, birth registries, and case reports on the use of atypical antipsychotics during pregnancy do not report a clear association with antipsychotics and major birth defects. A prospective observational study including 6 women treated with risperidone demonstrated placental passage of risperidone.

A retrospective cohort study from a Medicaid database of 9258 women exposed to antipsychotics during pregnancy did not indicate an overall increased risk for major birth defects. There was a small increase in the risk of major birth defects (RR=1.26, 95% CI 1.02–1.56) and of cardiac malformations (RR=1.26, 95% CI 0.88–1.81) in a subgroup of 1566 women exposed to risperidone during the first trimester of pregnancy; however, there is no mechanism of action to explain the difference in malformation rates. Learning was impaired in offspring of rats dosed orally throughout pregnancy at 1 mg/kg/day which is 0.6 times the MRHD and neuronal cell death increased in fetal brains of offspring of rats dosed during pregnancy at 1 and 2 mg/kg/day which are 0.6 and 1.2 times the MRHD based on mg/m 2 body surface area; postnatal development and growth of the offspring were also delayed.

It is not known whether these deaths were due to a direct effect on the fetuses or pups or to effects on the dams; a no-effect dose could not be determined. The rate of stillbirths was increased at 2.5 mg/kg or 1.5 times the MRHD based on mg/m 2 body surface area. In a rat cross-fostering study the number of live offspring was decreased, the number of stillbirths increased, and the birth weight was decreased in offspring of drug-treated pregnant rats.

In addition, the number of deaths increased by Day 1 among offspring of drug-treated pregnant rats, regardless of whether or not the offspring were cross-fostered. Risperidone also appeared to impair maternal behavior in that offspring body weight gain and survival (from Day 1 to 4 of lactation) were reduced in offspring born to control but reared by drug-treated dams. All of these effects occurred at 5 mg/kg which is 3 times the MRHD based on mg/m 2 and the only dose tested in the study.

Additional safety and efficacy information was also assessed in one long-term (6-month) open-label extension study in 284 of these adolescent patients with schizophrenia. Safety and effectiveness of RISPERDAL in children less than 13 years of age with schizophrenia have not been established. Bipolar I Disorder The efficacy and safety of RISPERDAL in the short-term treatment of acute manic or mixed episodes associated with Bipolar I Disorder in 169 children and adolescent patients, aged 10 to 17 years, were demonstrated in one double-blind, placebo-controlled, 3-week trial.

Safety and effectiveness of RISPERDAL in children less than 10 years of age with bipolar disorder have not been established. Autistic Disorder The efficacy and safety of RISPERDAL in the treatment of irritability associated with autistic disorder were established in two 8-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials in 156 children and adolescent patients, aged 5 to 16 years. Additional safety information was also assessed in a long-term study in patients with autistic disorder, or in short- and long-term studies in more than 1200 pediatric patients with psychiatric disorders other than autistic disorder, schizophrenia, or bipolar mania who were of similar age and weight, and who received similar dosages of RISPERDAL as patients treated for irritability associated with autistic disorder.

A third study was a 6-week, multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, fixed-dose study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a lower than recommended dose of risperidone in subjects 5 to 17 years of age with autistic disorder and associated irritability, and related behavioral symptoms. There were two weight-based, fixed doses of risperidone (high-dose and low-dose). The study demonstrated the efficacy of high-dose risperidone, but it did not demonstrate efficacy for low-dose risperidone.

Adverse Reactions in Pediatric Patients Tardive Dyskinesia In clinical trials in 1885 children and adolescents treated with RISPERDAL, 2 (0.1%) patients were reported to have tardive dyskinesia, which resolved on discontinuation of RISPERDAL treatment. Weight Gain Weight gain has been observed in children and adolescents during treatment with RISPERDAL. Clinical monitoring of weight is recommended during treatment.

Data derive from short-term placebo-controlled trials and longer-term uncontrolled studies in pediatric patients (ages 5 to 17 years) with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, autistic disorder, or other psychiatric disorders. In these trials, approximately 33% of the RISPERDAL group had weight gain ≥7%, compared to 7% in the placebo group. Somnolence Somnolence was frequently observed in placebo-controlled clinical trials of pediatric patients with autistic disorder.

Most cases were mild or moderate in severity. These events were most often of early onset with peak incidence occurring during the first two weeks of treatment, and transient with a median duration of 16 days. Somnolence was the most commonly observed adverse reaction in the clinical trial of bipolar disorder in children and adolescents, as well as in the schizophrenia trials in adolescents.

As was seen in the autistic disorder trials, these adverse reactions were most often of early onset and transient in duration. Patients experiencing persistent somnolence may benefit from a change in dosing regimen. Hyperprolactinemia RISPERDAL has been shown to elevate prolactin levels in children and adolescents as well as in adults.

In double-blind, placebo-controlled studies of up to 8 weeks duration in children and adolescents (aged 5 to 17 years) with autistic disorder or psychiatric disorders other than autistic disorder, schizophrenia, or bipolar mania, 49% of patients who received RISPERDAL had elevated prolactin levels compared to 2% of patients who received placebo. Increases were dose-dependent and generally greater in females than in males across indications. In clinical trials in 1885 children and adolescents, galactorrhea was reported in 0.8% of RISPERDAL-treated patients and gynecomastia was reported in 2.3% of RISPERDAL-treated patients.

Growth and Sexual Maturation The long-term effects of RISPERDAL on growth and sexual maturation have not been fully evaluated in children and adolescents. Bone length and density were decreased with a no-effect dose of 0.31 mg/kg/day; this dose produced plasma AUC of risperidone plus its active metabolite paliperidone (9-hydroxy-risperidone) that were similar to those in children and adolescents receiving the MRHD of 6 mg/day. In addition, sexual maturation was delayed at all doses in both males and females.

The above effects showed little or no reversibility in females after a 12 week drug-free recovery period. Juvenile rats, treated with oral risperidone from days 12 to 50 of age (equivalent to the period of infancy through adolescence in humans) showed impaired learning and memory performance (reversible only in females), with a no-effect dose of 0.63 mg/kg/day which is 0.5 times the MRHD of 6 mg/day for children, based on mg/m 2 body surface area. This dose produced plasma AUC of risperidone plus paliperidone about half the exposure observed in humans at the MRHD.

No other consistent effects on neurobehavioral or reproductive development were seen up to the highest tested dose of 1.25 mg/kg/day which is 1 time the MRHD and produced plasma AUC of risperidone plus paliperidone that were about two thirds of those observed in humans at the MRHD of 6 mg/day for children.

RISPERDAL is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to either risperidone or paliperidone, or to any of the excipients in the RISPERDAL formulation. Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylactic reactions and angioedema, have been reported in patients treated with risperidone and in patients treated with paliperidone. Paliperidone is a metabolite of risperidone.

Human Experience

Premarketing experience included eight reports of acute RISPERDAL overdosage with estimated doses ranging from 20 to 300 mg and no fatalities. In general, reported signs and symptoms were those resulting from an exaggeration of the drug's known pharmacological effects, i.e., drowsiness and sedation, tachycardia and hypotension, and extrapyramidal symptoms. One case, involving an estimated overdose of 240 mg, was associated with hyponatremia, hypokalemia, prolonged QT, and widened QRS.

Another case, involving an estimated overdose of 36 mg, was associated with a seizure. Postmarketing experience includes reports of acute RISPERDAL overdosage, with estimated doses of up to 360 mg. Other adverse reactions reported since market introduction related to RISPERDAL overdose include prolonged QT interval and convulsions.

Torsade de pointes has been reported in association with combined overdose of RISPERDAL and paroxetine.

Management of Overdosage For the most up to date information on the management of RISPERDAL overdosage, contact a certified poison control center (1-800-222-1222 or www.poison.org). Provide supportive care including close medical supervision and monitoring. Treatment should consist of general measures employed in the management of overdosage with any drug.

Consider the possibility of multiple drug overdosage. Ensure an adequate airway, oxygenation, and ventilation. Monitor cardiac rhythm and vital signs.

Use supportive and symptomatic measures. There is no specific antidote to RISPERDAL.