Tiapride: Characteristics And Side Effects Of This Drug
Antipsychotics are generally classified as typical (or first generation) and atypical (or second generation). In this article we will talk about tiapride, an atypical antipsychotic which selectively blocks dopamine D₂ and D₃ receptors in the brain. Let’s see what its characteristics are.
Tiapride is an atypical or second-generation antipsychotic It is an antidopaminergic (decreases the concentration of dopamine in the brain), belonging to the group of benzamides.
On the other hand, this drug has antipsychotic, low-potency and antiemetic action (prevents vomiting).
Besides, stimulates the production of prolactin, has a slight sedative and alpha-adrenergic blocking action On the other hand, its anticholinergic action is almost zero.
Mechanism of action
Tiapride is an atypical neuroleptic that selectively blocks dopamine D2 and D3 receptors ; As a result, the concentration of dopamine in the brain decreases.
Indications
We know that antipsychotics are generally used to treat the positive (and to a lesser extent, negative) symptoms of different types of psychosis However, some antipsychotics are also used to treat other clinical conditions or diseases, as we will see.
Tiapride is indicated in severe behavioral disorders in children in a state of agitation and aggression, who do not respond to other first-line treatment. It is also indicated in severe Huntington’s chorea in patients who do not respond to first-line treatment, as well as in cases of dysphemia and Tourette Syndrome.
Contraindications
Tiapride is contraindicated in cases of hypersensitivity to it, in prolactin-dependent tumors (for example pituitary prolactinoma and breast cancer), in pheochromocytoma, in association with levodopa (metabolic precursor of dopamine, indicated to treat Parkinson) or in combination with dopaminergic drugs.
On the other hand, there are a series of combinations not recommended when taking tiapride These are:
Warnings and precautions
Caution should be exercised (and the dose reduced) in patients with a history of epilepsy, in the elderly, children and patients with risk factors for cerebral embolism.
On the other hand, tiapride has an associated risk of producing serious ventricular arrhythmias Tiapride should not be used in Parkinson’s disease, and treatment should be discontinued in case of hyperthermia (increase in body temperature above normal) of unknown origin due to the risk of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS).
Pregnancy and lactation
Regarding the use of tiapride in pregnancy, animal studies have been carried out, and no harmful effects have been found.
However, There are limited clinical data in pregnant women, so tiapride should be used with caution If used in the last phase of pregnancy, it can induce tachycardia, hyperexcitability, abdominal distension, meconium delay and sedation in the neonate.
Regarding lactation, animal studies have shown the excretion of tiapride in breast milk; Since no data are available regarding the excretion of tiapride in breast milk in humans, breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with tiapride (or if you are breast-feeding, the use of tiapride is not recommended).
Side effects
The adverse reactions described from tiapride are: dizziness or vertigo, headache, tremor, increased muscle tone, slowed movement increased salivation, drowsiness, insomnia, agitation, indifference, hyperprolactinemia, asthenia/fatigue, involuntary movements.
In children there are no specific data for adverse reactions.
