Aripiprazole (Pediatric)
A 'dopamine stabilizer' atypical antipsychotic. It is generally associated with less weight gain than risperidone or olanzapine.
Dosage by Body Weight
Autism irritability: Start 2 mg daily, target 5-10 mg. Titrate slowly over several weeks.
- Body Weight
- 20-40 kg
- Dose
- 2 mg to 5 mg
- Frequency
- Once daily
- Tracking Notes
- Monitor for restlessness (akathisia) or involuntary movements.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20-40 kg | 2 mg to 5 mg | Once daily | Monitor for restlessness (akathisia) or involuntary movements. |
Formulation
Purpose
Treatment of schizophrenia (ages 13+), bipolar mania (ages 10+), and irritability in autism (ages 6+).
Generic Name
AripiprazoleBranded Drug Names
Aripiprazole (Pediatric) is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
Yes. This medicine should be supplied or used only according to applicable prescription and regulatory requirements.
Alternatives
Safety Advice
Alcohol
UNSAFEAripiprazole (Pediatric): Alcohol can worsen drowsiness, mood changes, impaired judgment, or heart rhythm effects. Avoid alcohol unless your prescriber confirms it is safe.
Pregnancy
CAUTIONAripiprazole (Pediatric): Use in pregnancy only when prescribed after weighing mental health benefits and medicine-specific risks.
Breast Feeding
CAUTIONAripiprazole (Pediatric): May pass into breast milk. Use while breastfeeding only with specialist guidance and infant monitoring.
Driving
CAUTIONAripiprazole (Pediatric): May cause sleepiness, dizziness, slowed reaction time, or concentration changes. Avoid driving if affected.
Liver
CAUTIONAripiprazole (Pediatric): Use caution in liver disease because several psychiatric or sedating medicines are processed by the liver.
Kidney
CAUTIONAripiprazole (Pediatric): Kidney disease may require monitoring or dose adjustment for some medicines in this group.