Tolerability of ziprasidone: an expanding perspective.

Although atypical antipsychotic agents have improved the management of patients with schizophrenia, their utility has been hindered by some limitations, including significant weight gain, glucose metabolism disturbances, and increases in total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride levels. In addition to its low liability for movement disorders and its favorable tolerability record in short- and long-term clinical trials, ziprasidone is associated with a favorable metabolic safety profile (in terms of its effect on plasma lipid and glucose levels) and a negligible effect on weight. The limited effect of ziprasidone on the corrected QT interval (QTc) has also been well characterized, and experience to date has not demonstrated any increased risk of clinical events attributable to QTc prolongation. This review of pharmacokinetic and clinical trials of ziprasidone versus placebo and active comparators focuses on the safety and tolerability of both the intramuscular and oral formulations.