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Prialt
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Prialt

Generic name:ziconotidezye-KON-oh-tide ]
Dosage form: intrathecal solution
Drug class:Miscellaneous analgesics

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Jun 14, 2021.

What is Prialt?

Prialt is a non-narcotic pain reliever that works by blocking pain signals from the nerves to the brain.

Prialt injection is given by intrathecal administration for around-the-clock treatment of severe chronic pain that cannot be treated with other pain medications.

Prialt is not intended for IV (intravenous) use.

Warnings

Severe psychiatric symptoms and neurological impairment may occur during treatment with Prialt. You should not receive this medicine if you have a history of psychiatric illness or psychotic event.

You should not use Prialt if you are allergic to ziconotide, or if you have an uncontrolled bleeding or blood clotting disorder.

Prialt must be given only as an intrathecal injection through an infusion pump and should not be injected directly into a vein or other part of the body. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose or infusion pump flow rate to make sure you get the best results from this medicine.

Tell your doctor if the medicine seems to stop working as well in relieving your pain. Tell your doctor if you regularly use other medicines that make you sleepy. Prialt can add to sleepiness caused by these other medications.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect, especially fever, neck stiffness, seizure (convulsions), extreme drowsiness or tired feeling, confusion, disorientation, hallucinations, thoughts of hurting yourself, or decreased consciousness.

Before taking this medicine

You should not be treated with Prialt if you are allergic to ziconotide, or if you have:

  • an uncontrolled or untreated bleeding disorder; or

  • a problem affecting your spine (such as arthritis, bone disorder, or narrowing of the spinal canal).

Some people using ziconotide have had new or worsening mental problems. You should not be treated with Prialt if you have a history of psychosis (delusions or loss of contact with reality).

Tell your doctor if you have recently used opioid medicine.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

You should not breastfeed while using Prialt.

How is Prialt given?

Prialt is given around the clock using an infusion pump attached to a catheter placed into the space around your spinal cord (intrathecal injection). The infusion pump may be surgically implanted into your body or worn on the outside of your body. The pump controls how quickly the medicine is injected into your body.

Ziconotide may affect your thoughts, memory, speech, or daily activities. This effect may come on gradually after you've used this medicine for several weeks. Your doctor may occasionally change your dos.