Ziconotide (Intrathecal)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 8, 2022.

Intrathecal route(Solution)

Ziconotide is contraindicated in patients with a preexisting history of psychosis. Severe psychiatric symptoms and neurological impairment may occur during treatment with ziconotide. Monitor all patients frequently for evidence of cognitive impairment, hallucinations, or changes in mood or consciousness. Discontinue ziconotide therapy in the event of serious neurological or psychiatric signs or symptoms .

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

Prialt

Available Dosage Forms:

Solution

Therapeutic Class: Analgesic

Pharmacologic Class: Calcium Channel Blocker

Uses for ziconotide

Ziconotide injection is used to relieve severe chronic pain in patients who have already been treated with other medicines (e.g., morphine) and did not work well.

Ziconotide is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of a doctor.

Before using ziconotide

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For ziconotide, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to ziconotide or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of ziconotide injection in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of ziconotide injection in the elderly. However, elderly patients are more likely to have confusion and age-related kidney, liver, or heart problems, which may require caution and an adjustment in the dose for patients receiving ziconotide injection.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Ziconotide Intrathecal