Serivan 17

Indications

Serivan is used to treat hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson’s disease psychosis.

Use only under the supervision of a registered healthcare professional.

Pharmacology

Serivan (pimavanserin) works by targeting serotonin receptors in the brain, specifically 5-HT2A and, to a lesser extent, 5-HT2C receptors. Though its exact mechanism in treating Parkinson’s disease psychosis is not fully understood, pimavanserin is believed to exert its therapeutic effects through inverse agonist and antagonist activity at these receptors.

Dosage & Administration

The standard dosage of Serivan is 34 mg, administered as two 17 mg tablets once daily, without any need for dose titration. The medication can be taken with or without food.

Always follow the advice of a registered healthcare provider.

Drug Interactions

• CYP3A4 Inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole): Reduce Serivan dose by 50%.
• CYP3A4 Inducers: Monitor for reduced efficacy. Consider increasing the Serivan dose if necessary.

Side Effects

Common side effects include nausea, constipation, peripheral edema, gait disturbance, hallucinations, and confusion. Consult a healthcare professional if any of these persist or worsen.

Pregnancy & Lactation

There are no comprehensive studies on the use of pimavanserin during pregnancy. It is unknown whether pimavanserin passes into human milk. The benefits of breastfeeding should be weighed against the potential risks to the infant from the drug or the underlying maternal condition.

Precautions & Warnings

• Increased Mortality in Elderly Patients with Dementia-Related Psychosis: Antipsychotic medications like Serivan have been associated with an increased risk of death in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis.
• QT Interval Prolongation: Serivan can prolong the QT interval. It should be avoided in patients with known QT prolongation or those taking other drugs that affect the QT interval.
• Elderly Use: No dosage adjustments are required for elderly patients, but caution is advised.

Use in Special Populations

• Pediatric Use: The safety and effectiveness of Serivan in pediatric patients have not been established.
• Renal Impairment: No dose adjustment is necessary in patients with mild to moderate renal impairment (CrCL ≥30 mL/min).
• Hepatic Impairment: Serivan is not recommended for use in patients with hepatic impairment as it has not been evaluated in this group.

Therapeutic Class

Antiparkinson Drugs

Storage Conditions

Store Serivan at a temperature between 20°C to 25°C. Keep away from light and moisture.