Zukaria 5 mg contains Asenapine Maleate, an atypical antipsychotic used for the treatment of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. It helps manage psychotic symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking, as well as mood episodes including mania and mixed episodes associated with bipolar disorder. Zukaria offers therapeutic benefits by modulating neurotransmitter activity in the brain, particularly dopamine and serotonin pathways.

রেজিস্টার্ড চিকিৎসকের পরামর্শ অনুযায়ী ঔষধ সেবন করুন

Therapeutic Class

Atypical antipsychotic (second-generation antipsychotic)

Indications

Zukaria 5 mg is indicated for:

• Schizophrenia in adults and adolescents (13–17 years) to reduce psychotic symptoms

• Bipolar disorder for acute treatment of manic or mixed episodes in adults and adolescents

• Adjunct therapy for depressive episodes in bipolar disorder (as per physician discretion)

Pharmacology

Asenapine Maleate, the active ingredient in Zukaria, exhibits antagonistic activity at multiple neurotransmitter receptors:

• Dopamine D2 receptor antagonism: Reduces psychotic symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations

• Serotonin 5-HT2A receptor antagonism: Improves mood, reduces negative symptoms, and mitigates extrapyramidal side effects

• Additional receptor activity: Asenapine also affects adrenergic (α1, α2) and histaminergic (H1) receptors, which may contribute to sedation and weight gain

Zukaria is absorbed rapidly after sublingual administration, bypassing first-pass metabolism, resulting in effective blood concentrations within an hour.

Dosage & Administration

• Adults with schizophrenia: Initial dose is 5 mg twice daily; may be increased to 10 mg twice daily based on response and tolerability

• Adults with bipolar disorder: Initial dose is 10 mg twice daily; dose adjustments may be made as needed

• Adolescents (13–17 years): Schizophrenia: 2.5–5 mg twice daily; Bipolar disorder: 2.5–10 mg twice daily, as tolerated

• Administration: Place tablet under the tongue to dissolve; do not swallow, chew, or crush

• Timing: Administer without food or drink for at least 10 minutes before and after dosing to maximize absorption

Interactions

• CNS depressants (alcohol, sedatives, hypnotics) may increase sedation

• Drugs metabolized by CYP1A2 (e.g., fluvoxamine, ciprofloxacin) can increase Asenapine levels

• Other antipsychotics or serotonergic drugs may increase the risk of additive effects or serotonin syndrome

  রেজিস্টার্ড চিকিৎসকের পরামর্শ অনুযায়ী ঔষধ সেবন করুন

Contraindications

Zukaria 5 mg is contraindicated in:

• Known hypersensitivity to Asenapine or its excipients

• Severe CNS depression

• History of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) or uncontrolled epilepsy

Side Effects

Common side effects:

• Drowsiness, dizziness, akathisia (restlessness), weight gain, increased appetite

• Oral hypoesthesia or numbness due to sublingual route

Less common but serious effects:

• Extrapyramidal symptoms (tremor, rigidity)

• Orthostatic hypotension

• QT prolongation (risk of arrhythmia)

• Hyperglycemia or worsening of diabetes

Pregnancy & Lactation

• Pregnancy: Category C. Use only if benefits outweigh risks; avoid in first trimester unless necessary

• Lactation: Excreted in breast milk; nursing not recommended during therapy

Precautions & Warnings

• Monitor for tardive dyskinesia and metabolic syndrome

• Use cautiously in patients with cardiovascular disease, hepatic or renal impairment

• Risk of suicidal thoughts in adolescents and young adults; monitor closely

• Avoid abrupt discontinuation to prevent withdrawal symptoms or relapse

Overdose

Symptoms: severe sedation, hypotension, tachycardia, extrapyramidal symptoms
Management: supportive care, monitoring of vital signs, gastric lavage if recent ingestion

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of the reach of children.

Mode of Action

Zukaria 5 mg works by antagonizing dopamine and serotonin receptors in the brain. This restores neurotransmitter balance, reducing psychotic symptoms, mood swings, and agitation while minimizing the risk of extrapyramidal side effects commonly seen with older antipsychotics.