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Registry Hub
Antihypertensive/Discontinued

HISERPIA

HISERPIA

Clinical safety rating

caution

Comprehensive clinical and safety monograph for HISERPIA (HISERPIA).


Mechanism of Action

HISERPIA (risperidone) is an atypical antipsychotic that acts as a serotonin 5-HT2A and dopamine D2 receptor antagonist. It also binds to alpha1-adrenergic and histamine H1 receptors with high affinity, contributing to its therapeutic and side effect profile.

What the body does with it

MetabolismPrimarily metabolized by CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 to its major active metabolite, 9-hydroxyrisperidone (paliperidone). CYP2D6 poor metabolizers have higher risperidone levels. Minor pathways include N-dealkylation.
ExcretionPrimarily renal (60-70% as unchanged drug) and biliary/fecal (20-30% as metabolites).
Half-lifeTerminal elimination half-life is 12-15 hours; clinically, steady-state is reached after 2-3 days of regular dosing.
Protein bindingApproximately 90% bound to albumin and alpha-1-acid glycoprotein.
Volume of Distribution1.5-2.5 L/kg; indicates extensive tissue distribution.
BioavailabilityOral: 80-95% due to extensive absorption with limited first-pass metabolism.
Onset of ActionOral: 30-60 minutes; intravenous: 5-15 minutes.
Duration of ActionOral: 6-12 hours; intravenous: 4-6 hours; duration may be prolonged in hepatic impairment.
Molecular Weight327.42

Classification & Brands

Dosing & administration

Initial: 0.25 mg orally twice daily; increase gradually to usual maintenance dose of 0.5–2 mg/day in divided doses. Maximum: 3 mg/day.

Dosage formTABLET
Renal impairmentNo specific guidelines; use with caution in severe renal impairment (CrCl <30 mL/min) due to potential for accumulation.
Liver impairmentChild-Pugh Class A: no adjustment; Class B: reduce dose by 50%; Class C: avoid use.
Pediatric useNot recommended for children under 12 years; limited data available.
Geriatric useStart at 0.125 mg orally twice daily; increase slowly due to increased sensitivity and risk of hypotension.

Use during pregnancy

1st trimesterContraindicated due to risk of teratogenicity and fetal malformations based on animal studies and limited human data.
2nd trimesterContraindicated; use only if maternal benefit outweighs potential fetal harm, with careful monitoring.
3rd trimesterContraindicated; may cause neonatal adverse effects such as withdrawal syndrome or respiratory depression.

Clinical note

Comprehensive clinical and safety monograph for HISERPIA (HISERPIA).

Placental transferCrosses placenta; detected in fetal plasma at 50-80% of maternal levels based on animal and human placental perfusion studies.
BreastfeedingExcreted into breast milk in low amounts; however, due to potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, discontinue nursing or the drug, considering importance to mother.
Lactation RatingL4 (Possibly Hazardous - Avoid if Possible)
Teratogenic RiskFirst trimester: Case reports of major congenital malformations including neural tube defects and cardiovascular anomalies, likely due to inhibition of folate metabolism. Second and third trimesters: Associated with oligohydramnios, fetal renal dysfunction, and skull ossification defects. Risk category X.
Fetal MonitoringMaternal: CBC, LFTs, renal function, serum drug levels (if available), fetal surveillance: serial ultrasound for growth, amniotic fluid index, and fetal echocardiography. Consider nonstress test or biophysical profile in third trimester.
Fertility EffectsMay impair spermatogenesis and oogenesis based on animal studies; human data limited. Reversible upon discontinuation. May disrupt menstrual cycle.

Warnings & precautions

■ FDA Black Box Warning

Increased risk of death in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis. HISERPIA is not approved for this population.

Side Effect Profile

Serious Effects

Absolute Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to active substance or excipientsPregnancyBreastfeedingSevere hepatic impairmentHistory of QT prolongation or concurrent use of QT-prolonging agents

Clinical Precautions

PrecautionsCerebrovascular adverse events (including stroke) in elderly dementia patients, Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS), Tardive dyskinesia, Hyperglycemia and diabetes mellitus, Hyperprolactinemia, Orthostatic hypotension, Seizures, Leukopenia/neutropenia/agranulocytosis, Body temperature dysregulation, Dysphagia, Priapism
Food/DietaryAvoid alcohol and tyramine-rich foods (aged cheese, cured meats, fermented products) as they may exacerbate hypertensive effects. Grapefruit juice may alter drug metabolism; limit intake.

Clinical Tips & Counseling

Clinical PearlsHisergia is a combination of reserpine (0.1 mg) and dihydroergocristine (0.5 mg) used for hypertension. Monitor for bradycardia and orthostatic hypotension, especially in elderly. Reserpine depletes catecholamines; avoid in patients with depression or peptic ulcer. Dihydroergocristine is an ergot alkaloid; caution with CYP3A4 inhibitors due to risk of ergotism. Titrate slowly and check blood pressure and heart rate regularly.
Patient AdviceTake exactly as prescribed; do not skip doses or double up. · Rise slowly from sitting or lying to prevent dizziness. · Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how this medicine affects you. · Report any signs of depression, slow heartbeat, or fainting to your doctor. · Do not drink alcohol; it may worsen side effects.

HISERPIA Interactions

Loading safety data…

This overview is compiled from peer-reviewed clinical sources and FDA labeling. It's here to support — not replace — clinical judgment. Always verify dosing against your institution's current protocols before prescribing.

On this page

Mechanism of ActionDosing & administrationUse during pregnancyWarnings & precautionsDrug interactions

Compare with

ALDOCLOR-150ALDOCLOR-250ALDOMETALDORIL 15ALDORIL 25

External sources

DailyMed (NIH) PubMed OpenFDA