Asenapine

Category: pharmacological

Aliases: Saphris, Secuado

Pharmacological Mechanism

Atypical antipsychotic; very high-affinity D2 / 5-HT2A antagonist with a broad multireceptor profile. Given SUBLINGUALLY because swallowed oral bioavailability is near-zero (<2%, extensive first-pass); SL F ~35%. Also a once-daily transdermal patch.

Half-Life (t½)

SL: 24h, TD: 33h

Dosing Guidelines

• SL: Typical 5mg (Range: 5 - 10 mg)
• TD: Typical 5.7mg (Range: 3.8 - 7.6 mg)

Target Organ Systems

• nervous