Drug Guide

Generic Name

Lumateperone

Brand Names Caplyta

Classification

Therapeutic: Antipsychotic, atypical

Pharmacological: Serotonin dopamine antagonist

FDA Approved Indications

  • Schizophrenia in adults

Mechanism of Action

Lumateperone acts as a serotonin 5-HT2A receptor antagonist and a dopamine D2 receptor modulator, which helps balance neurotransmitters involved in psychosis.

Dosage and Administration

Adult: 40 mg once daily, with or without food

Pediatric: Not approved for pediatric use

Geriatric: Use with caution, no specific dosage adjustment established

Renal Impairment: No specific adjustment needed, monitor closely

Hepatic Impairment: Use with caution, no specific adjustment established

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Well absorbed orally

Distribution: Extensively bound to plasma proteins

Metabolism: Primarily via CYP3A4 and CYP2D6 pathways

Excretion: Metabolites excreted mainly in feces and urine

Half Life: Approximately 18-21 hours

Contraindications

  • Hypersensitivity to lumateperone or excipients

Precautions

  • History of neuroleptic malignant syndrome, cardiovascular disease, seizures, or orthostatic hypotension. Use with caution during pregnancy and lactation.

Adverse Reactions - Common

  • Drowsiness (Likely)
  • Dry mouth (Common)
  • Dizziness (Common)
  • Weight gain (Less common)

Adverse Reactions - Serious

  • Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (Rare)
  • QT prolongation (Uncommon)
  • Tardive dyskinesia (Rare)
  • Suicide ideation (Monitor closely)

Drug-Drug Interactions

  • CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole) may increase lumateperone levels, CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., rifampin) may decrease levels.

Drug-Food Interactions

  • No significant interactions reported.

Drug-Herb Interactions

  • Caution with st. john's wort and other serotonergic herbs due to risk of serotonin syndrome.

Nursing Implications

Assessment: Monitor mental status, mood, and behaviors; observe for extrapyramidal symptoms; baseline ECG in patients at risk for QT prolongation.

Diagnoses:

  • Risk of falls due to dizziness or sedation.
  • Risk for metabolic syndrome.

Implementation: Administer as prescribed, assess for adverse effects, monitor vital signs and mental status.

Evaluation: Evaluate therapeutic response and adverse effects periodically.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Take medication exactly as prescribed.
  • Do not stop abruptly.
  • Avoid alcohol and CNS depressants.
  • Report signs of allergic reactions, abnormal movements, or worsening mental health.

Special Considerations

Black Box Warnings:

  • Increased risk of death in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis.
  • Suicidal thoughts and behaviors in young adults and adolescents.

Genetic Factors: No specific genetic testing indicated.

Lab Test Interference: None known.

Overdose Management

Signs/Symptoms: Severe drowsiness, agitation, hypotension, QT prolongation, lack of coordination.

Treatment: Supportive care, monitoring cardiac status, activated charcoal if ingestion is recent, none specific antidote.

Storage and Handling

Storage: Store at room temperature, 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).

Stability: Stable for shelf life conferred by manufacturer.

🛡️ 5 Critical Medication Safety Tips for Nurses

1

Triple-Check High-Risk Medications

Always have another nurse verify insulin, heparin, warfarin, and chemotherapy drugs. These "high-alert" medications cause the most serious errors. Check concentration, dose calculation, and pump settings twice.

2

Know Look-Alike, Sound-Alike Drugs

Common mix-ups: hydromorphone/morphine, Celebrex/Celexa, Zyprexa/Zyrtec. Always use BOTH generic and brand names, read labels twice, and use barcode scanning when available. One wrong letter can be fatal.

3

Assess Before AND After Giving Meds

Check vitals before cardiac meds, pain levels before analgesics, and blood glucose before insulin. Always reassess within 30 minutes to evaluate effectiveness and watch for adverse reactions.

4

Watch for Drug Interactions

Common dangerous combinations: warfarin + aspirin (bleeding), ACE inhibitors + potassium (hyperkalemia), digoxin + diuretics (toxicity). Always check drug interactions before administering new medications.

5

Educate Your Patients

Teach patients medication names, purposes, major side effects, and what to report. Informed patients catch errors and improve compliance. Always encourage questions - an educated patient is a safer patient.

⚡ Remember: When in doubt, don't give it out! It's always safer to double-check than regret later.

⚠️ Medical Disclaimer

This drug guide is for educational purposes only and is NOT intended for clinical use. Always consult current prescribing information, healthcare providers, and institutional protocols before administering any medication. Do not use this information for patient care decisions.