Clinical Pharmacology of Paliperidone Palmitate A Parenteral Long-Acting Formulation for the Treatment of Schizophrenia

Paliperidone Palmitate is a long-acting intramuscular atypical antipsychotic drug indicated for the acute maintenance treatment of schizophrenia in adults. Its mechanism of action, like all other atypical agents, is attributed to the antagonism of brain dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT2A receptors. The pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, and metabolism of paliperidone palmitate are reviewed. Current studies for clinical efficacy of paliperidone palmitate for both acute and maintenance treatment and adherence in adults with schizophrenia are discussed. Studies for safety and tolerability are also reviewed.