Ziconotide is contraindicated in patients with a preexisting history of psychosis. Severe psychiatric symptoms and neurological impairment may occur during treatment with ziconotide. Monitor all patients frequently for evidence of cognitive impairment, hallucinations, or changes in mood or consciousness. Discontinue ziconotide therapy in the event of serious neurological or psychiatric signs or symptoms.
Chronic pain, severe (intolerant or refractory to other therapies):
Trial dose (off label):
Bolus: Intrathecal: Initial: 1 to 2 mcg once; if needed, adjust additional trial doses based on response and tolerability. Monitor for ≥8 hours after each bolus (Ref).
Co ntinuous infusion : Intrathecal: Initial: 0.5 to 1.2 mcg/day (0.02 to 0.05 mcg/hour); may increase as needed based on response and tolerability by ≤1.2 mcg/day (0.05 mcg/hour) (Ref). Maximum: 19.2 mcg/day (0.8 mcg/hour) (Ref).
Maintenance dose:
Continuous infusion: Intrathecal: Initial: 0.5 to 1.2 mcg/day (0.02 to 0.05 mcg/hour) (Ref). Some experts recommend initiating with ≤0.5 mcg/day (0.02 mcg/hour) (Ref). May increase as needed by up to 0.5 mcg/day (0.02 mcg/hour) weekly based on response and tolerability (Ref). Maximum: 19.2 mcg/day (0.8 mcg/hour). Note: Dosing in the prescribing information may not reflect current clinical practice; initiation and titration with a lower dose is preferred to improve tolerability (Ref). The manufacturer's labeling recommends dose initiation with ≤2.4 mcg/day (≤0.1 mcg/hour); and titration up to 2 to 3 times weekly by up to 2.4 mcg/day.
Discontinuation of therapy: In the event of severe adverse effects, may discontinue therapy abruptly without risk of withdrawal.
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling (has not been studied).
There are no dosage adjustments provided in the manufacturer's labeling (has not been studied).
Cognitive impairment: Reduce dose or discontinue. Effects are generally reversible within 3 to 15 days of discontinuation.
Neurologic or psychiatric adverse effects, severe: Interrupt or permanently discontinue therapy.
Reduced level of consciousness: Discontinue until event resolves.
CK elevation with neuromuscular symptoms, persistent: Consider dose reduction or discontinuation.
Refer to adult dosing; use with caution and start at the low end of the dosing range.
The following adverse drug reactions and incidences are derived from product labeling unless otherwise specified. Adverse reactions reported in adults.
>10%:
Gastrointestinal: Diarrhea (18%), nausea (40%), vomiting (16%)
Nervous system: Abnormal gait (14%), aphasia (12%), asthenia (18%), ataxia (14%), confusion (15% to 33%), dizziness (46%), drowsiness (17%), hallucination (12%; including auditory hallucination, visual hallucination), headache (13%), memory impairment (7% to 22%), speech disturbance (14%)
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Increased creatine phosphokinase in blood specimen (40%; >3 × ULN: 11%)
Ophthalmic: Blurred vision (12%)
1% to 10%:
Cardiovascular: Atrial fibrillation (<2%), ECG abnormality (<2%), hypotension (≥2%), orthostatic dizziness (≥2%), orthostatic hypotension (≥2%), peripheral edema (≥2%)
Dermatologic: Diaphoresis (5%), pruritus (7%)
Gastrointestinal: Abdominal pain (≥2%), anorexia (6%), constipation (≥2%), decreased appetite (≥2%), dysgeusia (5%), xerostomia (≥2%)
Genitourinary: Dysuria (≥2%), urinary hesitancy (≥2%), urinary retention (9%)
Infection: Sepsis (<2%)
Nervous system: Absent reflexes (≥2%), agitation (≥2%), amnesia (1% to 8%), anxiety (8%), balance impairment (≥2%), burning sensation (≥2%), cerebrovascular accident (<2%), changes in thinking (8%), cognitive dysfunction (≥2%), decreased mental acuity (≥2%), delirium (2%), depression (≥2%), disorientation (≥2%), disturbance in attention (≥2%), dysarthria (7%), falling (≥2%), fatigue (≥2%), hostility (2%), hypoesthesia (≥2%), insomnia (6%), irritability (≥2%), lethargy (≥2%), loss of consciousness (<2%), meningitis (3%), mood disorder (≥2%), myasthenia (≥2%), nervousness (≥2%), paranoid ideation (3%), paresthesia (≥2%), psychosis (1%), rigors (7%), sedated state (≥2%), stupor (2%), suicidal ideation (<2%), tonic-clonic seizure (<2%), tremor (7%), vertigo (7%)
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Limb pain (5%), muscle cramps (≥2%), muscle spasm (6%), myalgia (≥2%), rhabdomyolysis (<2%)
Ophthalmic Diplopia (≥2%), nystagmus disorder (8%), visual disturbance (≥2%)
Renal: Acute kidney injury (<2%)
Respiratory: Respiratory distress (<2%), sinusitis (5%)
Miscellaneous: Fever (5%)
<1%: Nervous system: Manic reaction, suicidal tendencies
Postmarketing:
Cardiovascular: Cardiovascular toxicity (acute) (Heifets 2013)
Dermatologic: Bullous dermatitis, burning skin sensation of skin, dermal ulcers, exfoliation of skin
Hypersensitivity: Hypersensitivity reaction (including angioedema)
Nervous system: Dysesthesia (Grajny 2020)
Neuromuscular & skeletal: Dyskinesia (oro-lingual) (Grajny 2020)
Hypersensitivity to ziconotide or any component of the formulation; history of psychosis; utilization in patients with any other concomitant treatment or medical condition that would render intrathecal administration hazardous (eg, infection at the injection site, uncontrolled bleeding diathesis, spinal canal obstruction that impairs circulation of cerebrospinal fluid).
Concerns related to adverse effects:
• CNS toxicity: Severe neurological impairment and psychiatric symptoms have been reported. May cause or worsen depression and/or risk of suicide. Cognitive impairment may appear gradually during treatment and is generally reversible after discontinuation (may take up to 2 weeks for cognitive effects to reverse). May cause CNS depression, which may impair physical or mental abilities; patients must be cautioned about performing tasks which require mental alertness (eg, operating machinery or driving).
• Elevated serum creatine kinase: Elevated serum creatine kinase may occur with use; particularly during the first 2 months of therapy.
• Meningitis: May occur with use of intrathecal pumps; monitor for signs of meningitis; treatment of meningitis may require removal of system and discontinuation of intrathecal therapy.
Disease-related concerns:
• Hepatic impairment: Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients with hepatic impairment.
• Renal impairment: Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients with renal impairment.
Special populations:
• Older adult: Use with caution in older adults; may experience a higher incidence of confusion.
• Pediatric: Safety and efficacy have not been established in children.
Excipient information presented when available (limited, particularly for generics); consult specific product labeling.
Solution, Intrathecal, as acetate [preservative free]:
Prialt: 500 mcg/20 mL (20 mL); 100 mcg/mL (1 mL); 500 mcg/5 mL (5 mL)
No
Solution (Prialt Intrathecal)
100 mcg/mL (per mL): $1,401.50
500 mcg/20 mL (per mL): $332.53
500 mcg/5 mL (per mL): $1,330.11
Disclaimer: A representative AWP (Average Wholesale Price) price or price range is provided as reference price only. A range is provided when more than one manufacturer's AWP price is available and uses the low and high price reported by the manufacturers to determine the range. The pricing data should be used for benchmarking purposes only, and as such should not be used alone to set or adjudicate any prices for reimbursement or purchasing functions or considered to be an exact price for a single product and/or manufacturer. Medi-Span expressly disclaims all warranties of any kind or nature, whether express or implied, and assumes no liability with respect to accuracy of price or price range data published in its solutions. In no event shall Medi-Span be liable for special, indirect, incidental, or consequential damages arising from use of price or price range data. Pricing data is updated monthly.
Intrathecal: For intrathecal administration only; do not administer IV.
Continuous infusion: Use approved intrathecal drug delivery systems (eg, Medtronic SynchroMed II Infusion System, CADD-Micro ambulatory infusion pump). Refer to product label and delivery system manufacturer's manual for specific instructions and precautions.
Chronic pain, severe (intolerant or refractory to other therapies): Management of severe chronic pain in patients requiring intrathecal therapy and who are intolerant or refractory to other therapies (eg, systemic analgesics, adjunctive therapies, intrathecal morphine).
The Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) includes this medication among its list of drug classes (epidural and intrathecal medications) which have a heightened risk of causing significant patient harm when used in error (High-Alert Medications in Acute Care Settings).
None known.
Note: Interacting drugs may not be individually listed below if they are part of a group interaction (eg, individual drugs within “CYP3A4 Inducers [Strong]” are NOT listed). For a complete list of drug interactions by individual drug name and detailed management recommendations, use the drug interactions program by clicking on the “Launch drug interactions program” link above.
Acrivastine: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Alcohol (Ethyl): CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Alcohol (Ethyl). Risk C: Monitor
Alizapride: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Amisulpride (Oral): May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Articaine: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Management: Consider reducing the dose of articaine if possible when used in patients who are also receiving CNS depressants. Monitor for excessive CNS depressant effects with any combined use. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Azelastine (Nasal): May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk X: Avoid
Benperidol: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Blonanserin: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Blonanserin. Management: Use caution if coadministering blonanserin and CNS depressants; dose reduction of the other CNS depressant may be required. Strong CNS depressants should not be coadministered with blonanserin. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Brexanolone: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Brexanolone. Risk C: Monitor
Brimonidine (Topical): May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Bromopride: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Bromperidol: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk X: Avoid
Buclizine: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Buprenorphine: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Buprenorphine. Management: Consider reduced doses of other CNS depressants, and avoiding such drugs in patients at high risk of buprenorphine overuse/self-injection. Initiate buprenorphine at lower doses in patients already receiving CNS depressants. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
BusPIRone: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Cannabinoid-Containing Products: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Cannabinoid-Containing Products. Risk C: Monitor
Cetirizine (Systemic): May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Management: Consider avoiding this combination if possible. If required, monitor for excessive sedation or CNS depression, limit the dose and duration of combination therapy, and consider CNS depressant dose reductions. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Chloral Hydrate/Chloral Betaine: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Chloral Hydrate/Chloral Betaine. Management: Consider alternatives to the use of chloral hydrate or chloral betaine and additional CNS depressants. If combined, consider a dose reduction of either agent and monitor closely for enhanced CNS depressive effects. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Chlormethiazole: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Management: Monitor closely for evidence of excessive CNS depression. The chlormethiazole labeling states that an appropriately reduced dose should be used if such a combination must be used. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Chlorphenesin Carbamate: May increase adverse/toxic effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
CNS Depressants: May increase adverse/toxic effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Dantrolene: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Daridorexant: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Management: Dose reduction of daridorexant and/or any other CNS depressant may be necessary. Use of daridorexant with alcohol is not recommended, and the use of daridorexant with any other drug to treat insomnia is not recommended. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
DexmedeTOMIDine: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of DexmedeTOMIDine. Management: Monitor for increased CNS depression during coadministration of dexmedetomidine and CNS depressants, and consider dose reductions of either agent to avoid excessive CNS depression. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Difelikefalin: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Difenoxin: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Dihydralazine: CNS Depressants may increase hypotensive effects of Dihydralazine. Risk C: Monitor
Dimethindene (Topical): May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Dothiepin: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Doxylamine: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Doxylamine. Risk C: Monitor
DroPERidol: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Management: Consider dose reductions of droperidol or of other CNS agents (eg, opioids, barbiturates) with concomitant use. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Emedastine (Systemic): May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Management: Consider avoiding this combination if possible. If required, monitor for excessive sedation or CNS depression, limit the dose and duration of combination therapy, and consider CNS depressant dose reductions. Risk C: Monitor
Entacapone: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Esketamine (Nasal): May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Flunarizine: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Flunarizine. Risk X: Avoid
Flunitrazepam: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Flunitrazepam. Management: Reduce the dose of CNS depressants when combined with flunitrazepam and monitor patients for evidence of CNS depression (eg, sedation, respiratory depression). Use non-CNS depressant alternatives when available. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
HydrOXYzine: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Management: Consider a decrease in the CNS depressant dose, as appropriate, when used together with hydroxyzine. Increase monitoring of signs/symptoms of CNS depression in any patient receiving hydroxyzine together with another CNS depressant. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Ixabepilone: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Kava Kava: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Ketotifen (Systemic): May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Kratom: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk X: Avoid
Lemborexant: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Management: Dosage adjustments of lemborexant and of concomitant CNS depressants may be necessary when administered together because of potentially additive CNS depressant effects. Close monitoring for CNS depressant effects is necessary. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Levocetirizine: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Lisuride: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Lofepramine: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Lofexidine: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Loxapine: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Loxapine. Management: Consider reducing the dose of CNS depressants administered concomitantly with loxapine due to an increased risk of respiratory depression, sedation, hypotension, and syncope. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Magnesium Sulfate: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Melitracen [INT]: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Mequitazine: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Metergoline: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Methotrimeprazine: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Methotrimeprazine. Methotrimeprazine may increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Management: Reduce the usual dose of CNS depressants by 50% if starting methotrimeprazine until the dose of methotrimeprazine is stable. Monitor patient closely for evidence of CNS depression. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Methoxyflurane: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Metoclopramide: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
MetyroSINE: CNS Depressants may increase sedative effects of MetyroSINE. Risk C: Monitor
Minocycline (Systemic): May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Moxonidine: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Nabilone: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk X: Avoid
Nalfurafine: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Noscapine: CNS Depressants may increase adverse/toxic effects of Noscapine. Risk X: Avoid
Olopatadine (Nasal): May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk X: Avoid
Opicapone: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Opioid Agonists: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Opioid Agonists. Management: Avoid concomitant use of opioid agonists and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants when possible. These agents should only be combined if alternative treatment options are inadequate. If combined, limit the dosages and duration of each drug. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Opipramol: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Orphenadrine: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Orphenadrine. Risk X: Avoid
Oxomemazine: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk X: Avoid
Oxybate Salt Products: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Oxybate Salt Products. Management: Consider alternatives to this combination when possible. If combined, dose reduction or discontinuation of one or more CNS depressants (including the oxybate salt product) should be considered. Interrupt oxybate salt treatment during short-term opioid use Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
OxyCODONE: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of OxyCODONE. Management: Avoid concomitant use of oxycodone and benzodiazepines or other CNS depressants when possible. These agents should only be combined if alternative treatment options are inadequate. If combined, limit the dosages and duration of each drug. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Paliperidone: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Paraldehyde: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Paraldehyde. Risk X: Avoid
Perampanel: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Periciazine: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Pipamperone: May increase adverse/toxic effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Piribedil: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Piribedil. Risk C: Monitor
Pizotifen: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Pramipexole: CNS Depressants may increase sedative effects of Pramipexole. Risk C: Monitor
Procarbazine: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Rilmenidine: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Ropeginterferon Alfa-2b: CNS Depressants may increase adverse/toxic effects of Ropeginterferon Alfa-2b. Specifically, the risk of neuropsychiatric adverse effects may be increased. Management: Avoid coadministration of ropeginterferon alfa-2b and other CNS depressants. If this combination cannot be avoided, monitor patients for neuropsychiatric adverse effects (eg, depression, suicidal ideation, aggression, mania). Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
ROPINIRole: CNS Depressants may increase sedative effects of ROPINIRole. Risk C: Monitor
Rotigotine: CNS Depressants may increase sedative effects of Rotigotine. Risk C: Monitor
Suvorexant: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Suvorexant. Management: Dose reduction of suvorexant and/or any other CNS depressant may be necessary. Use of suvorexant with alcohol is not recommended, and the use of suvorexant with any other drug to treat insomnia is not recommended. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Thalidomide: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Thalidomide. Risk X: Avoid
Trimeprazine: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Valerian: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Risk C: Monitor
Zolpidem: CNS Depressants may increase CNS depressant effects of Zolpidem. Management: Reduce the Intermezzo brand sublingual zolpidem adult dose to 1.75 mg for men who are also receiving other CNS depressants. No such dose change is recommended for women. Avoid use with other CNS depressants at bedtime; avoid use with alcohol. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Zuranolone: May increase CNS depressant effects of CNS Depressants. Management: Consider alternatives to the use of zuranolone with other CNS depressants or alcohol. If combined, consider a zuranolone dose reduction and monitor patients closely for increased CNS depressant effects. Risk D: Consider Therapy Modification
Adverse events in the presence of maternal toxicity were observed in animal reproduction studies following continuous IV administration of ziconotide in doses greater than the equivalent maximum recommended human dose.
It is not known if ziconotide is present in breast milk.
According to the manufacturer, the decision to breastfeed during therapy should consider the risk of infant exposure, the benefits of breastfeeding to the infant, and the benefits of treatment to the mother. Infants potentially exposed to ziconotide via breast milk should be monitored for sedation, respiratory depression, and/or feeding problems.
Serum CPK (baseline, every other week for first month, then monthly); psychiatric or neurological impairment, hallucinations, changes in mood or consciousness; suicidality (PACC [Deer 2017b]; manufacturer's labeling).
Ziconotide selectively binds to N-type voltage-sensitive calcium channels located on the nociceptive afferent nerves of the dorsal horn in the spinal cord. This binding is thought to block N-type calcium channels, leading to a blockade of excitatory neurotransmitter release and reducing sensitivity to painful stimuli.
Distribution: Intrathecal: Vd: ~140 mL
Protein binding: ~50%
Metabolism: Metabolized via endopeptidases and exopeptidases present on multiple organs including kidney, liver, lung; degraded to peptide fragments and free amino acids
Half-life elimination: IV: 1 to 1.6 hours (plasma); Intrathecal: 2.9 to 6.5 hours (CSF)
Excretion: IV: Urine (<1%)