Ziconotide



PrialtŪ







Ziconotide

(zi KOE no tide)

U.S. Brand Names
PrialtŪ
Pharmacologic Category
Analgesic, Non-narcotic; Calcium Channel Blocker, N-Type
What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?
  • Ziconotide may cause or worsen diseases of the mind. Hallucinations, psychoses, confusion, and memory loss have occurred with use. If you suspect any of these problems, call healthcare provider right away. In patients with severe or worsening signs and symptoms of these conditions, the medicine should be stopped. Problems are usually corrected after you stop the medicine.
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to ziconotide or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • If you have psychosis.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to relieve pain.
How does it work?
  • Ziconotide binds to brain receptors, relieving pain.
How is it best taken?
  • This medicine is given into the spine.
  • Drink plenty of noncaffeine-containing liquid unless told to drink less liquid by healthcare provider.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Call healthcare provider for appointment.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • If you are 65 or older, use this medicine with caution. You could have more side effects.
  • If you have mental illness, talk with healthcare provider.
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • You may not be alert. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities until you see how this medicine affects you.
  • Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor) or other medicines and natural products that slow your actions and reactions. These include sedatives, tranquilizers, mood stabilizers, antihistamines, and other pain medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Feeling lightheaded, sleepy, having blurred vision, or a change in thinking clearly. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities that require you to be alert or have clear vision until you see how this medicine affects you.
  • Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Check blood work. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Signs or symptoms of depression, suicidal thoughts, nervousness, emotional ups and downs, abnormal thinking, anxiety, or lack of interest in life.
  • Significant change in thinking clearly and logically.
  • Seizures.
  • Poor pain control.
  • Significant change in balance.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Severe headache.
  • Severe muscle pain or weakness.
  • Feeling extremely tired or weak.
  • Any rash.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this medicine?
  • This medicine will be given to you in a healthcare setting. You will not store it at home.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
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