Amisulpride
Amisulpride is an atypical antipsychotic medication that works by selectively blocking dopamine D2 and D3 receptors in the brain. It is primarily used to treat schizophrenia and related psychotic disorders, including acute episodes and persistent negative symptoms.
An atypical antipsychotic that treats schizophrenia by blocking dopamine D2/D3 receptors.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N05AL05
- RxNorm
- 46303
- Generic
- Amisulpride
- Class
- atc-n05
- Brands
- Barhemsys
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- injection, tablet, solution
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
use only if potential benefits outweigh potential risks to fetus
regular fetal monitoring and ultrasound assessments
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid if possible
discontinue before delivery if possible; monitor neonates for extrapyramidal symptoms
neonatal monitoring for withdrawal symptoms and movement disorders
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingcontraindicated
avoid breastfeeding during treatment with amisulpride
if breastfeeding is attempted, monitor infant for sedation and developmental milestones
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlydose_reduction_recommended
start at lowest effective dose; increased risk of mortality in elderly with dementia-related psychosis
regular monitoring of renal function, blood pressure, and extrapyramidal symptoms
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
adolescents 12 17not_established
not recommended; safety and efficacy not established in pediatric population
if used, close monitoring for metabolic changes and growth parameters
renal_impairment
milddose_reduction_needed
reduce dose by 50% for creatinine clearance 30-50 mL/min
monitor renal function regularly; adjust dose based on clinical response
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severeavoid_or_significant_reduction
reduce dose by 70% for creatinine clearance below 10 mL/min; use with extreme caution
frequent renal function monitoring and plasma concentration monitoring if available
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateno_significant_adjustment
no major dose adjustment required; use with caution
monitor liver function tests periodically
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Barhemsys intravenous formulation approval
Drug class
Pharmacological classification
Primary indication
Therapeutic use
Treatment of schizophrenia (positive and negative symptoms), acute manic episodes, and psychotic depression. May also have antiemetic properties due to action on the chemoreceptor trigger zone.
Selectively antagonizes dopamine D2 and D3 receptors, reducing dopaminergic neurotransmission in mesolimbic, mesocortical, and tuberoinfundibular pathways, which helps reduce psychotic symptoms.
May cause extrapyramidal symptoms, hyperprolactinemia, QT prolongation, and metabolic changes. Use with caution in patients with epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, or cardiac conditions. Not recommended for elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy