Zeldox IM (Ziprasidone Mesilate)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Zeldox IM Used For?
Zeldox IM is an antipsychotic medication that helps control severe symptoms of mental health conditions by correcting chemical imbalances in the brain.
Primary Uses
Zeldox IM is used to treat severe agitation or aggression in people with schizophrenia or similar mental health conditions. It’s typically used for short-term treatment in hospital settings.
How It Works
Ziprasidone works by correcting the imbalance of certain brain chemicals, which helps reduce agitation and aggressive behavior caused by mental illness.
Good to know: After receiving Zeldox IM and your symptoms improve, your doctor may switch you to oral capsules or another medication for long-term management.
How to Take Zeldox IM
Zeldox IM is given as an injection into your muscle by a doctor or nurse in a hospital setting. You cannot give this medication to yourself.
Dosage Instructions
Your doctor will determine the right amount of Zeldox IM for you. The medication is prepared as a solution containing 20 mg/mL of ziprasidone. Your doctor may use Zeldox IM for up to three days.
What If You Miss a Dose?
Since Zeldox IM is given by healthcare professionals in a hospital, you won’t need to worry about missing doses. Your medical team will manage your treatment schedule.
Important: Only trained healthcare professionals can prepare and give Zeldox IM injections. The medication must be mixed with water for injection before use.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Weakness or loss of strength
- Headache
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Nausea and vomiting
- Excessive sweating
- Flushing
- Involuntary muscle spasms
- Blurred vision
- Drowsiness or sleepiness
- Trouble sleeping
- Restlessness or difficulty sitting still
- Dizziness on standing up
- Pain or irritation at injection site
- Fast heart rate
- Loss of appetite
- Breathing or speaking difficulties
- Muscle stiffness
- Male sexual dysfunction
- Anxiety or agitation
- Loss of bladder control
- Unusual breast milk secretion
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Worm-like movements of the tongue
- Uncontrolled movements of tongue, mouth, cheeks, or jaw
- Uncontrolled movements spreading to arms and legs
- Sleepwalking or eating during sleep
- Breathing stops and starts during sleep
- Convulsions, fits, or seizures
- Trembling and shaking of hands and fingers
- Shuffling walk and arm/leg stiffness
- Sudden uncontrollable muscle spasms in eyes, head, neck, and body
- Allergic reactions (skin rash, hives, swelling, breathing difficulty)
- Pain and swelling in leg or hip veins
- Sharp chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing up blood
- High fever with fast breathing and muscle stiffness (NMS symptoms)
- Confusion or extreme drowsiness
Important Warnings
There are several important safety considerations before receiving Zeldox IM. Make sure your healthcare team knows about all your medical conditions.
Who Should Not Take Zeldox IM
Do not use Zeldox IM if you are allergic to ziprasidone or any ingredients in the medication. Signs of allergic reaction include hives, skin rash, shortness of breath, wheezing, or swelling of face, lips, or tongue.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: irregular heart rate, heart or blood vessel problems, low potassium or magnesium levels, high blood sugar, low blood pressure conditions, kidney or liver problems, history of seizures, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), sleep breathing problems, or if you’ve had reactions like Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome or Tardive Dyskinesia to similar medications.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Zeldox IM is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Babies exposed to antipsychotic drugs during the third trimester may experience withdrawal symptoms, breathing problems, feeding difficulties, and other complications after birth. Small amounts may pass into breast milk.
Elderly Patients With Dementia: Zeldox IM is not recommended for elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis due to increased safety risks.
Drug Interactions
Several medications can interact with Zeldox IM and affect how it works. Always tell your healthcare team about all medications you’re taking.
Important: Include all prescription medicines, over-the-counter drugs, supplements, herbal remedies, and any illicit drugs when discussing your medications with your healthcare team.
- St John’s Wort (herbal depression treatment)
- Medicines for Parkinson’s disease
- Other antipsychotic medications
- Heart rhythm medications
- Sedatives and sleep aids
- Anxiety medications
- Depression medications
- Pain medications (especially narcotics)
- Epilepsy medications (especially carbamazepine)
- Antifungal medications (especially ketoconazole)
- Rifampicin (tuberculosis antibiotic)
Alcohol & Driving
Zeldox IM can affect your ability to drive and may interact dangerously with alcohol. Take these precautions seriously for your safety.
Alcohol
Avoid alcohol completely while receiving Zeldox IM treatment. Tell your doctor if you drink alcohol regularly.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Zeldox IM may cause drowsiness in some people. Do not drive a vehicle or operate machinery if you feel drowsy or affected. Wait until you know how the medication affects you before engaging in these activities.
Storage
Zeldox IM is stored by your doctor or nurse in the hospital. The medication must be stored below 30°C and protected from light. It should be kept in a cool, dry place away from moisture, heat, and sunlight, and out of reach of children.
Overdose Information
Since Zeldox IM is given by healthcare professionals, overdose is unlikely. However, if you receive too much, you may feel drowsy with slurred speech, experience blood pressure changes, diarrhea, fast heart rate, or breathing problems. If you suspect overdose, immediately tell your doctor or nurse, or call the Poisons Information Centre at 13 11 26 (Australia).
Frequently Asked Questions
After receiving Zeldox IM, your symptoms should start to improve. Your doctor will monitor your response and may switch you to oral medication once your condition stabilizes.
Since Zeldox IM is given as an injection by healthcare professionals, food intake doesn’t affect how the medication is administered.
The source material doesn’t indicate that Zeldox IM is addictive. It’s an antipsychotic medication used for short-term treatment of severe agitation.
Some serious side effects can occur even after stopping Zeldox IM treatment. Your doctor will manage the discontinuation process and may switch you to oral medication for ongoing treatment.
No, you should avoid alcohol completely while receiving Zeldox IM treatment. Make sure to tell your doctor if you regularly drink alcohol.
Zeldox IM is not recommended for elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis. If you’re 65 or older with dementia-related psychosis, discuss alternative treatments with your doctor.
Your doctor may use Zeldox IM for up to three days. After your symptoms improve, you may be switched to oral capsules or another medication for long-term management.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.