Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not use more of it, do not use it more often, and do not use it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

You may take this medicine with or without food.

When using the oral liquid:

  • Measure the dose with the measuring device provided with the container.
  • Take the medicine directly from the measuring device or mix the liquid with a beverage (eg, water, coffee, orange juice, or low-fat milk). Do not mix the liquid with cola or tea. Drink all of the mixture.
  • Rinse the empty measuring device with water. Place it back in its storage case. Put the plastic cap back on the bottle of medicine.

When using the orally disintegrating tablet:

  • Do not open the package until you are ready to take the medicine. To remove one tablet, separate one of the 4 tablets by tearing it apart on the perforations.
  • Bend the corner as shown on the package. Peel back the foil. Do not push the tablet through the foil because that could damage the tablet.
  • With dry hands, take the tablet out of the package. Place it immediately on your tongue. Do not store the tablet once it is removed from the package.
  • The tablet will disintegrate in seconds after it is placed on the tongue.
  • You may swallow the tablet with or without liquid. Do not split or chew the tablet.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For oral dosage forms (solution, tablets, or orally disintegrating tablets):
    • For bipolar disorder:
      • Adults—At first, 2 to 3 milligrams (mg) once a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 6 mg per day.
      • Older adults—At first, 0.5 mg 2 times a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 6 mg per day.
      • Children 10 to 17 years of age—At first, 0.5 mg once a day, in the morning or evening. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 6 mg per day.
      • Children younger than 10 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For irritability associated with autistic disorder:
      • Children 5 to 16 years of age weighing 20 kilograms (kg) or greater—At first, 0.5 milligrams (mg) per day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
      • Children 5 to 16 years weighing less than 20 kg—At first, 0.25 mg per day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
      • Children younger than 5 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For schizophrenia:
      • Adults—At first, 2 milligrams (mg) per day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 16 mg per day.
      • Older adults—At first, 0.5 mg 2 times a day. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
      • Children 13 to 17 years of age—At first, 0.5 mg once a day, in the morning or evening. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 6 mg per day.
      • Children younger than 13 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Portions of this document last updated: April 01, 2024

Copyright: © Merative US L.P. 1973, 2024. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.