Aripiprazole and dehydroaripiprazole
Toxicology Overview / Directory
Purpose of the test
Aripiprazole is an atypical antipsychotic with a novel structure. It is used at a dose of 10-15 mg once daily, up to a maximum of 30 mg/d. Aripiprazole undergoes extensive hepatic metabolism via CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 including dehydrogenation, hydroxylation, and N-dealkylation. Dehydroaripiprazole has pharmacological activity, and accumulates in plasma to ca. 40 % of the aripiprazole concentration at steady-state, which is achieved in about 14 days. The plasma half-life averages 75 h (aripiprazole) and 94 h (dehydroaripiprazole).
Aripiprazole and dehydroaripiprazole assay is sometimes useful in assessing adherence and may help in dose optimisation, and if acute poisoning is suspected. A reference range of 150–300 µg/L of aripiprazole (60-120 µg/L dehydroaripiprazole) has been suggested (12 h post-dose sample).
Sample Requirements
4 mL of ETDA whole blood is preferred. Serum or plasma can be used if required, but please avoid gel-separator tubes.
Storage and Transport
Please refrigerate (if possible) if not sending immediately. Send by first class post to:
Toxicology Unit
Top Floor, Bessemer Wing
King’s College Hospital
Denmark Hill
London SE5 9RS
Please use the form below, COMPLETE ALL FIELDS, and send as a hard copy with the sample.
PDF Request Form
Download Aripiprazole And Dehydroaripiprazole Request Form
Turnaround Time
Results are available within 5 working days of receipt in the laboratory.
Price
Price available on application - please contact adrianturner1@nhs.net. Discounts could be available for significant workloads.
Contacts
Clinical Advice & Interpretation
Dr Bob Flanagan
T 020 3299 5881
Fax 020 3299 5888
Laboratory
Simon Handley
T 020 3299 5883
F 020 3299 5888
References
Molden et al., Pharmacokinetic variability of aripiprazole and the active metabolite dehydroaripiprazole in psychiatric patients. TDM Vol 28; 2006: p744-9
Kirschbaum et al., Serum levels of aripiprazole and dehydroaripiprazole, clinical response and side effects. World J Biol Psychiatry, 2007 May 11 (Epub ahead of print)
