Patient/caregiver was educated on contraindications for using Ziprasidone as follows:
- Do not take Ziprasidone, if you ever manifested any allergic response to intake of Ziprasidone. Discuss your history of allergic response to this medication with your physician, without fail.
- In the event of any current manifestations of any allergic response with this medication, report it to your physician or other health care personnel immediately, to check regarding your safety with continuing on intake of this medication.
- Do not take ziprasidone with alcohol or opioid pain medications, such as, hydrocodone and codeine, as they can further contribute to the dizziness caused by the medication, thus compromising safety. A number of OTC cough medications, antihistamines, and antianxiety medications, also can cause drowsiness upon intake and must be avoided taking along with ziprasidone.
- Ziprasidone carries the risk of aggravating some underlying cardiac arrhythmias leading to severe debility and death. Ziprasidone must be avoided or administered with extreme caution in individuals with history of life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. Report to your physician regarding any new development or exacerbation of signs and symptoms of arrhythmias, such as, episodes of chest pain, rapid heart rate, palpitations, dizziness, and acute shortness of breath, to facilitate a change in your plan of care.
