J Emerg Med
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Multicenter Study
Intramuscular Ziprasidone: Influence of Alcohol and Benzodiazepines on Vital Signs in the Emergency Setting.
Ziprasidone is a second-generation antipsychotic (SGA) approved for agitation. Few previous studies have examined ziprasidone in the emergency department (ED). For instance, it is unknown how often emergency physicians prescribe ziprasidone, whether it is typically prescribed in combination with a benzodiazepine, or whether use of intramuscular (i.m.) ziprasidone and benzodiazepines affects vital signs compared to i.m. ziprasidone alone. ⋯ This study suggests that many ED physicians, who commonly prescribe a benzodiazepine with a first-generation antipsychotic like haloperidol, have transferred this practice to SGAs like ziprasidone. In this sample, this pairing did not adversely affect vital signs but was associated with marginally longer ED stays. Caution should be exercised when treating alcohol-intoxicated patients with ziprasidone, as this can decrease oxygen saturations.