ritanserin 

Action and Spectrum

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined   

None  

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning: 

None  

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication /Caution: 

Contraindication:  

Individuals with a known hypersensitivity or allergy to ritanserin or any of its components should not use.  

Caution:  

Cardiovascular conditions.  

History of seizure disorders.  

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy/Lactation   

Pregnancy consideration:  

Pregnancy category: N/A  

Lactation: Excretion into human milk is unknown   

Pregnancy Categories:    

• Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester.  
• Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women.   
• Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.  
• Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.  
• Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.  
• Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category.  

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

Ritanserin modulates serotonin-mediated neurotransmission. This modulation can produce an impact on the other systems and operation of neurons which are involved in the specific neurotransmitter.

Pharmacodynamics: 

Ritanserin also works as the selective serotonin receptor blocker and is associated with serotonin 5-HT2 receptors. This competitive binder of the receptor antagonises the action of serotonin.
Ritanserin acts in a way that it reduces the impact of serotonin on these receptors by binding to it. Depending on the specific serotonin pathway that can be involved this can have various effects. 

Pharmacokinetics:
Absorption
Ritanserin is well absorbed when taken orally mainly from the gastrointestinal tract.
Distribution
Ritanserin is well distributed in the body tissues.

Metabolism 

The metabolism of ritanserin occurs in liver.

Elimination and excretion
Ritanserin and its metabolites are excreted through feces and urine.

Adminstartion

Administration: 
The drug is available in tablet/capsule form for oral use. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet  

Generic Name: ritanserin  

Why do we use ritanserin?  

Ritanserin has been considered as a type of addition to primary treatments for schizophrenic disorders with the purpose of improving the efficiency of antipsychotic drugs.
Ritanserin has been investigated for its effectiveness in the disorders related to depression and anxiety as it affects the serotonin system.
There have been certain research where ritanserin has been used as a substance in withdrawal syndromes and for the alleviation of craving in the substance use disorders especially in alcohol and cocaine addiction.