This document discusses antipsychotic drugs, including their definition, classifications, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, indications, side effects, and the nurse's role in administering them. Antipsychotic drugs, also called neuroleptics or major tranquilizers, are primarily used to treat schizophrenia and other psychotic states. They work by reducing dopamine neurotransmission in the limbic system and mesocortical regions. Antipsychotics are classified as typical or atypical and are used to treat conditions like schizophrenia, mania, and dementia. Common side effects include extrapyramidal symptoms, sedation, and orthostatic hypotension. Nurses monitor for side effects and educate patients on safety when taking these

1. ANTIPSYCHOTIC
DRUGS
Supervisor :
Mrs. Sonia Sharma
HOD (Psychiatric
Nursing). Presenter:
Parul Prasher
MSC(N) 2nd yr

2. Introduction
• Antipsychotic drugs (also called
Neuroleptics or Major tranquilizers) are
used primarily to treat schizophrenia (a
biologic illness), but they are also effective in
other psychotic states, including manic states
with psychotic symptoms such as grandiosity,
paranoia, and hallucinations, and delusions.

3. DEFINITION
• The antipsychotic drugs are broadly defined as
the drugs, which are used to treat the
psychiatric disorders.
• The drugs are also called Neuroleptic agents
as they reduce the agitation (a state of
anxiety) and disturbed behaviour associated
with delusion and hallucinations

4. Psychiatric illnesses which are treated
with these drugs
• COGNITIVE DISORDERS
DELIRIUM DEMENTIA

6. Paranoid State

8. CLASSIFICATION OF PSYCHOTIC
DRUGS
Typical and Atypical antipsychotic
Typical antipsychotic drugs : Are a class
of antipsychotic drugs first developed in the
1950s and used to treat psychosis (in
particular, schizophrenia. Also called first
generation drugs.

9. • Atypical Antipsychotic Drugs :
Atypical antipsychotics (AAP; also known
as second generation antipsychotics (SGAs))
are a group of antipsychotic drugs
(antipsychotic drugs in general are also known
as major tranquilizers and neuroleptics. Also
called second generation drugs.

12. PHARMACODYNAMICS
• WHAT DO ALL ANTIPSYCHOTIC
HAVE COMMON ?
They reduce Dopaminegic
neurotransmission.

14. • These drugs have potent dopaminergic D2
receptor blocking action in limbic system and
in mesocortical region ,which is responsible
for their antipsychotic action.

15. PHARMACOKINETICS
Erratically absorbed from GIT
Whereas ,IM and IV doses produce consistent
effects
Widely distributed in the tissues and often
accumulate after repeated administration

16. These drugs crosses the BBB ( also cross
the placental barrier and also enter the
breast milk)
They are metabolized in the liver and excreted
through the bile and urine with in 18-30 hrs.

17. Points to remember :
• Excretion remains continued for months even
after discontinuation of drugs due to
cumulative effects.
• Dose adjustment is according to age as
metabolism is faster in children and slow in
elderly .
• Patient should be informed regarding long
duration of treatment.

18. INDICATIONS

19. Contraindications
• CNS Depression.
• Bone Marrow Depression.
• Hypotension.
• Parkinsonism.
• Hepatic Dysfunction.
• Glaucoma.

20. SIDE EFFECTS

21. NURSES ROLE IN ADMINISTERING THE
ANTIPSYCHOTIC DRUGS
• Client is instructed not to abruptly stand to
prevent fall due to orthostatic hypotension.
• Check vital signs before and after medication.
• Client is instructed to take sips of water
frequently for avoiding of dry mouth;
application of glycerine is also recommended.
• Increased intake of fluid and high fiber diet is
recommended to avoid constipation.

22. • Educate the client not to drive after taking
medication. f. Educate the client to wear full
sleeves and eye gears while going out in sun
to avoid photosensitivity
• Educate the client not to drive after taking
medication.
• Educate the client to wear full sleeves and eye
gears while going out in sun to avoid
photosensitivity

23. NURSING DIAGNOSIS
• Risk of injury related to Central nervous system
effects
 Provide different comfort measures to the client like
positioning of legs and arms.
 Provide safety measures to client to minimize the
injuries like raising side rails, adequate lighting
 Adequate and continuous monitoring of client after
the drug is given to the client.
 Educate the client and family members regarding
side-effects of drug for better understanding and
cooperation

24. • Impaired physical activity related to extra
pyramidal effect
 Provide the safe environment to the client like
removing of harmful or injurious objects in
environment.
 Report the doctor if there are excess tremors.
 Assist the client in performing the activities so that
client gets minimal stresses out.
 Make client to sit comfortably till the motor
restlessness gets relieved.

25. • Risk of activity intolerance related to
sedation, weakness (side-effects)
 Minimize the excess exhaustion of the client and
provide adequate rest.
 Help the client to perform minor activities if any.
Educate client and family not to operate any
dangerous equipment’s.

28. Bibliography
• . Davidson M, Kahn RS, Stern RG, et al. Treatment with
clozapine and its effect on plasma homovanillic acid and
norepinephrine concentrations in schizophrenia. Psychiatry
Res 1993;46: 151–163.(online book store)
• Gupta BM, Har K, Avinash K. Dementia research in India: A
scientometric analysis of research output during 2002-11. Ann
Libr Inf Stud 2011;59:280-8.
• https://www.google.com/search?q=pharmacokinetics+of+anti
psychotic+drugs+flow+chart&source=lnms&sa=X&ved=0ahUK
EwjqxOez37njAhV27XMBHYcLDTAQ_AUICygA&biw=1366&bih
=566&dpr=1