Medicines
Discover all available medicines and treatments
Discover all available medicines and treatments
Brand: Prialt
Ziconotide is a non-opioid analgesic used to manage severe chronic pain in patients who are refractory to or intolerant of other treatments, such as systemic analgesics, adjunctive therapies, or intrathecal morphine. It is a synthetic form of a naturally occurring toxin found in the cone snail *Conus magus*. Ziconotide acts as a selective N-type calcium channel blocker, inhibiting the release of neurotransmitters involved in pain transmission.
For the management of severe chronic pain in patients refractory to or intolerant of other treatments.
Serious neuropsychiatric symptoms and neurological impairment may occur during treatment with ziconotide. Monitor patients closely for cognitive impairment, hallucinations, and mood changes. Dosage adjustments or discontinuation may be necessary.
Outcome:
Increased sedation and respiratory depression
Mechanism:
Additive CNS depression
Outcome:
Additive analgesic effect and potential for increased side effects
Mechanism:
Synergistic action at different pain pathways
Outcome:
Potential for increased bleeding risk if combined with anticoagulants
Mechanism:
Additive effects on platelet function
Most likely new formulation: Extended-release ziconotide implant (2026, 70% confidence)
Based on current usage trends and safety profile, ziconotide is likely to remain a niche therapy for severe chronic pain management (85% confidence).
Analgesic, N-type Calcium Channel Blocker
Peptide