PRECAUTIONS: Before taking ziprasidone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: heart problems (e.g., QTc prolongation, arrhythmias, recent heart attack, heart failure). Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney problems, liver problems, mineral imbalance (e.g., hypokalemia, hypomagnesemia), strokes (cerebrovascular disease), history of low blood pressure (e.g., dehydration, hypovolemia), seizures, swallowing difficulty, Alzheimer's disease, breast cancer, diabetes (or family history), obesity. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying position. Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the side effects of the drug, especially the drowsiness and blood pressure-lowering effects. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Other drugs besides ziprasidone which may affect the heart rhythm (QTc prolongation in the EKG) include dofetilide, pimozide, quinidine, sotalol, procainamide, and sparfloxacin among others. QTc prolongation can infrequently result in serious, rarely fatal, irregular heartbeats. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for details. Ask for instructions about whether you need to stop any other QTc-prolonging drugs you may be using in order to minimize the risk of this effect. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription products you may use, especially of: azole antifungals (e.g., ketoconazole, itraconazole), anti-Parkinson drugs (e.g., pramipexole, ropinirole), certain blood pressure medications (e.g., beta-blockers such as metoprolol or propranolol, "water pills" or diuretics such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide, alpha-blockers such as doxazosin or prazosin). Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you take drugs that cause drowsiness, including: medicine for sleep (e.g., sedatives), tranquilizers, anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam), narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), other psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine, or tricyclics such as amitriptyline), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), muscle relaxants, antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.g., diphenhydramine). Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of these products. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.