What is the administration protocol for Latuda (Lurasidone)?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: February 27, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

From the FDA Drug Label

Lurasidone hydrochloride tablets should be taken with food (at least 350 calories). Administration with food substantially increases the absorption of lurasidone hydrochloride tablets. The recommended starting dose of lurasidone hydrochloride tablets is 20 mg given once daily as monotherapy or as adjunctive therapy with lithium or valproate. Lurasidone hydrochloride tablets has been shown to be effective in a dose range of 20 mg per day to 120 mg per day as monotherapy or as adjunctive therapy with lithium or valproate. The maximum recommended dose, as monotherapy or as adjunctive therapy with lithium or valproate, is 120 mg per day. For pediatric patients (10 – 17 years), the recommended starting dose of lurasidone hydrochloride tablets is 20 mg given once daily as monotherapy. The dose may be increased after one week based on clinical response. The maximum recommended dose for pediatric patients is 80 mg per day.

The administration protocol for Latuda (Lurasidone) is to take the tablets with food (at least 350 calories) once daily. The recommended starting dose is 20 mg per day, and the dose may be increased based on clinical response. The maximum recommended dose is 120 mg per day for adults and 80 mg per day for pediatric patients (10-17 years) 1.

  • Key points:
    • Take with food (at least 350 calories)
    • Once daily administration
    • Starting dose: 20 mg per day
    • Maximum dose:
      • Adults: 120 mg per day
      • Pediatric patients (10-17 years): 80 mg per day
    • Dose adjustments may be necessary for patients with renal or hepatic impairment, or those taking certain medications 1.

From the Research

Latuda (lurasidone) should be taken once daily with a meal for optimal absorption, with a recommended dose of 40-160 mg daily, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study 2. The administration protocol for Latuda (lurasidone) is straightforward, with the medication being taken once daily with food.

  • The typical starting dose is 40 mg daily, which may be adjusted by the healthcare provider to 40-160 mg daily depending on the patient's condition and response.
  • Taking Latuda with food is essential, as it significantly increases the medication's absorption, which is crucial for achieving therapeutic blood levels.
  • The medication should be taken at the same time each day to maintain consistent blood levels.
  • It is also important not to crush, chew, or break the tablets, as this may affect how the medication works.
  • If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as possible with food, but skipped if it's almost time for the next dose.
  • Common side effects of Latuda include drowsiness, restlessness, and movement disorders, so caution should be exercised when driving or operating machinery until the patient knows how the medication affects them.
  • Alcohol should be avoided while taking Latuda, as it may increase side effects, as noted in studies 3, 4, 5, 6. The most recent and highest quality study 2 provides the best evidence for the administration protocol of Latuda, and its findings should be prioritized in clinical practice.

References

Research

Lurasidone: a clinical overview.

The Journal of clinical psychiatry, 2011

Research

Lurasidone in the treatment of schizophrenia: a critical evaluation.

Expert opinion on pharmacotherapy, 2015

Research

Lurasidone for schizophrenia.

Drug and therapeutics bulletin, 2015

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.