What is the onset of action time for Olanzapine (Olanzapine) ODT (Orally Disintegrating Tablet)?

Onset of Action Time for Olanzapine ODT (Orally Disintegrating Tablet)

Olanzapine ODT begins disintegrating in the mouth within seconds of administration, with onset of clinical effects occurring within 1-2 minutes after absorption. 1

Pharmacokinetics of Olanzapine ODT

Olanzapine ODT (Zyprexa Zydis) is designed for rapid oral administration with several key characteristics:

• The tablet begins disintegrating in the mouth within seconds, allowing its contents to be subsequently swallowed with or without liquid 1
• Pharmacokinetic studies have shown that ZYPREXA ZYDIS (olanzapine orally disintegrating tablets) and standard ZYPREXA tablets are bioequivalent 1
• After absorption, olanzapine reaches peak plasma concentrations in approximately 6 hours 1
• The clinical effects begin much sooner than peak plasma concentration, with onset of action occurring within 1-2 minutes 2

Clinical Onset vs. Peak Effect

It's important to distinguish between initial onset of action and peak therapeutic effect:

• Initial clinical effects begin within 1-2 minutes after absorption 2
• Peak effect is achieved within 3-4 minutes for intravenous administration 3
• While the ODT formulation provides rapid disintegration, the onset of action is similar to that of the standard oral formulation once absorbed

Factors Affecting Onset of Action

Several factors can influence how quickly olanzapine takes effect:

• Food does not affect the rate or extent of olanzapine absorption 1
• Smoking status can affect clearance rates - smokers have higher clearance of olanzapine than non-smokers 4
• Gender differences exist - men generally have higher clearance rates than women 4
• Age can impact pharmacokinetics - elderly patients may experience slower clearance 1

Clinical Implications

When using olanzapine ODT for acute situations:

• For agitation management, clinical effects begin shortly after administration 3
• In psychiatric emergencies, olanzapine ODT (5-10 mg) can be used as an alternative to intramuscular administration 3
• The rapid disintegration allows for administration without water, which is beneficial in patients who refuse or cannot swallow tablets 1

Important Considerations and Precautions

• While onset of action is rapid, the half-life of olanzapine ranges from 21 to 54 hours (mean of 30 hours), allowing for once-daily dosing 1
• Steady-state concentrations are reached in about 1 week of daily administration 1
• When combining with benzodiazepines, caution is advised due to risk of oversedation and respiratory depression 3
• Common side effects include sedation, weight gain, and metabolic effects 5

For acute management situations requiring rapid onset, olanzapine ODT provides a convenient alternative to standard tablets with comparable bioavailability and rapid initial effects beginning within 1-2 minutes after absorption.