Women's Health Library

Our Health Library information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Please be advised that this information is made available to assist our patients to learn more about their health. Our providers may not see and/or treat all topics found herein.

Amisulpride Injection

Brand Name(s): Barhemsys®

WHY is this medicine prescribed?

Amisulpride injection is used to prevent and treat nausea and vomiting that may occur after surgery. Amisulpride is in a class of medications called dopamine receptor antagonists. It works by blocking the action of dopamine, a natural substance that may cause nausea and vomiting.

Are there OTHER USES for this medicine?

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

HOW should this medicine be used?

Amisulpride comes as a solution (liquid) to be injected intravenously (into a vein) by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. It is usually given as a single injection just before surgery or as a single dose as soon as nausea or vomiting occurs after surgery.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?

Before receiving amisulpride injection,

  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to amisulpride, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in amisulpride injection. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.

  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take while receiving amisulpride injection. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.

  • tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has or has ever had long QT syndrome (condition that increases the risk of developing an irregular heartbeat that may cause fainting or sudden death), or another type of irregular heart beat or heart rhythm problem, or if you have or have ever had low levels of magnesium or potassium in your blood, heart failure (HF; condition in which the heart cannot pump enough blood to other parts of the body), or kidney disease.

  • tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while receiving amisulpride injection, call your doctor.

What SPECIAL DIETARY instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?

Amisulpride injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

  • feeling cold or chills
  • injection site pain

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

  • fast, slow or irregular heartbeat
  • blurred vision or vision loss
  • dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting
  • rash; hives; itching; swelling of the face, eyes, or mouth; rash, hives, itching, swelling of the face, eyes, or mouth, wheezing, shortness of breath

Amisulpride injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

What should I do in case of OVERDOSE?

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

  • fast, slow or irregular heartbeat
  • blurred vision or vision loss
  • dizziness, light-headedness, or fainting
  • drowsiness
  • coma (loss of consciousness for a period of time)
  • seizures
  • unusual movements of the face or body that you cannot control

What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

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