To compare the efficacy and tolerability of brand-risperidone against
similar-risperidone in elderly outpatients.MethodThe medical files of 16 elderly outpatients from the IPq-HCFMUSP treated with
two formulations of risperidone (brand and similar) between July/1999 and
February/2000 were reviewed. Two independent raters, using the Clinical
Global Impression scale, evaluated the efficacy of the treatment with
risperidone and the frequency of adverse effects.ResultsComparing October/1999 to November/1999, Rater 1 observed a trend (p=0.059)
and Rater 2 found a statistically significant difference, in favor of the
brand-risperidone group (p=0.014). Comparing October/1999 to February/2000,
Rater 1 observed no statistically significant difference (p=0.190), but the
Rater 2 found a statistically significant difference in favor of the
brand-risperidone group (p=0.029). Comparing November/1999 to February/2000,
both raters found no statistically significant differences between both
risperidone formulations. Regarding adverse effects, a statistically
significant difference (p=0.046) was found in favor of the patients treated
with brand-risperidone.ConclusionsThe risperidone-reference, compared to similar-risperidone, showed a trend
toward greater efficacy and tolerability.