Quetiapine Dosage and Administration in Elderly Patients

Initial Dosing and Titration

• The American Society of Clinical Oncology recommends a starting dose of 25 mg (immediate release) orally stat for delirium management, with dosing frequency every 12 hours if scheduled dosing is required, and dose reduction in elderly patients and those with hepatic impairment 1, 2

Recommended Dosage Ranges by Indication

• For Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia, the initial dose is 12.5 mg twice daily, with a typical effective dose range of 50-150 mg/day 1, 3

Safety Concerns in Elderly

• Quetiapine has a lower risk of extrapyramidal symptoms compared to typical antipsychotics and some atypical antipsychotics, with common adverse effects including somnolence, dizziness, and postural hypotension 1, 2
• Short-term use of medications in the lowest effective dose is recommended, particularly for delirium management, with no medication currently licensed worldwide, so use should be for the shortest period possible 4, 5