Ziconotide
Synthetic ω-conotoxin; intrathecal analgesic for chronic pain.
What it is
Ziconotide (Prialt) is a synthetic version of ω-conotoxin MVIIA, originally isolated from the venom of the marine cone snail Conus magus. It is FDA-approved for management of severe chronic pain in patients for whom intrathecal therapy is warranted and who are intolerant or refractory to other treatments.
Mechanism of action
Selective N-type voltage-gated calcium channel blocker. The selectivity for N-type channels in pain pathways provides analgesic effects without the off-target effects of broader calcium channel blockers.
Approved indications
Severe chronic pain in patients refractory to other treatments and requiring intrathecal therapy. Administered through implanted intrathecal pump systems.
Why this is out of scope at The Tide
Severe chronic pain requiring intrathecal pump therapy is appropriately managed by interventional pain management programs with experience in intrathecal therapy. The Tide does not provide intrathecal therapy or pain management at this level of complexity.
Where to learn more
Interventional pain management programs.