Which medication is the active metabolite of risperidone?

Paliperidone is the active metabolite of risperidone. After risperidone is administered, it is converted into paliperidone primarily in the liver. This conversion is significant because paliperidone has similar pharmacological effects to risperidone and is used in the treatment of schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. Understanding this relationship is essential for recognizing how these medications function within the body and their potential effects on patients.

The other options represent different antipsychotic medications that are not directly related to risperidone in terms of metabolic conversion. Olanzapine, ziprasidone, and quetiapine are all distinct drugs with their own metabolic pathways and are utilized for various indications in the management of psychiatric disorders, but they do not serve as metabolites of risperidone. Thus, recognizing the connection between risperidone and paliperidone is crucial for comprehending their therapeutic roles.