What is the use of AIP Tablet?: A Look at Aripiprazole and Related Terms

October 6, 2025 •

3 min read

There is no medication officially named "AIP Tablet"; instead, the query most commonly refers to a misidentification of the antipsychotic drug aripiprazole, known by the brand name Abilify. In fact, numerous medical terms and pill imprints can be confused with "AIP," highlighting the importance of correct identification for patient safety.

Quick Summary

The term AIP Tablet is typically a misnomer for aripiprazole, an atypical antipsychotic used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder, and as an adjunctive therapy for depression. Other uses, like for irritability with autistic disorder and Tourette's, also exist. The query can also refer to a medication imprint (Perloxx) or a medical initiative (Active Ingredient Prescribing).

Key Points

Misnomer Alert: The term "AIP Tablet" is not a recognized drug name and can refer to several different medical concepts, most commonly being a misnomer for Aripiprazole.
Aripiprazole's Use: Aripiprazole, known by the brand name Abilify, is an antipsychotic medication used to treat schizophrenia, bipolar I disorder, major depressive disorder (as an add-on), and certain conditions in children like Tourette's and autism-related irritability.
Understanding Side Effects: Common side effects of aripiprazole include nausea, restlessness, and weight gain, while serious risks can include metabolic changes, tardive dyskinesia, and suicidal thoughts in young people.
AIP Imprint Warning: Pills with imprints like "A I P 250" or "A I P 1000" are not aripiprazole, but rather Perloxx, a narcotic pain medication combining acetaminophen and oxycodone.
Other AIP Meanings: Outside of pill identification, AIP can stand for Active Ingredient Prescribing (a policy) or rare medical conditions like Acute Intermittent Porphyria or Acute Interstitial Pneumonia.
Seek Professional Advice: Because of the high potential for confusion and the serious nature of these medications, it is critical to consult a healthcare provider or pharmacist for accurate information regarding any prescription.

The phrase "AIP Tablet" does not correspond to a recognized medication name, which can lead to confusion when attempting to identify a prescription or its purpose. The most likely medication being referenced is aripiprazole, an atypical antipsychotic commonly marketed under the brand name Abilify. Alternatively, a pill with an imprint including "AIP" could indicate a narcotic painkiller. The acronym AIP also has other meanings in a medical context, such as referring to specific health conditions or prescribing regulations.

What is Aripiprazole?

Aripiprazole is a psychotropic medication that works by influencing the activity of dopamine and serotonin in the brain. It is considered a third-generation atypical antipsychotic and acts as a partial agonist at dopamine D2 and serotonin 5-HT1A receptors, and an antagonist at serotonin 5-HT2A receptors. This action helps to stabilize neurotransmitter levels and regulate mood, thought processes, and behavior. It is available in various forms, including tablets and injections.

Therapeutic Uses of Aripiprazole

Aripiprazole has multiple FDA-approved uses for both adults and children.

Schizophrenia: Effective in treating symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions.
Bipolar I Disorder: Used to manage acute manic and mixed episodes, sometimes with other mood stabilizers.
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Can be used alongside antidepressants to improve symptoms in adults.
Irritability associated with Autistic Disorder: Approved for children aged 6 to 17 to help manage irritability and aggression.
Tourette's Disorder: Used to manage tics and behavioral symptoms in children and adolescents aged 6 to 18.

Potential Side Effects and Safety Considerations

Aripiprazole can cause side effects ranging from common to serious.

Common Side Effects

Restlessness (akathisia).
Nausea and vomiting.
Headache, difficulty sleeping, or drowsiness.
Dizziness.
Weight gain.

Serious Side Effects and Warnings

Increased Risk of Death in Elderly Patients with Dementia-Related Psychosis: A black box warning indicates an increased risk of death in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis treated with antipsychotics.
Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors: Children, adolescents, and young adults starting or adjusting doses of aripiprazole may have an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Metabolic Changes: Significant changes like weight gain, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol can occur and require monitoring.
Tardive Dyskinesia (TD): Involuntary body movements may develop with antipsychotic use.
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS): A rare but life-threatening condition involving high fever and muscle rigidity.

What if my pill has an "AIP" imprint?

It's important not to confuse a search term with a pill's imprint. If a pill has an imprint like "A I P 250" or "A I P 1000," it is likely Perloxx, a narcotic pain reliever containing acetaminophen and oxycodone. This is different from aripiprazole and has serious risks, including potential for abuse. Always confirm medication identity with a pharmacist or pill identifier.

Comparison Table: Aripiprazole vs. Perloxx


Feature	Aripiprazole (Commonly confused with "AIP")	Perloxx (Pill imprint "AIP")
Active Ingredient	Aripiprazole	Acetaminophen & Oxycodone
Drug Class	Atypical Antipsychotic	Narcotic Analgesic Combination
Primary Use	Treat psychiatric conditions.	Relieve moderate to severe pain.
Mechanism of Action	Balances brain neurotransmitters.	Combines a pain reliever and an opioid.
Availability	Prescription only.	Controlled substance with high abuse potential.

Other Medical Meanings for AIP

The acronym AIP can also refer to other medical concepts.

Active Ingredient Prescribing: A regulatory measure in some countries requiring prescriptions to list the active drug ingredient to enhance safety and promote generics.
Acute Intermittent Porphyria: A rare genetic disorder affecting the nervous system, treated with specific medications like Panhematin or Givlaari.
Acute Interstitial Pneumonia: A serious condition affecting the lungs.

Conclusion

The query "AIP Tablet" is likely based on a misunderstanding due to the varied meanings of the acronym. The term most often refers to aripiprazole (Abilify), an atypical antipsychotic for conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression. However, a pill with an "AIP" imprint is likely Perloxx, a potent narcotic painkiller. Given the potential dangers of misidentification, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional or pharmacist for accurate medication information. Additional details on aripiprazole can be found in resources like the NCBI Bookshelf.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, "AIP Tablet" is a likely misnomer. The drug most often confused with this term, especially for psychiatric uses, is Aripiprazole, also known by the brand name Abilify.

Aripiprazole is used to treat several mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, manic and mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder, and as an add-on treatment for major depressive disorder.

Common side effects can include restlessness, nausea, vomiting, weight gain, insomnia, headache, and dizziness.

Aripiprazole carries a black box warning for an increased risk of death in elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis and an increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in young adults, children, and adolescents.

An imprint such as 'A I P 250' or 'A I P 1000' refers to the prescription painkiller Perloxx, which contains oxycodone and acetaminophen. This is a very different medication from Aripiprazole.

Active Ingredient Prescribing (AIP) is a regulatory initiative in some countries requiring prescriptions to list the medicine's active ingredient. This is to increase patient awareness and promote the use of generic medications.

Besides medication confusion, the acronym AIP can refer to medical conditions such as Acute Intermittent Porphyria (a rare genetic disorder) or Acute Interstitial Pneumonia (a serious pulmonary disease).