Details

Clozapine is an antipsychotic medication. It works by changing the actions of chemicals in the brain. Clozapine is used to treat severe schizophrenia, or to reduce the risk of suicidal behaviour in people with schizophrenia or similar disorders. Clozapine is not approved for use in psychotic conditions related to dementia. Clozapine may increase the risk of death in older adults with dementia-related conditions. To make sure clozapine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have heart disease, high blood pressure, or history of heart attack or stroke a personal or family history of long QT syndrome an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood) a history of seizures, head injury, or brain tumour diabetes, or risk factors such as being overweight or having a family history of diabetes high cholesterol or triglycerides a bowel obstruction called paralytic ileus liver or kidney disease an enlarged prostate or urination problems glaucoma if you are malnourished or dehydrated or if you smoke.

Typical Uses

Clozapine is used to treat certain mental/mood disorders (schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorders). Clozapine is a psychiatric medication (anti-psychotic type) that works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural substances (neurotransmitters) in the brain. Clozapine decreases hallucinations and helps prevent suicide in people who are likely to try to harm themselves. It helps you to think more clearly and positively about yourself, feel less nervous, and take part in everyday life.

Side Effects

Serious and sometimes fatal infections may occur during treatment with clozapine. Contact your medical professional right away if you have signs of infection such as sudden weakness or ill feeling fever, swollen glands, sore throat, flu symptoms or mouth sores, red or swollen gums, and trouble swallowing. High doses or long-term use of clozapine can cause a serious movement disorder that may not be reversible. Symptoms of this disorder include uncontrollable muscle movements of your lips, tongue, eyes, face, arms, or legs. The longer you take this medicine, the more likely you are to develop a serious movement disorder. The risk of this side effect is higher in women and older adults.

Drug Interactions

• Clozapine+abarelix- Using clozapine together with abarelix can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a relatively rare side effect. You may be more susceptible if you have a heart condition called congenital long QT syndrome, other cardiac diseases, conduction abnormalities, or electrolyte disturbances.

• Clozapine+anagrelide- Using anagrelide together with clozapine can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a relatively rare side effect. You may be more susceptible if you have a heart condition called congenital long QT syndrome, other cardiac diseases, conduction abnormalities, or electrolyte disturbances.

• Clozapine+bedaquiline- Using clozapine together with bedaquiline can increase the risk of an irregular heart rhythm that may be serious and potentially life-threatening, although it is a relatively rare side effect. You may be more susceptible if you have a heart condition called congenital long QT syndrome, other cardiac diseases, conduction abnormalities, or electrolyte disturbances.

• Clozapine+cabazitaxel- Using clozapine together with cabazitaxel is not recommended. Clozapine can lower white blood cell count, and combining it with other medications that can also affect bone marrow function such as cabazitaxel may increase the risk. You may be more likely to develop serious and potentially life-threatening infections as a result.

Mechanism of action

Clozapine belongs to a class of drugs called as anti-psychotics. It works by decreasing the levels of the chemicals such as dopamine and serotonin, which are present in excess in patients with schizophrenia or psychosis.

Pregnancy Category : B