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Overview

Clozapine

Prescription vs OTC : Prescription by Doctor required

About Clozapine

Clozapine works as an antipsychotic drug and controls the chemicals released by the brain to treat mental health problems like schizophrenia and other disorders.

Meant for oral consumption, the drug can be taken with food or without. Be sure to follow instructions as specified on the prescription. Do not take a lower or higher dose without consulting your doctor. You can take the tablet without water, just place it in your mouth and allow it to dissolve.

When it comes to dosage, your doctor may initially prescribe about 12.5 mg of this medicine to be consumed one or two times a day. Depending on your body’s reaction to the drug the doctor may gradually increase the dosage by 25 mg or 50 mg, until you reach about 300 mg or 450 mg daily by week 2. The maximum dosage that an adult patient may be prescribed is about 900 mg. Do not discontinue the medicine suddenly as it can result in serious withdrawal symptoms.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

    What are the uses of Clozapine

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

    What are the contraindications of Clozapine ?

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

    What are the side effects of Clozapine ?

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

    Key highlights of Clozapine

    • How long is the duration of effect?

      The effect of this medicine lasts for an average duration of 4 to 12 hours.

    • What is the onset of action?

      The peak effect of this medicine can be observed in 1.5 to 2.5 hours.

    • Are there any pregnancy warnings?

      This medicine should be used with caution in the pregnant women.

    • Is it habit forming?

      No habit forming tendency has been reported

    • Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

      This medicine is not recommended in breastfeeding women.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

    What are the dosage instructions?

    • Missed Dose instructions

      Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double your dose to make up for the missed dose.

    • Are there any overdose instructions?

      Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

    Where is the Clozapine approved?

    • India

    • United States

    • Japan

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

    Medicines containing Clozapine

    Below is the list of medicines, which contains Clozapine as ingredient

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

    How does this medication work?

    This medication belongs to the class atypical antipsychotics. It works by binding to the D2 and serotonin (5HT2A) receptors and inhibits the release of chemical substances thus helps in reducing psychotic symptoms.

      Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Psychiatrist before using this medicine.

      What are the interactions of Clozapine ?

      Whenever you take more than one medicine, or mix it with certain foods or beverages, you"re at risk of a drug interaction.

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      • Interaction with Alcohol

        Alcohol

        Consumption of alcohol with this medicine is not recommended as it can result in dizziness and difficulty in concentration. Avoid activities that need mental alertness like driving or operating machinery.
      • Interaction with Medicine

        Ketoconazole

        This medication should be used with caution with ketoconazole or other medicines that may cause irregular heart rhythm. Any symptoms of irregular heartbeat, breathing problem should be reported to the doctor immediately. Frequent monitoring of cardiac evaluation tests is to be performed. Suitable dose adjustments or an alternate medicine should be considered based on the clinical condition.

        Tramadol

        Tramadol may increase the risk of seizures when taken with it. This interaction is more likely to happen in the elderly population, and in the patients suffering from a head injury. Inform the doctor if you are on either of the medicines. An alternate medicine should be considered based on the clinical condition under the doctor's supervision.

        Antidiabetic drugs

        The desired effect of antidiabetic agents may not be achieved when taken with it. Regular monitoring of blood glucose levels is necessary. Inform the doctor if you develop any symptoms like excessive thirst, increased in the frequency of urination. Dose adjustments are to be made based on the clinical condition.

        Antihypertensives

        You may experience hypotensive effects like dizziness, lightheadedness if these medicines are used together. Regular monitoring of blood pressure is necessary. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement of the medicine should be made under the doctor's supervision.
      • Interaction with Disease

        Dementia

        This medicine is not recommended in the patients with dementia-related psychosis as it increases the risk of heart diseases like heart failure and infectious diseases like pneumonia. An alternate medicine should be considered based on the clinical condition.

      FAQs about Clozapine

      • Ques : What is Clozapine?

        Ans : This medication works as an antipsychotic drug and controls the chemicals released by the brain to treat mental health problems like schizophrenia and other disorders.

      • Ques : How long do I need to use Clozapine before I see improvement in my condition?

        Ans : This medication is to be taken till the time you see an improvement in your health conditions.

      • Ques : At what frequency do I need to use Clozapine?

        Ans : When it comes to frequency, your doctor may initially prescribe about 12.5 mg of this medicine to be consumed one or two times a day.

      • Ques : Should I use Clozapine empty stomach, before food or after food?

        Ans : This medication can be taken with or without food as it creates no difference.

      • Ques : What are the instructions for the storage and disposal of Clozapine?

        Ans : This medication should be kept in a cool dry place and in its original packaging. Make sure this medication remains unreachable to children and pets.

      References

      • Clozapine-Drug Information Portal [Internet].druginfo.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 27 May 2022].Available from:

        https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/clozapine

      • Clozapine-DrugBank Online [Internet].go.drugbank.com 2022 [Cited 27 May 2022].Available from:

        https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00363

      • CLOZAPINE Tablet,solution-DailyMed [Internet].dailymed.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 27 May 2022].Available from:

        https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/search.cfm?labeltype=all&query=CLOZAPINE

      Disclaimer : The information produced here is best of our knowledge and experience and we have tried our best to make it as accurate and up-to-date as possible, but we would like to request that it should not be treated as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.

      Lybrate is a medium to provide our audience with the common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. Even if there is no mention of a warning for any drug or combination, it never means that we are claiming that the drug or combination is safe for consumption without any proper consultation with an expert.

      Lybrate does not take responsibility for any aspect of medicines or treatments. If you have any doubts about your medication, we strongly recommend you to see a doctor immediately.
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      Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
      Reviewed By
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      Reviewed ByDr. Garima SharmaMBBS, Master in Healthcare Administration, Diploma in Occupational HealthGeneral Physician
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