Clozapine (By mouth)
KLOE-za-peen
Treats schizophrenia. Also lowers the risk of suicidal behavior in patients who have schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder.
Drug classes
Antipsychotic (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Clozapine is used to treat severely ill patients with schizophrenia who have used other medicines that did not work well. It is also used to lower risk of suicidal behavior in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. Clozapine changes some of the chemicals in the brain that are thought to cause schizophrenia. This medicine should not be used to treat behavioral problems in older adults with dementia.
This medicine is only available through a restricted program. You might be asked to read and sign papers that explain how the medicine works and some of the unwanted effects.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
Liquid, Tablet, Dissolving Tablet
Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
Make sure your hands are dry before you handle the disintegrating tablet. Peel back the foil from the blister pack, then remove the tablet. Do not push the tablet through the foil. Place the tablet in your mouth. After it has melted, swallow or take a drink of water. The disintegrating tablet may also be chewed.
Oral suspension: Shake for 10 seconds before each use. Measure the dose with the dosing syringe that comes with the package.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose. Call you doctor if you miss your dose for longer than 2 days. Your dose may need to be changed.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Oral suspension: Do not refrigerate or freeze. Throw away any unused medicine 100 days after you open the bottle for the first time.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines can affect how clozapine works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
Bupropion, carbamazepine, cimetidine, dolasetron, duloxetine, enoxacin, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, halofantrine, levomethadyl acetate, lithium, mefloquine, methadone, paroxetine, pentamidine, phenytoin, rifampin, sertraline, St John’s wort, tacrolimus, or terbinafine Birth control pills Blood pressure medicine Diuretic (water pill) Medicine for heart rhythm problems (including amiodarone, encainide, flecainide, procainamide, propafenone, quinidine, sotalol) Medicine to treat an infection (including ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, gatifloxacin, moxifloxacin, sparfloxacin) Other medicine to treat mental health problems (including chlorpromazine, iloperidone, droperidol, pimozide, ziprasidone).
Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.
Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to clozapine.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, digestion problems, glaucoma, heart or blood vessel disease, heart failure, heart rhythm problems, enlarged prostate, or a history of head injury, heart attack, stroke, seizures, or alcohol addiction. Tell your doctor if you smoke or drink products that contain caffeine. Tell your doctor if you have phenylketonuria.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Neutropenia (blood disorder that can lead to serious infections) Heart problems or changes in heart rhythm Changes in blood sugar levels Neuroleptic malignant syndrome, which can be life-threatening Increased risk of blood clots, including stroke Tardive dyskinesia (a movement disorder)This medicine can make you dizzy, drowsy, or lightheaded. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you. Stand or sit up slowly if you feel lightheaded or dizzy.
Drink plenty of liquids to help avoid constipation.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash
Chest pain, trouble breathing, numbness or weakness on one side of your body, lower leg pain, problems with vision, speech, or walking
Fast, slow, or pounding heartbeat
Fever, chills, cough, body aches
Fever, sweating, confusion, uneven heartbeat, muscle stiffness
Increased thirst or hunger
Jerky muscle movement that you cannot control, often in your face, tongue, or jaw
Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting
Seizures
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Constipation, nausea
Excess saliva or drooling
Weight gain
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Clozaril, FazaClo, Versacloz
There may be other brand names for this medicine.