Clozaril: Drug Information

Generic name: Clozapine

Brand Name: Clozaril

Other names: Chrozap, Clomach, Clopaz, Leponex, Lozapin, Sizopin, Skizoril, Syclop

Drug Class: Dibenzodiazepine, Antipsychotic

Uses of Clozaril:

Clozaril is an antipsychotic drug belonging to the family of dibenzodiazepines. It is used to treat schizophrenia and its accompanying symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions and mental confusion. It is also recommended for the treatment of psychosis accompanying extrapyramidal symptoms, refractory psychosis and tardive dyskinesias.

Clozaril is also effective in combating suicidal tendencies, aggression and disorganized thought pattern associated with schizophrenia. It is not a permanent cure for schizophrenia but can help these patients lead a normal life.

Dosage:

Clozaril can be taken orally with or without food. It is essential for you to stick to the dosage mentioned by your doctor and take it at regular intervals everyday. Do not stop taking this medicine abruptly without your doctor’s consent as it may worsen your present condition. This medicine is not recommended for children and should be kept out of their reach.

Warning and Precautions:

Do not take this medicine if you are hypersensitive to it.

It is also not recommended for patients diagnosed with or having a history of bone marrow disorders such asagranulocytosis, circulatory collapse, central nervous system (CNS) depression, alcoholic or toxic psychosis, drug intoxication, and uncontrolled epilepsy or sever renal, hepatic or cardiac disease.

Caution is advised when administering this medicine to patients diagnosed with kidney or liver disorders, narrow angle glaucoma, seizures, paralytic ileus or cardiovascular disease.

When taking Clozaril it is essential for you to get your leucocyte counts regularly monitored.

Caution and close drug monitoring is required when administering this medicine to the elderly.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or lactating before taking this medicine.

Drug Interactions:

Clozaril should not be co-administered withFluoxetine, Benzodiazepines, Anticholinergics, Antihypertensives, Respiratory depressants and highly protein bound drugs such as warfarin and lithium. Central nervous system (CNS) depressants including alcohol, bone marrow depressants, hepatic enzyme inhibitors and adrenaline should be avoided with Clozaril.

Side effects of Clozaril:

Some of the most common side effects of Clozaril include drowsiness, dizziness, orthostatic hypotension, tachycardia, seizures, increased salivation, influenza-like syndrome, unusual weight gain, blurred vision, headache, constipation, high blood glucose level, irregular heart beat.