Medicines
Discover all available medicines and treatments
Discover all available medicines and treatments
Brand: Clozaril, Fazaclo, Versacloz, Denzapine
Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic medication primarily used to treat treatment-resistant schizophrenia and reduce the risk of recurrent suicidal behavior in schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. It belongs to the dibenzodiazepine class and works differently than typical antipsychotics by primarily targeting serotonin receptors, with a lower affinity for dopamine D2 receptors. Its unique mechanism makes it effective for patients who haven't responded to other antipsychotics, but it also carries serious potential side effects requiring careful monitoring.
For treatment-resistant schizophrenia and reducing the risk of recurrent suicidal behavior in schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.
Severe neutropenia: Risk of agranulocytosis, seizures, myocarditis, orthostatic hypotension, and other adverse cardiovascular and respiratory effects. Close monitoring of white blood cell counts is required.
Outcome:
Decreased clozapine levels, reduced efficacy
Mechanism:
Enzyme induction
Outcome:
Increased sedation and respiratory depression
Mechanism:
Additive CNS depressant effects
Outcome:
May slightly decrease clozapine levels
Mechanism:
CYP1A2 induction
Most likely new formulation: Long-acting injectable clozapine (2025, 70% confidence)
Based on post-marketing surveillance data and adverse event reporting, there is a <1% likelihood of agranulocytosis requiring discontinuation of clozapine.
Atypical Antipsychotic
Dibenzodiazepine