CLOZAPINE FACT SHEET
(CLOZ-A-PEEN)
This information is not a replacement for full discussion of risks and benefits with you doctor.
Other Names:Clozaril
Principal Uses: To treat psychotic disorders such as Schizophrenia and some mood disorders.
Cost (in New Zealand): Free on doctors prescription
Dose: Usually about 5mg per kilogram of body weight or 300-400mg
How it works: It is thought to have a different mechanism of action from other antipsychotics. It is not know exactly how it works but it effects the transmission of some dopaminergic nerve cells and some serotonergic nerve cells.
Possible Side Effects. Sedation, weight gain, excessive saliva production, blood disorders and some effects on blood sugar and blood lipids. Because of the risk of a particular blood disorder which interferes with the bodys ability to fight infection blood test have to be done very regularly.
Use in Pregnancy: Category C
Category C means that either studies in animals have revealed adverse effects on the foetus (teratogenic or embryonic or other) and there are no controlled studies in women or studies in women and animals are not available. Drugs which due to their pharmacological effects have cause or may be suspected of causing harmful effects on the foetus or neonate without causing malformations. Drugs should be given only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the foetus.
Use in Breast Feeding: Category L3
Category L3 indicates that there are no controlled studies in breast feeding women, however the risk of untoward effect to a breastfed infant is possible; or, controlled studies show only a minimal non-threatening adverse effects. Drugs should be given only if potential benefits justify the potential risk to the infant. A significant concern is the theoretical risk of inducing a blood disorder in the infant and therefore breast feeding is not advised.
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