Clozapine (Clozapine)
Overview of Clozapine
Clozapine is antipsychotic drug. Clozapine is used to treat symptoms of Schizophrenia that are not treated by other drugs. It has been associated with bone marrow depression and is used only if hematological monirtoring is arranged.
Indication of Clozapine
Clozapine is primarily indicated in conditions like Bipolar disorders, Pituitary diabetes insipidus, Schizophrenia, Schizophrenia and other psychoses, Tremor, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Extrapyramidal disorders, Refractory psychoses.
Contraindication of Clozapine
Clozapine is contraindicated in conditions like Cardiac failure,Renal failure,Coma,Hepatic failure,CNS depression,Myeloproliferative disorders,Hypersensitivity,Uncontrolled epilepsy.
Side Effects of Clozapine
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Clozapine, which give rise to further complications include Bronchospasm, Orthostatic hypotension, Eosinophilia, Seizures, Neuroleptic malignant syndrome, Toxic delirium.,Clozapine produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Agranulocytosis. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Clozapine therapy.,The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Clozapine include Hypotension, Cardiac arrhythmias, Convulsions, Coma, Respiratory depression, Hallucinations, Collapse, Delirium, Respiratory depression, Mydriasis, Lethargy, Extrapyramidal effects, Cardiac failure.,The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Clozapine are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Dizziness, Vertigo, Headache, Drowsiness, Fatigue, Constipation, Dry mouth, Blurred vision, Sedation, Syncope, Influenza like syndrome, Hypersalivation, Agitation, Xerostomia.
Precautions of Clozapine
Clozapine should be used with caution in patients with history of glaucoma, seizure disorders, enlarged prostate or blood disorder, blood vessel disease, kidney or liver disease and in cardiovascular disorders because clozapine is likely to induce tachycardia and/ orthostatic hypotension, Such patients should be treated with low initial dose, followed by a more gradual dosage titration and they should be warned of the possible side effects. Do not allow anyone else to take this medication. It should be used with extreme caution during pregnancy. Avoid clozapine during lactation.