MedDataToolClozaril is a medication used to treat severe cases of schizophrenia, especially in patients who haven't responded well to other treatments, and it can also help reduce the risk of suicidal behavior in those with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder. It works by affecting certain brain chemicals that help improve mood and thought processes. You take it as a tablet, starting with a dose of 12.5 mg once or twice daily, which can be increased to a maximum of 450 mg twice daily based on your doctor's guidance. It's important to know that Clozaril can cause a serious drop in white blood cell count, so regular blood tests are necessary to monitor this. Additionally, if you're taking strong medications that affect liver enzymes, like fluvoxamine, your doctor may need to adjust your Clozaril dose to avoid increased side effects.
✦
Uses
- Treatment of treatment-resistant schizophrenia.
- Reducing risk of suicidal behavior in schizophrenia.
- Reducing risk of suicidal behavior in schizoaffective disorder.
◷
Dosage
Start with 12.5 mg once or twice daily.
Increase to 150–225 mg twice daily over two weeks.
Maximum dose is 450 mg twice daily.
Can be taken with or without food.
Always follow your doctor's specific instructions for your dose.
⚠
Side effects
Common
sedationdizzinessheadachetremorconstipationnausea
Serious
severe neutropeniaseizuresmyocarditiscardiomyopathyincreased mortality in elderly
🛑
Warnings
⚠ Important warnings
- Risk of severe neutropenia; monitor blood counts.
- Risk of orthostatic hypotension, bradycardia, and syncope.
- Seizures may occur; use caution if history of seizures.
- Risk of myocarditis and cardiomyopathy; discontinue if symptoms occur.
- Not approved for elderly patients with dementia-related psychosis.
⇄
Drug interactions
- Fluvoxaminereduce CLOZARIL dose to one-thirdCaution
- CYP2D6 inhibitorsmay increase CLOZARIL levelsCaution
- CYP3A4 inducersmay decrease CLOZARIL effectivenessCaution
- Anticholinergic drugsincrease risk of toxicity.Caution
Ask about this drug
Answers pulled from the FDA label only.
Medical Disclaimer: This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before taking any medication.
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Data Source: Publicly available drug labeling information from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).