Clozapine

Generic Name: clozapine

Atypical Antipsychotic [EPC]Over-the-Counter (OTC)

Brand Names:

Clozapine

11 DESCRIPTION Clozapine, an atypical antipsychotic drug, is a tricyclic dibenzodiazepine derivative, 8-Chloro-11-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)-5 H -dibenzo [ b,e ] [1,4] diazepine. The structural formula is: Clozapine is available in peach tablets of 25 mg or green tablets of 50 mg, 100 mg or 200 mg for oral administration.

Overview

11 DESCRIPTION Clozapine, an atypical antipsychotic drug, is a tricyclic dibenzodiazepine derivative, 8-Chloro-11-(4-methyl-1-piperazinyl)-5 H -dibenzo [ b,e ] [1,4] diazepine. The structural formula is: Clozapine is available in peach tablets of 25 mg or green tablets of 50 mg, 100 mg or 200 mg for oral administration.

Uses

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Clozapine tablets are an atypical antipsychotic indicated for: Treatment of severely ill patients with schizophrenia who fail to respond adequately to standard antipsychotic treatment. Because of the risks of severe neutropenia and of seizure associated with its use, clozapine tablets should be used only in patients who have failed to respond adequately to standard antipsychotic treatment. ( 1.1 ) Reducing the risk of recurrent suicidal behavior in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who are judged to be at chronic risk for re-experiencing suicidal behavior.

Dosage

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Recommended starting oral dosage is 12.5 mg once daily or twice daily. ( 2.2 ) If well-tolerated, increase the total daily dosage in increments of 25 mg to 50 mg per day to achieve a target dosage of 150 mg to 225 mg twice per day by the end of two weeks ( 2.2 ). Subsequently may increase the dosage in increments up to 100 mg once or twice weekly ( 2.2 ). Maximum daily dosage is 450 mg twice daily ( 2.2 ). Administer with or without food ( 2.2 ). See the dosage modifications based on ANC results and recommended frequency of ANC testing in the full prescribing information ( 2.3 , 2.4 ).

Side Effects

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed in more detail in other sections of the labeling: Severe Neutropenia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Orthostatic Hypotension, Bradycardia, and Syncope [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Falls [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Myocarditis, Pericarditis, Cardiomyopathy, and Mitral Valve Incompetence [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Increased Mortality in Elderly Patients with Dementia-Related Psychosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Gastrointestinal Hypomotility with Severe Complications [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Eosinophilia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] QT Interval Prolongation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] Metabolic Changes (...

Interactions

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Concomitant use of Strong CYP1A2 Inhibitors: Reduce clozapine tablets dose to one-third when coadministered with strong CYP1A2 inhibitors (e.g., fluvoxamine, ciprofloxacin, enoxacin). ( 2.7 , 7.1 ) Concomitant use of Strong CYP3A4 Inducers is not recommended. ( 2.7 , 7.1 ) Discontinuation of CYP1A2 or CYP3A4 Inducers: Consider reducing clozapine tablets dose when CYP1A2 inducers (e.g., tobacco smoke) or CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., carbamazepine) are discontinued. ( 2.7 , 7.1 ) Anticholinergic drugs: Concomitant use may increase the risk for anticholinergic toxicity. ( 5.7 , 5.15 , 7.1 ) 7.1 Potential for Other Drugs to Affect Clozapine Tablets Clozapine is a substrate for many cytochrome P450 isozymes, in particular CYP1A2, CYP3A4, and CYP2D6.

Warnings

WARNING: SEVERE NEUTROPENIA; ORTHOSTATIC HYPOTENSION, BRADYCARDIA, AND SYNCOPE; SEIZURE; MYOCARDITIS, PERICARDITIS, AND CARDIOMYOPATHY; INCREASED MORTALITY IN ELDERLY PATIENTS WITH DEMENTIA-RELATED PSYCHOSIS Severe Neutropenia Clozapine tablets have caused severe neutropenia which is associated with an increased risk of serious and potentially fatal infections. Prior to initiating clozapine tablets treatment, obtain baseline ANC(s). 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Severe neutropenia: See Boxed Warning () Gastrointestinal Hypomotility with Severe Complications: Severe gastrointestinal adverse reactions have occurred with the use of clozapine tablets. If constipation is identified, close monitoring and prompt treatment is advised. ( 5.7 ) Eosinophilia: Assess for organ involvement (e.g., myocarditis, pancreatitis, hepatitis, colitis, nephritis). Discontinue if these occur. ( 5.8 ) QT Interval Prolongation: Can be fatal. Consider additional risk factors for prolonged QT interval (disorders and drugs). ( 5.9 ) Metabolic Changes: Atypical antipsychotic drugs have been associated with metabolic changes that may increase cardiovascular/cerebrovascular risk. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Clozapine tablets are contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to clozapine (e.g., photosensitivity, vasculitis, erythema multiforme, or Stevens-Johnson syndrome) or any other component of clozapine tablets [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] . Known hypersensitivity to clozapine or any other component of clozapine tablets. ( 4 )

Pregnancy

8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to atypical antipsychotics, including clozapine tablets, during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged to advise patients to register by calling the National Pregnancy Registry for Atypical Antipsychotics at 1-866-961-2388 or visiting http://womensmentalhealth.org/clinical-and-research-programs/pregnancyregistry/.

Storage

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING 16.1 How Supplied Clozapine Tablets, USP are available containing 25 mg, 100 mg or 200 mg of clozapine, USP. The 25 mg tablets are peach, round, functionally scored tablets debossed with C to the left of the score and 7 to the right of the score on one side of the tablet and M on the other side.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Clozapine used for?

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Clozapine tablets are an atypical antipsychotic indicated for: Treatment of severely ill patients with schizophrenia who fail to respond adequately to standard antipsychotic treatment. Because of the risks of severe neutropenia and of seizure associated with its use, clozapine tablets should be used only in patients who have failed to respond adequately to standard antipsychotic treatment. ( 1.1 ) Reducing the risk of recurrent suicidal behavior in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who are judged to be at chronic risk for re-experiencing suicidal behavior.

What are the side effects of Clozapine?

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed in more detail in other sections of the labeling: Severe Neutropenia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Orthostatic Hypotension, Bradycardia, and Syncope [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Falls [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Seizures [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Myocarditis, Pericarditis, Cardiomyopathy, and Mitral Valve Incompetence [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Increased Mortality in Elderly Patients with Dementia-Related Psychosis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Gastrointestinal Hypomotility with Severe Complications [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Eosinophilia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] QT Interval Prolongation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] Metabolic Changes (...

Can I take Clozapine during pregnancy?

8.1 Pregnancy Pregnancy Exposure Registry There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to atypical antipsychotics, including clozapine tablets, during pregnancy. Healthcare providers are encouraged to advise patients to register by calling the National Pregnancy Registry for Atypical Antipsychotics at 1-866-961-2388 or visiting http://womensmentalhealth.org/clinical-and-research-programs/pregnancyregistry/.

What are the important warnings for Clozapine?

WARNING: SEVERE NEUTROPENIA; ORTHOSTATIC HYPOTENSION, BRADYCARDIA, AND SYNCOPE; SEIZURE; MYOCARDITIS, PERICARDITIS, AND CARDIOMYOPATHY; INCREASED MORTALITY IN ELDERLY PATIENTS WITH DEMENTIA-RELATED PSYCHOSIS Severe Neutropenia Clozapine tablets have caused severe neutropenia which is associated with an increased risk of serious and potentially fatal infections. Prior to initiating clozapine tablets treatment, obtain baseline ANC(s). 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Severe neutropenia: See Boxed Warning () Gastrointestinal Hypomotility with Severe Complications: Severe gastrointestinal adverse reactions have occurred with the use of clozapine tablets. If constipation is identified, close monitoring and prompt treatment is advised. ( 5.7 ) Eosinophilia: Assess for organ involvement (e.g., myocarditis, pancreatitis, hepatitis, colitis, nephritis). Discontinue if these occur. ( 5.8 ) QT Interval Prolongation: Can be fatal. Consider additional risk factors for prolonged QT interval (disorders and drugs). ( 5.9 ) Metabolic Changes: Atypical antipsychotic drugs have been associated with metabolic changes that may increase cardiovascular/cerebrovascular risk. 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Clozapine tablets are contraindicated in patients with a history of hypersensitivity to clozapine (e.g., photosensitivity, vasculitis, erythema multiforme, or Stevens-Johnson syndrome) or any other component of clozapine tablets [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] . Known hypersensitivity to clozapine or any other component of clozapine tablets. ( 4 )

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Medical Disclaimer

This drug information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Drug information is sourced from the FDA National Drug Code Directory and Structured Product Labeling. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.