Clozaril® Generic Name: Clozapine KLOE-za-peen Drug Class: Antipsychotics*

Contents Description General Information Proper Use Missed Dose Storage Side Effects Warnings/Precautions Overdose Drug Interactions Pregnancy/Nursing More Information

Description

This medicine is used to treat schizophrenia. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine for other conditions as well. Top of page

General Information

This information is for educational purposes only. Not every known side effect, adverse effect, or drug interaction is in this database. If you have questions about your medicines, talk to your healthcare provider.  Top of page

Proper use of this medicine

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. Continue to take this medicine even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. This medicine must be taken regularly to be effective. Top of page

Missed Dose

Take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double doses. Top of page

Storage

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Top of page

Possible Side Effects

Talk to your doctor if any of these side effects are bothersome or don’t go away: drowsiness dry mouth diarrhea constipation restlessness headache If you experience any of these side effects, talk to you doctor immediately: tremor seizures difficulty urinating confustion eye pain chest pain muscle stiffness (severe) sore throat unusual bleeding or bruising upset stomach yellowness of the s Clozapine can cause high blood sugar. Symptoms of high blood sugar are: being thirsty having dry mouth urinating frequently feeling tired Top of page

Warnings/Precautions

Clozapine may cause low blood pressure or dizzines. Tell your doctor if you are allergic to clozapine. Clozapine can cause a serious blood condition that is known as agranulocytosis. Your doctor or pharmacist can give you more information on this. Clozapine may cause seizures. Tell your doctor if have a history of seizures. Top of page

Overdose

Seek medical attention immediately. U.S. residents can call the national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Top of page

Drug Interactions

Let your doctor, nurse of pharmacist know about all the medications that you are taking, either by prescription or over-the-counter, including herbal supplements. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medications: amantadine (Symmetrel) barbiturates bromocriptine (Parlodel) carbamazapine (Tegretol) cimetidine (Tagamet Tagamet HB) erythromycin fluconazole (Diflucan) cortisone-like drugs (prednisone; hydrocortisone) itraconazole (Sporanox) ketoconazole (Nizoral) levodopa (Sinemet) lorazepam (Ativan) medications for high blood pressure pergolide (Permax) phenytoin (Dilantin) pramipexole (Mirapex) rifampin (Rifadin) selegiline (Eldepryl) thioridazine (Mellaril) vitamins. Top of page

Pregnancy/Nursing

If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. It is NOT known if this medicine is excreted in breast milk. It is recommended that you DO NOT breastfeed while taking this medicine unless your doctor or pediatrician has told you to. Top of page

More Information

For more information about this medicine, talk to your healthcare provider. Top of page

Copyright © 2006 PharmClips, Inc. All rights reserved. www.pharmclips.com

This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects. This is general information and should not in any event be construed as specific instructions for individual patients. The publisher does not accept any responsibility for the accuracy of the information or the consequences arising from the application, use, or misuse of any of the information contained herein, including any injury and/or damage to any person or property as a matter of product liability, negligence, or otherwise. No warranty, expressed or implied, is made in regard to the contents of this material. The reader is advised to check with their health care provider before making any changes in their drug regimen.

Last reviewed:

  On 8 Aug 2006

  By John M. Grohol, Psy.D.