Clozaril Tablets 25mg

Product Description

Product Name: Clozaril Tablets 25mg

Product Form: Tablets

Pack Size: 10's

Manufactured By: Novartis

Used For:

Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic primarily used to treat:

• Schizophrenia, particularly in patients who have not responded to other antipsychotic medications (treatment-resistant schizophrenia).
• Reduce suicidal behavior in patients with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder who are at high risk of suicide.

Clozapine works by affecting various neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly dopamine and serotonin, to help reduce symptoms of psychosis such as hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking.

Side Effects:

Common side effects may include:

• Drowsiness or sedation
• Weight gain
• Increased appetite
• Dizziness
• Constipation
• Excessive salivation or drooling
• Elevated blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
• Increased cholesterol levels

Serious side effects, though rare, can include:

• Agranulocytosis (a severe reduction in white blood cells), which can lead to life-threatening infections. This requires regular blood tests to monitor white blood cell counts, especially during the first six months of treatment.
• Seizures (clozapine lowers the seizure threshold)
• Cardiomyopathy (heart muscle disease) or myocarditis (inflammation of the heart), which can cause severe heart problems.
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), a rare but life-threatening condition characterized by fever, muscle rigidity, altered mental status, and autonomic dysfunction (e.g., fluctuating blood pressure, heart rate).
• Low blood pressure (especially when standing up)
• Severe allergic reactions, including swelling of the face, lips, or throat and trouble breathing.
• Respiratory issues, particularly aspiration pneumonia, due to sedation and drooling.

Precautions:

• Agranulocytosis: Regular blood tests are essential, particularly during the first six months of treatment, to monitor white blood cell count. If a significant decrease is detected, clozapine must be discontinued.
• Heart Health: Clozapine can cause heart issues, so it is important to monitor for signs of heart problems, such as chest pain, rapid heartbeat, or difficulty breathing. Those with a history of heart disease should use it with caution.
• Seizure Risk: Clozapine can lower the seizure threshold, so people with a history of seizures should be monitored carefully.
• Alcohol and Drug Interactions: Alcohol and other sedative medications can increase the sedative effects of clozapine, leading to dangerous side effects like respiratory depression and drowsiness.
• Liver and Kidney Function: Use with caution in patients with liver or kidney disease as these conditions can affect how the drug is metabolized.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Clozapine is generally avoided during pregnancy unless no other alternatives are effective. It can pass into breast milk, so it should be used cautiously by breastfeeding mothers.