CLOZAPINE Flashcards
What is the common indication for Clozapine?
Answer: Clozapine is commonly used to treat schizophrenia in patients who have not responded to other antipsychotic medications. And psychosis in parkinson
What is the normal maintenance dose for Clozapine?
Answer: The normal maintenance dose for Clozapine ranges from 300 to 450 mg per day.
What is the drug class of Clozapine?
Answer: Clozapine belongs to the class of drugs known as atypical antipsychotics.
What are the possible optimization issues when taking Clozapine?
Answer: Possible optimization issues with Clozapine include the risk of adverse effects such as agranulocytosis, seizures, and myocarditis. Dose adjustments may also be necessary based on individual patient factors such as age, weight, and liver function.
What are the common side effects of Clozapine?
Answer: Common side effects of Clozapine include drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, weight gain, and blurred vision. It can also cause movement disorders such as muscle stiffness, tremors, and abnormal movements.
What should pharmacists lookout for when patients take Clozapine?
Answer: Pharmacists should monitor patients for signs of adverse reactions such as agranulocytosis, seizures, and myocarditis. They should also be aware of potential drug interactions and counsel patients on the importance of adhering to the dosing schedule.
MHRA advice for those on Clozapine
Varying degrees of impairment of intestinal peristalsis such intestinal obstruction, faecal impaction and paralytic ileus
Blood monitoring concentrations for toxicity in those taking clozapine should be carried out in situation such as…
A patient stops smoking or switches to e cigarette
A patient has pneumonia or other conditions
Reduced clozapine metabolism is suspected
Toxicity is suspected
UNCOMMON SIDE EFFECTS OF Clozapine
Fall
Hypersalivation associated with clozapine can be treated with?
Hyoscine hydrobromide
Extrapyramidal effects and withdrawal syndrome have been reported occasionally in the neonate when antipsychotic drugs are taken during the third trimester of pregnancy. True or false?
True
Monitoring for patient parameters taking clozapine
Leukocyte weekly for 18weeks then fort nightly for up to a year and then monthly as part of clozapine patient monitoring
What parameters should be frequently monitored in patients on clozapine every 3months and then for a year?
Blood lipids and weight
Fasting blood glucose for those on clozapine should be checked every…
4-6months and then yearly
On planned withdrawal of clozapine, what should be done to prevent risk of psychosis rebound?
Reduce dose over 1-2weeks
