Zuclopenthixol
Tranquilizer, Sedative/Hypnotic · Thioxanthine
Indications
Psychosis, especially schizophrenia.
Dosage
ORAL: Adults: Initial: 20-30 mg/day in divided doses. Maint: 20-50 mg/day. Max: 150 mg/day. Elderly: (or debilitated) initially quarter to half adult dose. INJECTION: Adults: Acetate form: 50-150 mg (Elderly 50-100 mg) by deep IM into the gluteal muscle or lateral thigh, if necessary repeated after 2-3 days (1 additional dose may be needed 1-2 days after the 1st inj); Max cumulative dose 400 mg/course & max 4 inj; Max duration of treatment 2 wk. If maintenance treatment necessary change to oral after last injection, or to a longer acting anti-psychotic depot inj given concomitantly with last inj of Zuclopenthixol acetate. Decanoate form: By deep IM inj into gluteal muscle, test dose 100 mg, followed after at least 7 days by 200-500 mg or more, repeated at intervals of 1-4 wk, adjusted according to response, Max: 600 mg weekly; Elderly: Quarter to half usual starting dose. Children: Not…
Adverse Effects
Leucopenia, hyperprolactinaemia, acute dystonias and dyskinesias, akathisia, Parkinsonism, drowsiness, insomnia, agitation, tachycardia, arrhythmias, ECG changes, hypotension, anticholinergic effects (e.g. dry mouth, blurred vision), rash, photosensitivity, impaired temperature regulation, convulsions, male sexual dysfunction, agranulocytosis, tardive dyskinesia, jaundice, neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)
Pregnancy: Positive evidence of risk: Use only when no safer alternative exists for a serious problem. Lactation: Contraindicated or not recommended. Contraindications: Intolerance to oral neuroleptic drugs. Parkinsonism, severe arteriosclerosis, senile confusional states, advanced renal, hepatic or cardiovascular disease, apathy or withdrawal. Acute opiate, alcohol or barbiturate poisoning. Circulatory collapse, depressed level of consciousness, coma. Precautions: Renal, hepatic or cardiovascular disease, arrhythmias. Severe respiratory disease, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, glaucoma, prostatic hypertrophy, thyroid disorders, Myasthaenia gravis, pheochromocytoma, risk factors for stroke, QT prolongation or venous thromboembolism. Risk of neuroleptic malignant syndrome; discontinue treatment if occurs. Risk of blood dyscrasias; monitor blood counts if signs of persistent infection.…
Interactions
Adrenaline, alcohol, barbiturates, CNS depressants, other antipsychotics, anticholinergics, antacids, dopaminergics, lithium, antidiabetic agents, antihypertensives, anticonvulsants, drugs that prolong the QT interval (e.g. anti-arrhythmic), metoclopramide, piperazine, general anaesthetics, neuromuscular blocking agents, anticoagulants, corticosteroids, digoxin, tricyclic antidepressants, CYP2D6 inhibitors, myelosuppressive agents.
Advice to Patient
Take before or after meals. Swallow with a full glass of water. Do not stop taking medication abruptly, gradually lower the dose and then stop. Contact prescriber if there is change in weight and appetite, difficulty in sleeping, anxiousness or confusion, changes in sexual ability, breast swelling or discomfort, menstrual problems, increased saliva, fast heartbeats, shortness of breath. Apply sunscreen before going out in sun. Avoid alcohol during therapy. If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar level regularly.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset: Oral: Within hrs. IM (acetate): 2-4 hrs. IM (decanoate [Depot]): Within 3 days. Duration: Oral: 8-24 hrs. IM (acetate): 2-3 days. IM (decanoate [Depot]): 2-4 wks. Absorption: Oral: Well-absorbed. IM: Slowly absorbed from IM sites. Metabolism: Hepatic. Half-life elimination: Oral: 1 day. Time to peak, plasma: Oral: 3-6 hrs. IM (acetate): 8 hrs. IM (decanoate [Depot]): 3-7 days. Excretion: Faeces (mainly). Urine (10%).
Brands with this active ingredient
Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →
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