Clozapine Oral tablet Health Article

Generic name(s):

Clozapine Oral tablet

Brand name(s):

Clozaril, FazaClo

What is this medicine?

CLOZAPINE (KLOE za peen) is used to treat schizophrenia. This medicine is only used when others have not worked. It has a risk of serious side effects and is only available through a monitoring and dispensing system that includes special doctors, pharmacists, and laboratories. For the first few months of treatment, you will be required to have routine blood testing before your prescription can be refilled.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• being treated for cancer
• blood disease or disorder, like leukemia
• constipation, fecal impaction, or a history of an obstruction of the intestine
• dementia
• diabetes
• heart disease-kidney disease
• liver disease
• low blood counts, like low white cell, platelet, or red cell counts
• lung or breathing disease, like asthma
• Parkinson's disease
• seizures
• an unusual or allergic reaction to clozapine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. This medicine may be taken with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not suddenly stop taking this medicine. You may need to gradually reduce the dose. Only stop taking this medicine on the advice of your doctor or health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. If you miss your medicine for more than 2 days, you should not restart your medicine at the same dose. Contact your doctor for instructions.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

• cisapride
• medicines for treating cancer
• mibefradil
• olanzapine
• phenothiazines like perphenazine, thioridazine and chlorpromazine
• pimozide
• ziprasidone

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

• caffeine
• carbamazepine
• cimetidine
• ciprofloxacin
• erythromycin or clarithromycin
• lithium
• medicines for anxiety or sleeping problems, such as diazepam or temazepam
• medicines for colds, hay fever, and other allergies
• medicines for high blood pressure
• medicines for mental depression, anxiety, or other mood problems
• nicotine
• phenytoin
• rifampin or rifabutin
• some medicines used to treat irregular heartbeats

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.