Saveril Tablets 25Mg (1 Strip = 10 Tablets)

Requires Prescription (YES/NO)

Yes

Generics

Clozapine

Used For

Schizophrenia

How it works

Clozapine has been shown to be an antipsychotic agent that is different from classic antipsychotics. In pharmacological experiments, the compound does not induce catalepsy or inhibit apomorphine- or amphetamine-induced stereotyped behaviour. It has only weak dopamine-receptor-blocking activity at D1, D2, D3 and D5 receptors, but shows high potency for the D4 receptor. Clozaril has potent anti-alpha-adrenergic, anticholinergic, antihistaminic, and arousal-reaction-inhibiting effects. It has also been shown to possess antiserotoninergic properties.

Dosage

Clozapine

Side Effects

Severe constipation , Fast heart beat , signs of a cold, fever, flu-like symptoms, sore throat or any other infection , seizures , sudden fainting or sudden loss of consciousness with muscle weakness (syncope) , signs of a respiratory tract infection or pneumonia such as fever, coughing, difficulty breathing, wheezing , severe, burning, upper abdominal pain, extending to the back accompanied by nausea and vomiting due to inflammation of the pancreas , fainting and muscle weakness due to a significant drop in blood pressure (Circulatory collapse) , difficulty in swallowing (which may cause inhalation of food) , nausea (feeling sick), vomiting (being sick) and/or loss of appetite , interruption in breathing with or without snoring during sleep , signs of becoming obese or increasing obesity

Drug Interactions

Carbamazepine , chloramphenicol, sulphonamides , pyrazolone analgesics such as phenylbutazone , lithium, fluvoxamine, tricyclic antidepressants, MAO inhibitors, citalopram, paroxetine, fluoxetine, and sertraline , perazine , warfarin , digoxin , omeprazole or cimetidine , erythromycin and rifampicin , atropine , adrenaline

Indication

Treatment-resistant schizophrenia ; it is indicated in adult patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia, i.e. patients with schizophrenia who are non-responsive to or intolerant of classic antipsychotics.

When not to Use

Do not take if you : Are allergic (hypersensitive) to clozapine or any of the other ingredients ; Are not able to have regular blood tests ; Have ever been told you have a low white blood cell count (e.g. leucopenia or agranulocytosis), especially if this was caused by medicines. This does not apply if you have had low white blood cell count caused by previous chemotherapy ; had to stop using this medicine previously because of severe side effects (e.g. agranulocytosis or heart problems).

Precaution

Prior to treatment initiation, physicians must ensure, to the best of their knowledge, that the patient has not previously experienced an adverse haematological reaction to clozapine that necessitated its discontinuation. Prescriptions should not be issued for periods longer than the interval between two blood counts .

Warning 1

Clozapine can cause agranulocytosis. The incidence of agranulocytosis and the fatality rate in those developing agranulocytosis have decreased markedly since the institution of white blood cell (WBC) counts and absolute neutrophil count (ANC) monitoring. The following precautionary measures are therefore mandatory and should be carried out in accordance with official recommendations.

Warning 2

Patients with a history of primary bone marrow disorders may be treated only if the benefit outweighs the risk. They should be carefully reviewed by a haematologist prior to starting Clozapine.

Warning 3

Patients who have low WBC counts because of benign ethnic neutropenia should be given special consideration and may only be started on Clozapine with the agreement of a haematologist.

Pregnancy category

Always consult your physician before using any medicine.

Storage (YES/NO)

Store this medicine at room temperature, away from direct light and heat.