Welcome to visit Kidney Fern！
Englishen
Kidney Fern
Englishen
Current location：front page >> healthy

What is clozapine?

2026-01-01 11:11:31 healthy

What is clozapine?

Clozapine is an atypical antipsychotic drug mainly used to treat refractory schizophrenia and reduce the risk of suicide in patients with schizophrenia. Due to its unique pharmacological mechanism and potential serious side effects, clozapine requires strict monitoring in clinical use. The following is a detailed introduction to clozapine, including its mechanism of action, indications, side effects and precautions for use.

1. Basic information about clozapine

What is clozapine?

Drug nameClozapine
drug classatypical antipsychotics
IndicationsTreatment-resistant schizophrenia, reducing suicide risk
Dosage formTablets, oral suspension
Common brandsClozaril, Fazaclo, etc.

2. Mechanism of action of clozapine

Clozapine works by modulating dopamine and serotonin receptors in the brain. Unlike other antipsychotics, clozapine affects dopamine D4Receptors and serotonin 2A (5-HT2A) receptor has high affinity, which may be one of the reasons for its remarkable effect in treating refractory schizophrenia.

targetDopamine D4Receptor, 5-HT2Areceptor, alpha1adrenergic receptors etc.
Pharmacological effectsRegulate neurotransmitter balance and improve mental symptoms

3. Indications of clozapine

Clozapine is mainly used in the following situations:

  • treatment-resistant schizophrenia: Patients who are refractory to other antipsychotics.
  • Reduce suicide risk: Studies show that clozapine significantly reduces suicidal behavior in patients with schizophrenia.

4. Side effects of clozapine

Although clozapine is effective, it has many side effects, some of which may be life-threatening. The following are common side effects:

Common side effectsDrowsiness, weight gain, salivation, constipation, dizziness
serious side effectsAgranulocytosis (requires regular blood tests), myocarditis, epileptic seizures

5. Precautions when using clozapine

Due to the potential risks of clozapine, the following principles should be followed when using it:

  • regular blood monitoring: Check neutrophil count weekly or monthly to prevent agranulocytosis.
  • Adjust dose slowly: Avoid serious side effects caused by rapid dosage increase.
  • Avoid combined medications:Certain drugs (such as carbamazepine) may increase clozapine toxicity.

6. Comparison between clozapine and other antipsychotic drugs

medicineIndicationsMain side effects
clozapinetreatment-resistant schizophreniaAgranulocytosis, weight gain
RisperidoneSchizophrenia, bipolar disorderExtrapyramidal reaction, hyperprolactinemia
OlanzapineSchizophrenia, manic episodeWeight gain, metabolic abnormalities

7. Summary

Clozapine is a potent atypical antipsychotic that is particularly useful in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia. However, serious side effects, such as agranulocytosis, require patients to undergo strict medical monitoring while taking the drug. Doctors usually decide whether to use clozapine after weighing the benefits against the risks and closely follow the patient's response.

If you or a family member is taking clozapine, be sure to follow your doctor's instructions and have regular check-ups to ensure you are taking the medication safely.

Next article
  • Who is suitable for taking vitamin E?

    check the details
    Who is suitable for taking vitamin E?
    Who is suitable for taking vitamin E?Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that has various physiological functions such as antioxidant, protecting cell membranes, and delaying aging. In recent years, with the increase in health awareness, vitamin E supplementation has become a hot topic. So, who is suitable for supplementing vitamin E? This article will give you a detailed analysis based on the hot topics and hot conte
    2026-01-28 healthy
  • What is a tuberculosis mass?

    check the details
    What is a tuberculosis mass?
    What is a tuberculosis mass?Tuberculous masses are a form of tuberculosis, usually caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, and can occur in multiple parts of the body, such as the lungs, lymph nodes, bones, etc. The formation of tuberculosis masses is closely related to the body's immune response and is a pathological manifestation of the chronic inflammation process of tuberculosis. This article will introdu
    2026-01-26 healthy
  • What does azithromycin mean?

    check the details
    What does azithromycin mean?
    What does azithromycin mean?Recently, the discussion about "azithromycin once a day" has become a hot topic in the medical and health field. Many netizens have questions about the "sudden administration" of medication, especially since azithromycin is a commonly used antibiotic, and its usage and dosage are directly related to the therapeutic effect and safety. This article will combine the hot topics and hot content
    2026-01-23 healthy
  • What does astragalus conflict with?

    check the details
    What does astragalus conflict with?
    What does Astragalus conflict with? Revealing the compatibility taboos of traditional Chinese medicine and popular health topicsRecently, the topic of traditional Chinese medicine health care has once again become the focus of heated discussions on the Internet, especially the issue of the incompatibility of traditional Chinese medicines has attracted much attention. As a good medicine for replenishing qi, what foods
    2026-01-21 healthy
Latest articles
Recommended articles
Reading rankings
Friendly links
Dividing line