Name: Clozapine (Clozaril)
Class: Psychopharmacological Agents (Antipsychotic) (Dibenzodiazepine Deriv.)
Mechanism: Blocks 5HT2, H1, a receptors. High D1 affinity, relatively low D2 affinity. Also acts on muscarinic and histaminic receptors.
Absorption:
Dist.:
Metabolism.:
Excretion, t½:
Toxicity/S.E.s: Sedation, seizures, antimuscarinic, activity, agranulocytosis (bone marrow toxicity). Close monitoring required (i.e., blood tests every couple of weeks). Drug interactions—w/some BZDs may cause death.
Utility: Treat schizophrenia, esp. patients w/tardive dyskinesia.
Special Features: Little, if any, tendency for extrapyramidal disorders. May even reverse them. More effective than other antipsychotics in relieving neg. symptoms of schizophrenia.