Clopixol Acuphase

Zuclopenthixol is indicated for the management of the manifestations of schizophrenia. This is intended for the initial treatment of acute psychotic episodes or exacerbation of psychosis associated with schizophrenia.

Zuclopenthixol, a thioxanthene derivative, has high affinity for both dopamine D1 receptors and dopamine D2 receptors. Zuclopenthixol also has high affinity for α1 -adrenergic and 5 HT2 receptors. It has weaker histamine H1 receptor blocking activity, and even lower affinity for muscarinic cholinergic and α2 -adrenergic receptors.

Drugs that may interact with Zuclopenthixol include:

• tricyclic antidepressant medicines
• guanethidine and similar medicines (used to lower the blood pressure)
• barbiturates and similar medicines
• levodopa and similar medicines (used to treat Parkinson’s disease)
• metoclopramide (used in the treatment of gastro-intestinal disorders)
• other antipsychotic medicines (e.g. thioridazine)
• medicines that change the heartbeat (e.g. quinidine, amiodarone, sotalol, erythromycine, moxifloxacin, lithium)

Common side effects are Racing heart (tachycardia), a sensation of a rapid, forceful, or irregular beating of the heart (palpitations) Tremor, twisting or repetitive movements or abnormal postures due to sustained muscle contractions (dystonia), increased muscle stiffness (hypertonia).

The safe use of zuclopenthixol during pregnancy has not been established. Zuclopenthixol is excreted in human milk. The safe use of zuclopenthixol during lactation has not been established.

Caution should be taken if-

• you have used zuclopenthixol or any other treatment for schizophrenia before and if you had any problems
• you are taking any other prescription or non-prescription medicines
• you are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, or if you are breast-feeding
• you regularly drink a lot of alcohol
• you have any liver problems, Parkinson’s disease or have ever had seizures
• you have dementia
• you have glaucoma
• you have any kidney problems
• you have risk factors for stroke (e.g. smoking, high blood pressure).
• you have hypokalemia or hypomagnesia (too little potassium or magnesium in your blood)
• you have a history of cardiovascular disorders
• you or someone in your family has a history of blood clots
• you are being treated for cancer (applies to zuclopenthixol Depot only)
• you use any other antipsychotic medicine

The safety and efficacy of zuclopenthixol in children under the age of 18 years have not been established, therefore its use is not recommended.

Phenothiazine related drugs

Symptoms of overdose may include: somnolence, coma, unusual movements, convulsions, shock, high or low body temperature

Should be stored between 15°C and 25°C. Protect from light.