Indications
Clopixol (Zuclopenthixol) is an antipsychotic medication used for the treatment of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other psychotic disorders. It is the cis-isomer of zuclopenthixol, which is another antipsychotic medication. It belongs to a class of antipsychotic medications known as thioxanthenes. It works by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain, which helps to reduce the severity of psychotic symptoms.
Clopixol is structurally similar to other antipsychotic medications, such as haloperidol and chlorpromazine, but is believed to have a lower risk of causing movement disorders, such as tardive dyskinesia.
Use and Dosage
Clopixol tablet should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The dosage and duration of treatment will depend on your medical condition and response to the medication. The tablet should be swallowed whole with a glass of water, and it can be taken with or without food.
The recommended dosage of Clopixol tablet varies depending on the patient's condition and needs and must be adjusted individually by a doctor. Daily doses of Clopixol tablets range from 4 mg to 150 mg, with the usual dose of 10 to 50 mg per day.
Take the tablet regularly and do not stop taking it without first consulting your doctor, even if you feel well. Suddenly stopping medication can cause withdrawal symptoms.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Clopixol (Zclopenthixol):
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Dyspepsia
- Headaches
- Inability to sleep
- Itching
- Nasal congestion
- Nausea
- Nervousness
- Skin rash
- Sleepiness
- Vomiting
- Weight
Serious Side Effects of Clopixol (Zclopenthixol):
- Abnormal dreams
- Abnormal sensations, such as burning or prickling
- Agitation
- Anxiousness
- Appetite changes
- Bleeding or bruising more easily than normal, nosebleeds
- Blurred vision or difficulty focusing
- Breast enlargement in men
- Change in your menstrual periods
- Changes in attention and memory
- Depressed mood
- Difficult or painful breathing
- Difficulty passing urine
- Dizziness or spinning sensation
- Fainting
- Fatigue
- Feeling dizzy when standing up
- Feeling generally unwell
- Frequent infections such as fever, severe chills, sore throat, or mouth ulcers
- High pressure in the eye
- Impaired sexual function
- Increased salivation or increased sweating
- Increased urination or other urinary disorder
- Irregular heartbeat and changes in heart rate and blood pressure
- Painful or weak muscles
- Swelling of hands, ankles, or feet
- Unusual secretion of breast milk
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Serious allergic reaction (symptoms of an allergic reaction may include swelling of the face, lips, mouth, or throat which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing, or hives)
- Sudden increase in body temperature, unusual stiffness of the muscles and changes in consciousness, especially in conjunction with fast heart rate and sweating.
Forms and Strength
Clopixol (Zclopenthixol) is available in the following forms and strength:
Clopixol: Tablet
- 2 mg
Cautions
- Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS): Clopixol can cause NMS, a rare but potentially fatal condition that can occur with the use of any antipsychotic medication. Symptoms include high fever, muscle rigidity, and altered mental status, among others.
- Tardive Dyskinesia (TD): Long-term use of Zuclopenthixol can cause TD, a potentially irreversible movement disorder characterized by repetitive, involuntary movements of the face, tongue, and limbs.
- Cardiovascular Effects: Clopixol can cause changes in heart rate and blood pressure, which can be particularly dangerous in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular disease.
- Seizures: Zuclopenthixol can lower the seizure threshold, increasing the risk of seizures in susceptible individuals.
- Blood Disorders: Clopixol can cause blood disorders such as agranulocytosis, which can be life-threatening.
- Renal and Hepatic Impairment: Patients with renal or hepatic impairment should use caution when taking Clopixol, as the medication can be cleared from the body more slowly, increasing the risk of adverse effects.
- Respiratory Depression: Zuclopenthixol can cause respiratory depression, which can be particularly dangerous in patients with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
- Hypersensitivity Reactions: Some patients may experience hypersensitivity reactions to Zuclopenthixol, such as skin rash, fever, or anaphylaxis.
- Drug Interactions: Clopixol can interact with other medications, including antidepressants and anticholinergic drugs, potentially causing adverse effects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can Clopixol be abused or cause addiction?
Clopixol is not considered to be addictive and is not typically abused, but it can cause physical dependence if taken for a long period of time.
How long does it take for Clopixol to work?
Clopixol can take several weeks to start working effectively, and its full benefits may take several months.
How long does Clopixol stay in your system?
Clopixol has a half-life of about 24 hours, meaning it typically takes one to two days for the medication to be fully eliminated from your system.
Resources
- https://www.news-medical.net/drugs/Clopixol.aspx
- https://www.medscape.co.uk/drug/zuclopenthixol-acetate-39997-39997
- https://patient.info/medicine/zuclopenthixol-clopixol
- https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/consumers/cmi/c/clopixol.pdf
- https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/drugs-and-treatments/antipsychotics-a-z/zuclopenthixol/
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